The name of the Trident carrying submarine and the date it completed the 350th patrol have not been revealed as Royal Navy Submariners mark a major milestone.
Recently, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, together with Representatives of the North Atlantic Council and members of NATO’s Military Committee, visited Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde at Faslane to mark the United Kingdom’s 350th nuclear submarine patrol.
“I welcome the UK’s strong contribution to NATO, from its commitment to defence investment to its operational deployments.” Mr Stoltenberg said.
Rear Admiral John Weale OBE, Head of the UK Submarine Service said:
“Our nuclear submarines are among the most complex machines ever built and ensuring that one is at sea continuously is a huge challenge. That the Royal Navy has completed 350 deterrent patrols without once breaking the chain is simply a momentous achievement.
Everyone knows that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Whether it is the dedication of our submariners, the expertise of our engineers and support staff, or the love of our families– each link remained strong throughout. I would like to thank the many thousands of people, past and present, who have contributed to this milestone. It is a testament to their hard work and commitment in helping to keep the UK safe.”
The Royal Navy say that continuous Trident armed submarine patrolling began in April 1969 with the Royal Navy’s submarines taking primary responsibility for the UK’s national strategic deterrent. Since then at least one Royal Navy ballistic submarine has been on patrol in the world’s oceans, ensuring a continuous at sea deterrent. Today the four Vanguard class submarines uphold the mission and between them have never missed a single day on patrol with Trident say the Royal Navy in a press release.
The MoD Said:
“The UK Government is investing £1.3 Billion over the next 10 years to update and upgrade its engineering and training facilities in preparation for the new Dreadnought class of submarines.
The design and construction of the Dreadnought class of four ballistic missile submarines is one of the largest and most complex programmes that the MOD and UK industry has undertaken.”
If your going to have CASD then you need a minimum of 4 submarines.
and nuclear warheads on our tomahawks?
It’s a hell of an accomplishment. Delighted that Dreadnought program is fully underway.
Our only genuine strategic deterrent and long may it continue.
Agree. But the Troll will be circling soon I’m sure.
could in an emergency the resolution(polaris boats be reavtivated( i’ve no doubt that the missiles out of date obviously) but i’ve no doubt that the missiles are in deep storage
arrrrrrrrrr but i’d be happy to see surveying of the mothballed swiftsures in devonport and rosyth
and the retired trafalgars my brother was on torbay which a s just been removed from service i’s no secret that the boat was still good enough for a longer service life.
“The Royal Navy say that continuous Trident armed submarine patrolling began in April 1969 …”
I had no idea the R.N.’s Trident first went to sea in 1969.
Yes that comment is incorrect,the Resolution class Submarines were armed with the Polaris Missile.
It’s a pity that our compressor technology has not been chosen for the new Dreadnought class. Oh well German technology instead, so much for investing in British technology and workforce.
Least we served Trident and will continue to do so until they are replaced.
what is vanguard status? one at sea, one in refit. whats the other one doing? is there a standby boat? a spare crew?