An American Virginia class nuclear submarine has visited HMNB Clyde at Faslane, near Glasgow.
The US Navy say that port visits “strengthen cooperation between the United States and United Kingdom”, and “demonstrate US capability, flexibility, and continuing commitment to NATO allies.”
The below image was captured by SheilaLWeir, a maritime photographer based in the area. You can find her on Twitter here.
🇺🇸USN Virginia-class submarine outbound from Faslane today #virginiaclass #submarine @USNavy #submariners #navy @RoyalNavy @NavyLookout #military #Clyde @HMNBClyde pic.twitter.com/GZZ3vl6yLc
— Sheila Weir (@SheilaLWeir) January 14, 2022
If you don’t follow @SheilLWeird, I really recommend that you do for more photos like these.
The Virginia class is a class of nuclear-powered cruise missile-carrying fast-attack submarines. Designed by the General Dynamics Electric Boat and the Huntington Ingalls Industries, the Virginia class submarines are the US Navy’s primary undersea warfare platform incorporating stealth, intelligence gathering and comprehensive weapons systems technology.
The submarine is now berthed at HMNB Clyde. The base is sited at Faslane in the west of Scotland not far from Glasgow, one of Britain’s largest cities.
It’s one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom for the Royal Navy, the others being HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth. It is best known as the home of Britain’s nuclear weapons, in the form of nuclear submarines armed with Trident missiles.
What is going on? Their must be some serious convos going on at Faslane between the Allied SSN commanders.
Always have dropped by.
Used to be very secret. Neightbours round that way kept an eye on each other,
submarine spotting wasn’t a socially acceptable pastime in the Cold War era.
It is just with social media and George’s site that we hear about it now.
Used too have to run the Gaunlet passed the peace protesters and their bloody stinking too high heaven camp during 80ts their probably now all SNP mps SB
Slightly off-topic but I notice TWO RAF Beach Shadow aircraft (RRR7401and RRR7402) currently flying, in trail, across France, in a south east direction. Bound for Cyprus perhaps? Then on to other areas? Hmmm…
Providing 24hr coverage for Northwood no doubt.
Did you observe their destination?
I think the pic is of her heading out as opposed to heading in?
The snap of Virginia calls is going out yes, seem Vanguard class has just gone in as per @SheilLWeird‘s next twitter pic.
The Virginia class seemed to be rusted and have a few acoustic panels missing.
Busy port, seems like a night club: 1 out – 1 in, and you are not coming in if your name is not on the list 🙂
Where do you see rust ? What you see could be the effects of angle and light in the photo
Hi folks hope all is well.
Great to see, good cooperation with our closest allie. No doubt more activity going on in the north sea keeping an eye on the under sea cables and internet infrastructure. Another issue to factor if matters get hot in Ukraine, the Russkies may get upset and cross and cut the cables.
As a side issue, would the US subs be welcome if Scotland was independent?
Cheers
George
Ooooh…Risky, invoking the “Scottish” independence issue. I have a feeling the thrust of the of the thread may veer south somewhat.
I think supportive has it, more nosy Parker’s with smartphones out there. Couldn’t do another D-day now!
AA
Scotland should become a neutral country after independence, get rid off faslane and be more like Switzerland . But with them wanting to join Europe then European ministers might insist we keep it as an extra defensive position for europe
Oh u had to do it. I would say most definitely yes. Scotland and America have a lot in common just like the rest of the uk.
Actually I can see why it’s appealing to some with the constant shambles that goes on in the west minister crowd. If the Scottish parliament behaved the same way it would most likely help the union lol
It is good that the cooperation between this country and the U S A to support and monitor Rasputins submarines snooping around..Not only this to offer facilities to the U S N for its needs who probably reciprocate if truth known
At this point not forgetting other Nato countries who support with monitoring.