HMS President (shore establishment)

HMS President (shore establishment) is a Stone frigate of the Royal Navy and the primary headquarters for the Royal Naval Reserve in the London area. Established in 1988, it serves as an administrative and training centre for reservists and is also the home to several other naval and tri-service units. The establishment is located at St Katharine Docks in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, near the Tower of London.

History

The establishment was commissioned in 1988, taking its name from the previous HMS ''President'', a ''Flower''-class sloop launched in 1918 that was permanently moored on the River Thames as a drill ship for the Royal Naval Reserve. This tradition of a London-based naval reserve unit dates back to the formation of the London Division, RNVR in 1903. The shore establishment was created to provide modern facilities, consolidating the reserve's presence in the capital after the old ship was sold. Its creation coincided with wider reforms under the Strategic Defence Review that modernised the Reserve forces of the United Kingdom. The unit has been involved in supporting major national events, including providing personnel for security during the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London.

Function and organisation

As the central London headquarters for the Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President's primary function is to recruit, train and administer naval reservists. Personnel undergo training in essential naval skills, including damage control, sea survival, and military leadership, often alongside regular forces at establishments like HMS Raleigh and HMS Collingwood. The unit supports the wider Royal Navy by providing trained individuals for deployments worldwide, including operations in the Persian Gulf and off the coast of Somalia. The command structure is headed by a Captain (Retired), supported by a team of Royal Marines and Royal Navy officers and senior ratings. It also hosts the London University Royal Naval Unit, which provides military experience to students from universities across the capital.

Location and facilities

The establishment is situated within the historic St Katharine Docks, a marina complex in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets adjacent to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The main building provides office accommodation, classrooms, a drill hall, and modern training simulators. Being a shore-based facility, it does not have seagoing vessels permanently assigned, but reservists frequently train on ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other vessels from nearby HMNB Portsmouth. Its central London location facilitates strong links with the City of London, the Ministry of Defence headquarters at Whitehall, and other institutions like Lloyd's of London.

Affiliated units

In addition to the Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President hosts several other affiliated units. These include the Maritime Reserves headquarters, which oversees all Royal Marines Reserve and Royal Naval Reserve units across the United Kingdom. The London University Royal Naval Unit is also based here, alongside a detachment of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Careers Service. The establishment provides a home for the Sea Cadet Corps affiliated unit TS President and supports the Royal British Legion. It maintains a close relationship with the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, one of the Livery Companies of the City of London.

Traditions and insignia

The establishment inherits the traditions, battle honours, and insignia of its predecessor ships named HMS President. Its official badge features a St. Edward's Crown above a Tudor rose, reflecting its London heritage. The ship's bell from the previous drill ship is retained and used in ceremonies. The unit participates in major ceremonial events in the capital, such as the Lord Mayor's Show and Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph. Personnel wear the cap tally inscribed with "H.M.S. PRESIDENT" and the unit is affiliated with the HMS Belfast, a museum ship moored on the River Thames.

Category:Royal Navy shore establishments Category:Military units and formations in London Category:Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets