Naval Service
Introduction
The Naval Service is based on Haulbowline Island. It has an authorised maximum strength of 1,144 personnel and comprises a flotilla of eight ships. The key characteristics of the Naval Service flotilla are those of a rapid reaction, flexible and multi-capable force able to sustain the maximum number of patrol days within the constraints of the resources available.
The fleet comprises one helicopter patrol vessel, five offshore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. Each vessel is equipped with state of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.
The Naval Service is the State's principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. Defence roles include defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets and contributing to a blockade if required. The Naval Service must also be capable of supporting Army operations by sea lift and close naval support.
Underpinned by the authority of international law, Naval Service vessels carry with them unique characteristics as an expression of State sovereignty and political will at sea. The Naval Service conveys a signal of State commitment in the sea areas over which the State exercises sovereignty, has sovereign rights and in the sea areas beyond, where the State has an interest.
The Naval Service Vision
The Naval Service will be seen and acknowledged nationally and internationally as a:
- Flexible
- Impartial
- Multi-skilled
- Well trained
- Highly motivated
- A Professional maritime service that is responsive to:
- national needs,
- its legal obligations
- the requirements of all its customers