Naval Base
Port facility for the support, maintenance, repair, and refit of naval vessels.
The naval base is not a tactical unit. It has no battle forces of its own, and does not exert control even over local system defense boats (which are under a separate command).
The naval base is responsible for supporting the fleet and keeping it in optimum condition for its combat missions.
A naval base has several distinct parts to it; each part helps in the accomplishment of the overall mission of the base.
The typical naval base is composed of:
- An administrative headquarters
- A maintenance section
- An orbital berthing area
- A surface berthing area
Administrative Headquarters
The administrative headquarters handles the day-to-day operations of the base, as well as its paperwork (including the allocation of funds, distribution of personnel, and disbursement of maintenance and repair contracts).
Maintenance Areas
Maintenance sections at naval bases vary from base to base. Where such a section would be redundant to the local starport shipyard, it is small, and repairs or alterations are carried out under contract to the local facility. Where adequate facilities do not exist, the naval base itself may have a large maintenance section capable of extensive repairs and refits. Maintenance is performed on the ships on the world surface or in orbit as necessary.
Orbital Berthing Areas
Orbital berthing areas provide locations for larger vesels to lay over, whether for a day or for months.
All berthing areas include provisions for refueling from storage tanks or fuel lighters.
Surface Berthing Areas
Surface Berthing areas provide locations for smaller vessels to lay over, whether for a day or for months.
Planetary surface facilities are generally provided for vessels of 1,000 tons or less; orbital facilities handle larger ships.