Portsmouth Naval Base has been an integral part of the city since 1194. It is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships, including the flagship aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales, the formidable Type 45 destroyers, Type 23 frigates and mine countermeasures and fishery protection squadrons. The base is a major employer and provides lodging facilities to RN personnel serving at the base and in Portsmouth-based ships.
There are many ships all over the country that, although not based in Portsmouth, come under the Portsmouth Flotilla, these are; The Archer Class ships - First Patrol Squadron; HMS Cutlass & HMS Dagger based in Gibraltar; Fishery Protection Ships (HMS Tyne, Mersey and Severn).