HMS King Alfred

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HMS King Alfred

This is the official page for HMS King Alfred, a Reserve unit of the Royal Navy.

HMS King Alfred is a Royal Naval Reserve Training Unit for the Southern region of the UK. Drawing in reservists from many of the bordering counties of Hampshire, as far West as Dorset, across to Sussex and southern Kent and even attracting Naval reservists who live and work in London but who wish to return to conduct their training on the South coast at the historic, home of the Royal Navy. Locate

d in the historic Semaphore Tower within HM Naval Base Portsmouth, HMS King Alfred is in the heart of the Royal Navy, neighbouring the berths of HMS Warrior and the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. HMS King Alfred's personnel can also enjoy access to the outstanding sailing in the Solent, watersports and other sporting facilities available nearby at HMS Excellent, at the City Centre's Combined Service facilities in Temeraire, HMS Collingwood and any military adventurous training opportunities across the entire country and locations abroad. HMS King Alfred is fortunate to have the Royal Navy's Command Headquarters at close proximity - helping us to keep a clear focus on future plans for the Royal Navy and Maritime Reserves.

14/08/2026

🤝 MEET OUR PEOPLE 👥

Today we're introducing Chief Petty Officer Smith, an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) serving both the NHS and the Royal Naval Reserve.

Earlier this year, CPO Smith mobilised on Exercise Harespring alongside the Royal Marines Reserve, undertaking Cold Weather Warfare training. The course equips personnel with the skills needed to operate effectively in extreme cold environments, including training in telemark skiing. Through this exercise, he gained qualifications that will enable him to deploy with the Commando Forward Surgical Group (CFSG) on future operations.

Outside of work, CPO Smith is passionate about mountaineering and spending time in the great outdoors. Inspired by a Royal Navy Winter Mountaineering Expedition, he has completed several HM Armed Forces mountaineering qualifications. For CPO Smith, mountaineering is about more than enjoying spectacular views; it is an opportunity to embrace challenging terrain, build resilience under pressure, and develop qualities that help make him a stronger sailor, leader, and healthcare professional.

🔗If you’d like more information on RNR careers, click here : https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-navy-reserves

24/07/2026

⚓ Earlier this week, HMS King Alfred had the pleasure of welcoming the Rt Hon Dame Penny Mordaunt.

🌊 Dame Penny has enjoyed a distinguished political career, serving in nine ministerial roles, including as Defence Secretary in 2019. She also has strong ties to the Royal Navy , having previously served as an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve before later being awarded the honorary rank of Captain.

🚢 Following a tour of her former unit, our Ship's Company joined Dame Penny for a fireside chat, where she shared insights into her career in Parliament, leadership, and public service. It was an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, and a fantastic opportunity for our personnel to hear first-hand about her experiences.

21/07/2026

⚓ Members across HMS King Alfred recently returned from an eye-opening 4-day Battlefield Study trip through France and Belgium. 🇫🇷 🇧🇪

The team covered incredible ground to maximize their historical learning. Highlights included:
📍 Day 1: Visiting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Beaurains and renewing a cap tally at the Royal Naval Division memorial at Gavrelle.
📍 Day 2: Exploring the Lange Max site in Belgium (the world's biggest gun of its time) and the cruiser HMS VINDICTIVE.
📍 Day 3: Participating in the Menin Gate Remembrance Ceremony, the team laid two wreaths and stood proud as the senior military unit. Bravo Zulu to our own Medics, CPO Lockyer and CPO Smith! During the Menin Gate ceremony, they quickly sprang into action to treat an unwell member of the public and prepared the scene for emergency services.
📍 Day 4: A final stop at Essex Farm—where John McCrae wrote "In Flanders Fields"—before heading back to the UK.

📖 Battlefield Studies offer our Armed Forces vital opportunities to connect with military history and honor those who served before us.

Royal Naval Reserve

15/07/2026

👏 Bravo Zulu! ⚓

🎉 Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating the achievements of some of our Ship's Company. From exam success to medals, it was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our personnel at every stage of their Royal Navy careers. 🎖️

Congratulations to:

🎖️ Lt Cdr Ping – awarded her 3rd and 4th clasps to the VRSM, along with the rosette.

📚 Mid Young – successfully passed his Fleet Board, achieving one of the highest scores we've seen.

🎖️ CPO Casey – awarded the VRSM and the LSGC clasp.

📜 CPO Pugh – presented with a Gold Valedictory Certificate.

Congratulations to you all on these well-deserved achievements! 👏⚓

Royal Naval Reserve Royal Navy

09/07/2026

🚢 All aboard! ⚓

Earlier this week, our WO & SR Mess had the privilege of hosting their Annual Mess Dinner aboard HMS Victory.

The evening began with a private tour of the iconic 18th-century warship, which is currently undergoing extensive restoration, before guests enjoyed dinner in the WO & SR Mess located aft of the ship. 🍽️

🔍 Did you know? Although HMS Victory has been in dry dock since 1922, she remains a commissioned Royal Navy warship, serving as the First Sea Lord's flagship. She also has her own Commanding Officer and Ship's Company, who look after her in alongside Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Royal Naval Reserve

06/07/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Did you spot us at Pride in London this weekend? ⚓

Our very own Sub-Lieutenant Oli proudly marched through the City of London as part of the Pride in London Parade with the Royal Navy's LGBTQ+ Network, celebrating the diversity, inclusion and sense of belonging that make our people stronger.

The Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network supports serving personnel and veterans alike, helping to foster an environment where everyone can be themselves, thrive, and perform at their very best.

We're proud to stand alongside our LGBTQ+ community and celebrate the values that makes us a stronger, more inclusive force.

Royal Naval Reserve

24/06/2026

Today we celebrate Reserves Day, recognising the commitment, professionalism, and dedication of our Royal Navy Reservists.

At HMS King Alfred, our Ships Company balance civilian careers, family life, and military service, stepping forward to deliver capability whenever it’s needed. From supporting operations, training, or wider Defence tasks, they are an essential part of the Royal Navy.

Thank you to all our Reservists past and present.

Royal Naval Reserve Royal Navy South East RFCA HMS King Alfred

18/06/2026

A proud moment for HMS King Alfred as Commander Maritime Reserves presented long service awards to two of our own.

👏 LH Azopardi - awarded her VRSM Clasp and Rosette
👏 Lt Gibson – awarded his VRSM

The VRSM recognises 10 years of service in the Royal Naval Reserve and a marks a further 5 years of commitment.

These milestones don’t come quickly. They represent years of balancing service alongside civilian life, and continued dedication to the Royal Navy

Very well deserved ⚓️🎉⚓️

South East RFCA

27/05/2026

🔥 Hot weather. Strong team. Big impact.

Nearly 20 HMS King Alfred personnel came together for a Southsea Parkrun takeover this Bank Holiday and what a turnout it was.

Whether guiding runners round the course, keeping the finish funnel flowing, or taking on the 5K challenge themselves, the team showed exactly what it means to support the community while pushing personal limits.

Proud to be visible. Proud to deliver. ⚓

Royal Naval Reserve South East RFCA

14/05/2026

⚓ Change of Command at HMS King Alfred⚓

HMS KING ALFRED has marked a proud and formal milestone with the Supersession of Command from Commander Sarah Royston to Commander Nathan Ditton held during a Ceremonial Evening attended by the Ship’s Company.

Cdr Ditton assumes command of the Unit where his Royal Navy Reserve career began in 1998 as a Junior Rate, making this handover particularly significant. Speaking on his appointment, he reflected on the honour of returning to lead the very unit that enabled his progression to Commission and Command.

Cdr Royston paid tribute to the people of HMS KING ALFRED, recognising the professionalism, resilience, and commitment shown day in, day out often alongside demanding civilian lives. She leaves the Unit with confidence in its future and pride in what has been achieved together.

We thank Cdr Royston for her outstanding leadership and service, and we wish Cdr Ditton every success as he takes the Helm. 🫡
⚓️⚓️⚓️

Royal Naval Reserve South East RFCA Royal Navy

Address

Semaphore Tower, HMNB Portsmouth
Portsmouth
PO13LT

Website

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/kingalfred

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