HMS Victory is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, and is still manned by officers and ratings of the royal navy. She is now the flagship of second sea lord and commander in chief naval home command. She lies in No 2 dry dock at Portsmouth naval base. Thomas Slade designed victory, the senior surveyor of the navy. She was launched on 7^th May 1765 but not commissioned until 1778. This long period of non-service meant that the hull timbers were toughened, which is probably the main reason why she has survived so long. Once commissioned she became the most successful first-rate ship ever built. Her excellent sailing qualities made her a very popular choice for use by admirals as their flagship. Admiral's Keppel, Kemperfelt, Howe and Javis all used her prior to admiral lord nelson when he was commander in chief of the Mediterranean fleet. Even after the battle of Trafalgar she continued her active career and was involved in two Baltic campaigns under Admiral Samarez.

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