Devonport welcomes over 10,000 as base opens to public

More than 10,000 visitors passed through the gates of HMNB Devonport in late July, as the Royal Navy’s largest operational base hosted its first public open days in over ten years.

The two-day event, held in collaboration with Babcock International, offered a rare opportunity to explore the naval base that sits at the heart of operations in the southwest.

The first day was reserved for service personnel and civilian staff families, while the second welcomed the general public. Across both days, seven locations within the base were opened to showcase different facets of life and work at Devonport.

Frigate HMS Portland and patrol boat HMS Smiter were among the highlights, with both ships open to tours and their crews on hand to explain their roles and answer questions.

“It’s really important to let our families and the public see where we work and what we do,” said Lieutenant Sam Charlesworth, commanding officer of HMS Smiter. “Open days like this are a great opportunity for us all.”

Visitors also had the chance to view emerging autonomous systems being developed and deployed from the base, underlining the growing importance of cutting-edge technology in naval operations.

Naval Base Commander Brigadier Mike Tanner RM said the event was about opening up a world that is usually closed off from public view. “It is tremendously important for the public to get a glimpse into the Naval Base and see what goes on behind the walls and barbed wire,” he said.

The open days marked the most significant public outreach at Devonport since the end of the Navy Days tradition, reconnecting the base with its local community and offering a close-up view of modern naval capability, tradition, and innovation.