Portsmouth Naval Base, known as HMS Nelson, includes several attached but independent organisations such as the Naval Historical Branch, Royal Marines School of Music and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Naval Base staff work closely with BVT Surface Fleet in a unique public/private partnering agreement and together they meet the fleet's needs in functions such as fleet maintenance, logistics, communications, base support and personnel. The shared approach is embraced under the banner of Team Portsmouth - a one-team approach to the way business is conducted.

A massive scheme is to start in the future to enhance Portsmouth Naval Base over the next ten years. The plan, likely to cost approximatley £60 million, includes the dredging of a deeper channel to Portsmouth, dredging of the main channel inside the harbour, and refurbishment of several of the base's jetties. This will ease access and support for the new aircraft carriers due to enter service in 2014, that will replace the existing Invincible Class Aircraft Carriers, as well as the new Type 45 destroyers currently being built.

The area is of environmental importance for many reasons, including nature conservation, fisheries and archaeological sites, and is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment.

The heritage area welcomes almost half a million visitors each year, who come to Portsmouth to see HMS Victory, and the other attractions including the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Royal Naval Museum. HMS Victory is the flagship of the Royal Navy and the oldest ship in commission in any navy. She was famously Admiral Nelson's Flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar and was launched in May 1765.