Royal Navy submariners have returned home to their families following another successful patrol protecting the UK and our allies through Britain's nuclear deterrent.
Royal Navy submariners have returned home to their families following another successful patrol protecting the UK and our allies through Britain’s nuclear deterrent.
The Defence Secretary and First Secretary of State welcomed the crew back to HM Naval Base Clyde, paying tribute to their professionalism, dedication, and the sacrifices made by them and their families to help keep Britain safe.
The mission, known as Operation Relentless, ensures at least one nuclear-powered and armed ballistic missile submarine is at sea at all times, deterring our adversaries and protecting the UK and our NATO allies. As one submarine returns home, another is already at sea continuing this vital patrol.
In the Defence Investment Plan, the government committed £63 billion over the next four years in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – defence’s number one priority. This includes a multi-decade, multi-billion-pound infrastructure programme to transform HM Naval Base Clyde. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is a National Endeavour, supporting over 47,000 highly skilled jobs, supported by a supply chain of more than 6,000 UK-based companies.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said:
For 57 years, these tours have been a cornerstone of our national defence. This successful mission once again kept us all safe and secure.
Royal Navy submarines patrol the world’s oceans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, protecting both the UK and NATO. For the crew it means months at sea, away from their families and the luxuries of home, and round-the-clock vigilance. It takes extraordinary commitment, bravery, resilience and expertise. It is a truly remarkable sacrifice.
It was an honour to welcome this crew back after their extraordinary tour and to thank them for their service.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said:
The UK’s nuclear submarines are the ultimate National Endeavour and the cornerstone of our national security. Every minute of every day, it deters our adversaries and keeps our country safe.
None of that would be possible without these extraordinary submariners, whose dedicated, heroic service is the model of patriotism. It was the greatest honour to welcome them home and to meet their families, whose own incredible sacrifice is fundamental to our national security.
We are steadfast in our commitment to the nuclear deterrent. That is why we’ve committed over £63 billion over the next four years to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, creating and sustaining good, high-skilled jobs and protecting the whole of the UK for decades to come.
Aboard the 15,000-tonne submarine, the Defence Secretary and First Secretary of State personally thanked around 140 Navy submariners. They also received an operational briefing and toured the vessel, which carries the UK’s Trident nuclear missiles.
As submariners continue their decades long mission at sea, the Government is investing for the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. This includes around £47 billion for submarines, maintenance and infrastructure, alongside investment in the sovereign warhead programme and the skills needed to sustain the deterrent for generations to come.
Major investment in the bases under Project Royal Oak and shipyards is at the heart of Britain’s submarine enterprise, from Clyde to Barrow and Devonport, strengthening national security while supporting highly skilled jobs and British industry.
The details of submarine patrols and its locations are a closely guarded secret. Even with this secrecy, deep beneath the waves, the crew carry out their mission with the highest degree of professionalism.
Remaining undetected is fundamental to the credibility of the deterrent. Vanguard Class submarines are designed to operate unseen, ensuring an adversary cannot know where they are and reinforcing the certainty that any attack on the UK or our NATO allies would be met with an overwhelming response.
The homecoming of this submarine is part of the UK’s more than 57-year commitment to have a deterrent submarine on patrol on every minute of every day, all backed by a supply chain of more than 6,000 UK-based companies.