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HMS Excellent is home to the Naval Headquarters and front-line training units. Based on Whale Island in Portsmouth Harbour, it successfully blends heritage and history with a modern and progressive outlook. HMS Excellent is a unique shore establishment which has its roots in more 100 years of naval history.
It is home to the modern Navy Command Headquarters in Leach Building, plus training sites that prepare personnel for life at sea or deployed operations, such as the Defence Diving School, HMS Bristol and the Phoenix Damage Repair Instructional Unit.
Simon Gale is of ancient Manx stock, educated at Castle Rushen High School in the Isle of Man, he joined the Royal Navy in 1983.
Early appointments were as an OOW in HMS DANAE and as Navigator of HMS DUMBARTON CASTLE before qualifying as a Principal Warfare Officer and Underwater Warfare (UWW) specialist.
Find out more about the history of HMS Excellent up to it's current home at Whale Island.
Learn more about the training vessel based in Portsmouth Harbour.
Find out more about this essential training for every sailor.
Learn more about the DRIU.
Find out what it takes to complete the DRIU training.
Find out more about the assessment to become a military diver.
The harbour at Portsmouth is one of the busiest in the United Kingdom, with around 130,000 significant movements annually.
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Mine hunter ships, frigates, destroyers and assault ships, among others, form the backbone of our naval prowess.
A vital element of the Royal Navy's role is keeping the peace, preventing conflict and containing situations before they develop.
The UK has a responsibility to its citizens and its allies to endeavour to safeguard the high seas. This is why the Royal Navy protects home and international waters.
By forging international partnerships with friendly nations, we're better able to protect the UK's interests, both at home and abroad. Find out more here.
