The Royal Norwegian Navy (Norwegian: Sjøforsvaret or informally "Marinen", often abbreviated as RNoN) is the branch of the Norwegian Armed Forces responsible for naval operations. As of 2008, the RNoN consists of approximately 3,700 personnel (9,450 if mobilized, and 32,000 if fully mobilized) and 70 vessels, including 5 heavy frigates, 6 submarines, 14 patrol boats, 4 minesweepers, 4 minehunters, 1 mine detection vessel, 4 support vessels and 2 training vessels. The navy also includes the Coast Guard.
The Royal Norwegian Navy has a history dating back to 955. From 1509 to 1814, it formed part of the Royal Dano-Norwegian Navy, also referred to as the Common Fleet, which was largely funded by the Kingdom of Norway and manned by Norwegians. Since 1814, the Royal Norwegian Navy has again existed as a separate navy.
In Norwegian, the Royal Norwegian Navy vessels are given the ship prefix "KNM", short for Kongelig Norske Marine (Royal Norwegian Navy). In English, they are given the prefix "HNoMS", short for "His/Her Norwegian Majesty's Ship". Coast Guard vessels are given the prefix "KV" for KystVakt (Coast Guard) in Norwegian and "NoCGV" for Norwegian Coast Guard Vessel in English.
Read more about Royal Norwegian Navy: History, Bases, Organization, Coast Guard Units and Vessels, Navy Vessels (future), Insignia
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