HMS Sultan and Gosport Borough Council have marked the beginning of Armed Forces Week.
A flag-raising ceremony took place on June 23, celebrating the vital contributions made by the UK Armed Forces to both national security and global stability.
The event saw attendance from key figures including the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, Captain Mark Hamilton, Surgeon Captain Richard Heames, and the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Kirsten Bradley.
Captain Hamilton said: "Armed Forces Week gives us the chance to recognise the commitment of all our service personnel who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to maintain our national security.
HMS Sultan hosts flag-raising as tribute to national service (Image: Barry Swainsbury) "From deployments overseas to supporting operations at home, the Armed Forces community continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication in challenging and complex environments."
Councillor Kirsten Bradley emphasised Gosport's strong military links, saying: "Gosport has the highest percentage of veterans among its population of any local authority in England and Wales at 12.5 per cent.
"Our deep-rooted relationship with the Armed Forces community demonstrates how integral they are not just to national defence, but to local communities across the UK."
HMS Sultan, approaching its 70th year as a hub of naval engineering excellence, highlights how the Armed Forces contribute beyond defence through skill development, innovation, and community engagement.
HMS Sultan spotlights military heritage as week of events begins (Image: Barry Swainsbury) Similarly, the 1969-founded Institute of Naval Medicine provides comprehensive training, guidance, and support, rendering crucial services to active operations.
Local veterans also attended the ceremony, highlighting the lasting value of skills and experience gained from military service.
The presence of these veterans forged a strong connection between past and present service.
The week ahead is set to be filled with various events throughout Gosport and the nation, celebrating Armed Forces Week.
These will conclude with Armed Forces Day on June 28.
As part of these celebrations, HMS Collingwood in Fareham will host its annual Open Day.
HMS Sultan's Field Gun Crew will compete in the prestigious Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Brickwoods Trophy Field Gun Competition.
Visitors to the HMS Collingwood Open Day will also have the opportunity to see HMS Sultan's historic Super Sentinel Steam Waggon, built in 1930.
This will offer rides throughout the day, supporting the training of young engineers in steam principles.
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