Fleet Dreadnought HMS Victory Commissioned Into Royal Navy

Addressing members of the Royal Family, the Admiralty, and other military chiefs, and joined by over twenty thousand guests and dignitaries, King George IX today commissioned the UK’s new Fleet Dreadnought, HMS Victory, into the Royal Navy.

As the White Ensign was hoisted, Admiral Sir James Stafford spoke of the ship’s historic name, and honored its predecessors. The ceremony was held in the warship’s starboard hangar, soon to house Supermarine Wildfires and other aerospace craft.

Now an active Royal Navy ship, Victory will begin shakedown and training operations in British space as aviation assets are integrated. Trials will include armament testing, VTOL certification and in-space replenishment drills.

Our Analysis: “Fleet Dreadnoughts” are the largest warships ever put into service and seen as a key indicator of great power status. Each must be sustained by a vast logistical and industrial base, with millions needed to support their construction, upkeep, and operations.