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. Located 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.

⚓ Today marks the day in 1805 that the Royal Navy defeated the French and Spanish Navies at the Battle of Trafalgar!A wi...
21/10/2026

⚓ Today marks the day in 1805 that the Royal Navy defeated the French and Spanish Navies at the Battle of Trafalgar!

A widely celebrated day across the Senior Service, this legendary victory would go on to inspire the Royal Navy for centuries to come.

"England expects that every man will do his duty." 🇬🇧

On this day in 1805, the Royal Navy defeated the combined forces of France and Spain at Trafalgar.

The tactical brilliance, professionalism, technology and training which underpinned Adm Lord Nelson’s stunning victory have driven and shaped the Navy ever since.

Exercise Campbell Hardy prepares the Royal Marines Reserve for operations 💪🏻Using Commando Force's latest weapons, tacti...
19/10/2026

Exercise Campbell Hardy prepares the Royal Marines Reserve for operations 💪🏻

Using Commando Force's latest weapons, tactics and equipment, the RMR conducted the exercise which maintains personnel's operational readiness.

Members of the Royal Naval Reserve General Warfare branch were utilised to assist in their training serials. ⚓

To read more about it, click the link below 👇🏻

Royal Marines Reservists have strengthened their operational readiness during a two-week tactical exercise in Wales, testing their skills under simulated battlefield conditions.

Bravo Zulu to our trio who absolutely smashed the Great South Run today! 🏃💨Maintaining that "fit to fight" readiness is ...
18/10/2026

Bravo Zulu to our trio who absolutely smashed the Great South Run today! 🏃💨

Maintaining that "fit to fight" readiness is part of who we are—and what better way to prove it than tackling 10 miles of a premier road race right here on our doorstep? ⚓️

A massive shout-out to our First Lieutenant, who took on the vital role of pacing the GSR's Purple Wave! 🌊⏱️ Thank you for guiding so many runners across the finish line.

Feeling inspired? Dust off your trainers—we hope to see you on the start line with us next year! 🏅



Royal Naval Reserve
South East RFCA
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

HMS King Alfred were privileged to present Mrs Veronica Hubbard with the following on her 105th birthday:⚓ A letter from...
17/10/2026

HMS King Alfred were privileged to present Mrs Veronica Hubbard with the following on her 105th birthday:

⚓ A letter from the First Sea Lord

🎖️Defence Medal

🎖️War Medal

Mrs Hubbard’s life is a testament to the resilience, fortitude, and enduring spirit of a truly remarkable generation. During the Second World War, she answered the call to duty and served with distinction in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) as a Teleprinter Operator.

Her vital wartime journey included:

🇬🇧 Training at HMS PEMBROKE and HMS VICTORY

🌍 Posting to HMS CORMORANT in Gibraltar, where she handled highly sensitive, critical communications

📡 Continuing her vital work back in the UK at HMS FLOWERDOWN

Many happy returns to Mrs Hubbard! We hope her stories continue to inspire the next generation!

Royal Navy
Royal Naval Reserve
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
South East RFCA

👏🏻 BZ to all who passed out at HMS Raleigh last week!⚓ Our very own AB Hunt passed out, alongside his fellow Reservists ...
15/10/2026

👏🏻 BZ to all who passed out at HMS Raleigh last week!

⚓ Our very own AB Hunt passed out, alongside his fellow Reservists who participated in this parade. We welcome him back to HMS King Alfred, as he begins his journey with his designated branch! 🎊

As the inaugural National Cadets Week comes to a close, we want to celebrate our Commanding Officer, Commander Ditton, w...
11/10/2026

As the inaugural National Cadets Week comes to a close, we want to celebrate our Commanding Officer, Commander Ditton, whose civilian role is Head of Safeguarding Army Cadets.

Drawing on a professional background in Social Work, Cdr Ditton champions the Cadet Forces as a constructive, supportive environment for the UK's youth—whether or not they intend to pursue a full-time military career. 🎖️

Many of our own Reservists started their journeys in the cadets, spanning everything from the Air Training Corps to the Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps. These early experiences inspired them to seek out adventure, lead teams, and build vital skills for life.

If you have a background in the cadets and want to challenge yourself further, explore our current opportunities within the Royal Naval Reserve at the link below 👇🏻
🔗 https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-navy-reserves

⚓Train Hard, Fight Easy 💪🏻This weekend, our Ships Company sharpened their skills across multiple disciplines including w...
04/10/2026

⚓Train Hard, Fight Easy 💪🏻

This weekend, our Ships Company sharpened their skills across multiple disciplines including weapons handling, first aid and ceremonial drill training.

Our personnel must always be ready to deploy at short notice. Training weekends ensure they remain current and able to step up when required.

Think this could be you? Click the link to find out more about joining 👇🏻
🔗 https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-navy-reserves

South East RFCA
Royal Naval Reserve
Royal Navy

A warm welcome to Lt Cdr Harrison, as she assumes the role of Executive Officer of HMS King Alfred.⚓Joining the Royal Na...
28/09/2026

A warm welcome to Lt Cdr Harrison, as she assumes the role of Executive Officer of HMS King Alfred.

⚓Joining the Royal Navy in 1990, Harrison served on front-line Sea Harrier squadrons, deploying on operations worldwide. After reaching the rank of CPO in 2004, she continued to progress her career and became the first female SUY (AV) specialist to commission through Britannia Royal Naval College in 2008.

✈️Following her Commission, Lt Cdr Harrison has most notably been appointed as the Aircraft Control Room Officer on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and was Executive Officer of the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations.

🛡️Now in the Royal Naval Reserve, her civilian role is Head of Quality at a leading Defence firm.

We look forward to a bright future with Lt Cdr Harrison in the XO seat!



South East RFCA
HMS Pegasus

🤝MEET OUR PEOPLE 👥Introducing AB Tarver, a General Warfare Seamanship Specialist, also known as a “Sea Spec”.In her civi...
14/09/2026

🤝MEET OUR PEOPLE 👥

Introducing AB Tarver, a General Warfare Seamanship Specialist, also known as a “Sea Spec”.

In her civilian career, AB Tarver works as a Senior Human Factors Specialist, enhancing operational safety in Air Traffic Control. Her role ranges from delivering coaching programmes to conducting safety investigations.

As a reservist, no two days are the same. She is qualified to operate a Pacific 24 RHIB, serve as a Quarter Master and deploy as part of Ship Force Protection Teams.

Most recently she spent 3 weeks in Cyprus on Exercise BLUE PHEONIX, developing her skills in marksmanship, working with pyrotechnics and taking part in ship compartment clearing exercises.

AB Tarver has also embraced the challenge of Telemark skiing after discovering the sport during a grassroots trip to Austria. Since then, she has competed at both Navy and Tri-Service competitions, receiving coaching from ex-GB coaches and achieving an impressive 3rd place overall in the female category. 🥇

Whether it's enhancing aviation safety, protecting ships at sea, or competing in elite military sport, AB Tarver demonstrates the variety of opportunities available through the Royal Naval Reserve.

Think you could do the same? To find out more about joining the Royal Naval Reserve , click the link below 👇

🔗 https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-navy-reserves

Royal Navy
Royal Navy Winter Sports - RNWSA

🤝 MEET OUR PEOPLE 👥Today we're introducing Chief Petty Officer Smith, an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) serving...
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

Address

Semaphore Tower, HMNB Portsmouth
Portsmouth
PO13LT

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