On 6 May 2009, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence confirmed that all three naval bases, at Devonport, Portsmouth and on the Clyde, have strong futures and will continue to play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy. Devonport will retain and enhance its position as the centre of excellence for surface ship and submarine deep maintenance (upkeep) activity. In addition, it will undertake Fleet Time Engineering support for base-ported ships and for visiting sea training vessels.