Royal Navy Facts

Question 1

Ships?

Answer 1

66 ships RN:
-19 Major surface combatants, (Type 45, 23 Lizzie, Phillip)
-10 subs (trafalgar, astute, vanguard)
-7 mine countermeasure vessels (Hunt)
-26 patrol vessels (e.g. river class)
-2 survey vessels
-1 icebreaker
-1 historical warship (HMS Victory)

Question 2

When was it formed

Answer 2

1546 King Henry VII, Formed 1660 as it is known today by King Charles II who inherited 154 ships renamed from Navy Royal, oldest UK’s modern armed forces.

Question 3

Aircraft

Answer 3

-Fixed wing aicraft F35B (STOVL), RAF Marham and Aircraft Carriers.
-MK2 Merlin 820 + 814 NAS (AEW + ASW) and MK4 Merlin 815 816 CHF @ RNAS Culdrose.
-Wildcat: Maritime attack helictopter. RNAS Yeovilton. Sting Ray Torpedos / Sea Venom missiles / 12.7mm machine gun.

Question 4

RNAS

Answer 4

-Yeovilton (HMS Heron) Wildcat Maritime Force / Merlin Mk4 Commando Helicopter force
-RNAS Culdrose (RNAS Seahawk) Maritime Merlin Operations mk2 / Royal Naval School of flight deck operations.
-Merryfield: satellite airfield and reserve landing site.

Question 5

Main operating bases

Answer 5

-HMNB Portsmouth (Aircraft carriers, Type 45 Destroyers)
-HMNB Devonport (Type 23 frigate)
-HMNB Clyde (Submarine Service, Vanguard, Astute).

Question 6

Aircraft carriers?

Answer 6

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales @ HMNB Portsmouth. Usually 40 aircraft: F35-Bs + any helicopter used by the UK Armed Forces.

Question 7

Submarines?

Answer 7

10 Submarines: 4 Vanguard class nuclear deterrent Trident missile and 5 Astute Class attack based at HMNB Clyde. 1 Trafalgar class hunt enemy nuclear subs HMNB Devonport.

Question 8

Fleet Air Arm?

Answer 8

1914 Royal Naval Air Service, 1924 Naval Branch RAF, 1937 as part of Naval service.

Question 9

Role?

Answer 9

-Safeguard trade routes 50% fuel and food imported. (Operation Kipion Gulf, since 1980):
-Prevent conflict ready to act project air power worldwide. Considered a blue water Navy.
-International partnerships cement relationship with allies in NATO
-Carry Nuclear deterrent Trident Vanguard 24/7 365
-Provide humanitarian aid.
-Maintain a readiness to fight.

Question 10

Role Fleet Air Arm

Answer 10

Deliver air power to maintain the UK’s influence over sea air and land. Offers a unique advantage with floating platforms opening up the freedom and agility to operate anywhere in the world. Deploy troops, protect vessels, provide aid.

Question 11

Who is in charge?

Answer 11

Admiral Sir Ben Key

Question 12

Difference between ratings and officers?

Answer 12

Ratings: Typically school leavers looking to develop their skills. Specialists in their subject areas focussing on a specific task in which they are highly trained.

Officers: Managers and Leaders of the RN, excelled at A Level or graduated from University. Not prepared for every eventuality rely on advice from senior ratings however they ultimately make the decisions.

Question 13

5 Fighting Arms?

Answer 13

-Fleet Air Arm
-Royal Marines
-Submarine Service
-RN Surface Fleet
-RN Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Question 14

Terms of service, benefits etc…

Answer 14

-6 weeks paid holiday
-Free dental and healthcare
-0% interest house loan
-12 year Initial commission stage. Extends to age 40 with promotion.