The USS California, an American Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, recently left HMNB Clyde near Glasgow after a routine logistics stop. We’ve got some drone footage…

The submarine was 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.

The vessel arrived at Faslane on the 5th of October and left on th 11th of October.

The US Navy previously said that port visits like this “strengthen cooperation between the United States and United Kingdom”, and “demonstrate US capability, flexibility, and continuing commitment to NATO allies.”

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.

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.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Harry Nelson
Harry Nelson
1 year ago

Quite surprised drone flying is allowed in the vicinity??

George Allison
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Harry Nelson

If you consider two miles away “in the vicinity”…

Harry Nelson
Harry Nelson
1 year ago
Reply to  George Allison

Thought there’s be an exclusion zone? 2 miles won’t take that long (no idea speed of your drone)?

George Allison
George Allison
1 year ago
Reply to  Harry Nelson

There’s no exclusion zone.

Chris
Chris
1 year ago
Reply to  George Allison

Yes there is a large drone exclusion zone around Faslane and Coulport, it’s restricted airspace.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Harry Nelson

I presume the SSN is somewhere else on the Clyde outbound, in which case there is no exclusion zone I’m aware of.

There is a restricted zone further north around RNAD Coulport.

taffybadger
taffybadger
1 year ago

west of HMNS Clyde

Last edited 1 year ago by taffybadger
Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  taffybadger

I know. I was going on the assumption the SSN as photographed was further south on the Clyde towards the sea, which is why I said Coulport was north.

HMNB Faslane is on the Gare Loch and Coulport over the hill to its west.

I’m well aware of where Coulport, Strone Camp, Clach Mackenny, Garelochhead OFD, Glen Mallen, Glen Douglas, and all the other sites there are.👍

Chris
Chris
1 year ago

Both Faslane and Coulport are restricted airspace

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Chris

Yes, George showed as such in an article here some years ago. The circle it showed centred on Coulport, with Faslane on its eastern edge.
Which is why I said “There is a restricted zone further north around RNAD Coulport” it covers both sites.

It may not cover where this photo was possibly taken? Do we know for sure where this photo was taken? I’d assumed south of Gare Loch.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago

For example, having just looked at GE, if this photo of said SSN was around Rhu or Rosneath, I recall that is already some way south of the restricted zone yet still on the Clyde.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  George Allison

Morning George.

Ok thanks.
Did not know that name but clear once looking at GE, west of Greenock, and even further south.
I’d read once the KGB used to own homes in Kilcreggan on the opposite side to call subs in and out, don’t know the truth of that.

Chris
Chris
1 year ago

Yeah. Probably taken further south

Stephen McEwan
Stephen McEwan
1 year ago
Reply to  George Allison

Why would you or anyone publicly put this information out in front of the world especially when we the world 🌎 are in a state of possible nuclear war why why

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago

Sadly, for the UK it looks more and more likely Scotland will get its independence as the political pressure grows and the UK Government makes crucial economic mistakes. This does nothing for warming the Scottish people to remain. Thus the thorny issue of nuclear subs and shipbuilding raises its ugly head once more. There is no chance of either moving to English soil within ten years and at what cost if it does?

Mark Franks
Mark Franks
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

With Cranky pulling the levers it won’t be long before the SNP implode. She is making promises just like Truss that she can’t keep.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark Franks

Sturgeon is the last person who wants a referendum. She is the most able politician in the UK (not a complement) and she is playing a game between making her base think she is doing something about a referendum well not having a referendum. Everyone on here squawking about it just plays in to her game. The issue in here is too many are really English nationalists that want Scotland gone but don’t want to admit it, they drape themselves in the Union Jack when want they really want is a small George cross. Very few people in Scotland want… Read more »

Mark franks
Mark franks
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Let’s see what happens in the Supreme Court.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark franks

Yeah let’s see but everyone lawyer told her she won’t get anything so I will be surprised.

Next year she will hold an opinion poll on holding a referendum.

Geoffi
Geoffi
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark franks

Even if the SNP were to win in the Supreme Court they have already admitted the referendum has no teeth and is only a moral victory.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

So the SNP is the fault of the ‘English’ ?

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Never once said that. I said there are a lot of English nationalist that drape themselves in the Union Jack. That’s nothing like saying the SNP are the fault of the English.

farouk
farouk
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Jim wrote: “”The issue in here is too many are really English nationalists that want Scotland gone but don’t want to admit it, they drape themselves in the Union Jack when want they really want is a small George cross.”” I think you will find there are very few English nationalists, a lot less than Irish, Scottish and Welsh ones and thats taking into account the huge disparity in populations. Most people who identify as English , primarily do so at Footie , Rugby and Cricket. (Point to note, most English fans will support the home countries when they play… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by farouk
Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

Bravo as always. As someone who campaigned for Brexit and has been labelled both a “nationalist” “racist” and “fascist” for it I met not one person who was and English nationalist, they were proudly British and like myself described themselves as such. I mention the B word because it is always linked with “nationalism” Just look at Andy Burnham and that Labour minister who complained about St Georges flags. I certainly hope none of those are incoming in the next Labour government. I worked with a Welsh lad, ex British army musician, who followed the Rugby with a passion and… Read more »

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

Yet in the polling I shared shows half of Tory voters want English independence. Given the size of England relative to other parts of the country that probably means their are more people in favour of English independence than all those combined wanting Scottish, welsh or Irish.

Marius
Marius
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Polling, the old bogeyman! Polling is your yardstick? Polling?🙄

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Marius

I’ll have you know in a recent poll 41% of people thought polling was important, 68% thought it wasn’t and 11% expressed no opinion. 😁

Gavin Gordon
Gavin Gordon
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Well, the 2020 article did meander somewhat, Jim e.g. it spoke of Conservative voters at one point and half the supporters of the Conservative Party at another. I don’t have access to the poll, but these entities are not necessarily the same. I and many others have voted Conservative, regularly but not exclusively, because I’m conservative; but no way would I ever be party to joining the Party (Whole difference discussion). Whatever, Tory voters are roughly 50% of the electorate at any set time, being generous. Which means a minority hold the independence view, unless otherwise proven. Same as you… Read more »

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

U are correct with that assessment. Between my Scottish friends the independence talk never comes up. For some reason any English or non scottish people think it is some big issue and it’s not.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

Much the same experience I have, no one in Scotland is talking about it outside of the press but every English friend I have it’s the first thing out of their mouths. Not surprising really extremist media right and left just want easy click bate and division. Everything from COVID to global warming is becoming much the same. Most people are under the impression the world will come to end next year some time from 1 tactical nuke, 1 degree of atmospheric warming or 1% on interest rates. I am sure Scotland may eventually have another referendum but I think… Read more »

Cj
Cj
1 year ago
Reply to  Monkey spanker

Hi folks, only time I hear about Scottish independence is the snp bumping there gums or on this site where it really gets heated at times,maybe if people stop going on about it all the time my head wouldn’t be thumping listening to the same shit all the time 👍

Crabfat
Crabfat
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

…compliment… (Sorry!)

Gavin Gordon
Gavin Gordon
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Sorry, don’t recognise the evidence for the sweeping statement in your second paragraph, Jim. Particularly stating the view is based upon people NOT admitting something whilst draped in the Union Flag – ? Since I’m always banging the democratic drum, I’d have to accept any majority Scottish wish to separate, though with Sadness (capital S). If anything, I’d think most are trying to come to terms with the constant SNP drumbeat in the belief that, if it is hammered home decade after decade, it’s going to occur sometime. On that premise, I think your last sentence in the first paragraph… Read more »

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark Franks

Oh she’s way way worse. She’s Scotlands Eva Peron. The Scottish executive’s finances are heading for the economic cliff edge and their only hope is to blame HMG. Sadly for all concerned it may work.

Mark franks
Mark franks
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

What made me laugh was her attitude to paying g her fair share of the UKs debt.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark franks

Yeah my fave is her hurling abuse at Truss then whining to everyone who’d listen about being blanked by her. Don’t worry though she’s either going to be slashing spending or hiking taxes in the next few months. That’s going to be hilarious. 😂😂

Chrislondon
Chrislondon
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Sturgeon or Truss?

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Chrislondon

Which do you predict will be ?

Chrislondon
Chrislondon
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

They both have to do one or the other soon which makes the mud slinging comical.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Chrislondon

Agreed.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark franks

Honestly what the **** are you on about, have you read the SNP published position on UK debt sharing?

Mark franks
Mark franks
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Yes I have.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  David Steeper

That is not true, stop making shit up, can you provide any evidence that Nicola sturgeon is Scotland’s Eva Peron? Like her or loathe her Nicola sturgeon has proven her self to be highly popular and highly effective. Liz Truss has proven herself to be an idiot. I can back both statements with facts.

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Nicola Sturgeon’s government accused of mismanaging …https://www.telegraph.co.uk › news › 2022/08/01 › nic…

1 Aug 2022 — The Deputy First Minister warns Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi that without more funds Scotland’s public services face ‘deep cuts

Nicola Sturgeon’s government accused of mismanaging …https://eng.tusresiduos.com › News

1 Aug 2022 — John Swinney, the deputy first minister, wrote to Nadhim Zahawi warning that the Scottish government would be forced to impose “deep cuts” in 

Nicola Sturgeon’s government is accused of mismanaging …https://ukdaily.news › nicola-sturgeons-government-is-a…

1 Aug 2022 — John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, wrote to Nadhim Zahawiwarning that the Scottish government would be forced to make “deep cuts” to public …%

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Provided 3 news organisations as sources for my statement including Daily Telegraph and UK news etc could have provided a dozen but they have been adjudicated out. So advise 1 August 2022 John Swinney warns in letter to then Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi. ‘That without more funds Scotlands public services faces big cuts’

David Steeper
David Steeper
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Apology accepted. 😐😐

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

Independence support is virtually where it was in 2014 and the SNP is no where near a majority, support for labour is growing both sides of the boarder.

So what are you basing your assessment on?

Honestly just stop going on and on about it all your doing is supporting sturgeon who is desperate to keep it in the news.

Once the Tory’s are gone from downswing street support for the SNP will drop back to 40%.

Rejoin the EU and it will drop back to mid 30’s.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Was just going to say similar. M often posts pure doom and gloom. It’s depressing to read. Also, way I see it the SNP are where they are due to Labour’s collapse 2010 on. With Labour’s revival I’d hope that is also the case in Scotland. I also believe the unionist vote is greater than the nationalist, no matter how many MSPs they have. The unionist vote is evenly split 3 ways while most nationalist vote goes SNP. Try counting it up in individual constituencies the SNP “won” Mandate my arse. I may be a Tory voter but bloody hell… Read more »

Jim
Jim
1 year ago

Labour collapse in 2010 is the main reason the SNP ended up with a majority and it only happened one time. Sturgeon uses the Green vote to claim legitimacy for a referendum but its pretty clear in Scotland if you want independence at any cost vote SNP. That number has never crossed 50% since before the referendum. If people in Scotland or England or anywhere else want independence then they should be allowed to have it. Self determination is a basic right for any defined people. But it’s a once in a life time thing and you need a clear… Read more »

geoff
geoff
1 year ago

Hi Daniele-same as you mate a Tory but disillusioned at present big time by how the current lot have stuffed things up! Labour has a big chance at a come back in Scotland and the other Unionist Parties need to assist in constituencies where the vote is split to prevent the Nats winning.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

Exactly!

Aaron L
Aaron L
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

Labour has a good chance at a pretty strong comeback in both England and Scotland to be fair.

I think the last couple years of… unstable? Tory government has caused a lot of Tory voters that i’ve spoken with to start looking to Labour as an alternative.

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

👍

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago

Doom and gloom! No Daniele but profetic yes. The World is not in a good place and most of my posts reflect the current mood. The SNP poses a significant upset if it achieves its goal and deserves debate. At the ballot box the realities may win through and the average Scott votes to retain the umbilical cord? If at the next General Election the SNP includes the referendum in the vote this could backfire as a ‘gun at the head tactic,’ which may not sit well with the silent majority? Another issue could be the state of the UK… Read more »

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

To achieve its goal of Scottish independence the SNP needs to win 326 seats at the next general election and it’s only standing in 59.

Robert Blay.
Robert Blay.
1 year ago

Agreed mate 👍🇬🇧

geoff
geoff
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Good posts James and agree with you entirely. Part of the problem is that many people in the UK on all sides of the borders have no really clear idea of what the United Kingdom is and what we ALL would stand to lose if it were to fail. The UK is not like the Soviet Union a 70 ish year old construct glued together largely by brute force and the EU in its present form only a few decades old. The trauma of leaving the EU would feel like nothing compared to the breakup up of the UK which… Read more »

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  geoff

I agree, at the end of the day it’s one mid sized island, having a single government makes sense, much of the issue is a 300 year old uncodified constitution with much of the power and economic weight located at the extreme end of the island and much of the rest of the island overlooked. It can all be fixed but it means everyone having to change and give up something. Even if it breaks up now it will likely reform in a century or less because it makes sense to gave a common system of defence and government one… Read more »

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

No, I don’t believe it is at 2014 level too many political storms have blown through Westminster since then, which could have enhanced the SNP grip on power. I disagree with burying your head in the sand over the ramification of independence on the UK’s defenses as they would be significant. Sturgeon’s recent comments about ‘detesting the Tories’ could also read as ‘detesting the English.’ Why do I think that because I’ve witnessed firsthand racism against me for simply being English whilst on holiday there? At the lying-in-state in Edinburgh, many indigenous Scots hadn’t realised just how much the Queen… Read more »

Jim
Jim
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

It does not matter what you believe only what you can prove. Polling has been pretty consistent since 2014 especially if you strip out COVID.

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Believing is as good a predictor as opinion polls, which are notoriously wrong on a regular basis. All I’m saying judging by Westminster shenanigans since 2014 opinions in Scotland could have warmed toward home rule.

Cj
Cj
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

Who hasn’t had idiots going on about where your from, I’ve been scotch,jock, oh and I must drink a lot because I’m Scottish wipe your eyes and stop crying about it you do seem quite negative, maybe your attitude caused someone to have a pop at you?

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Cj

I have had a lot of Scottish mates over the years but a refusal to talk to them because they are Scottish, no. Yes, they’ve taken a lot of stick but it’s usually good banter and not riddled with deep routed hate, which is what I experienced. I sincerely hope Scotland remains in the UK but the UK Government has genuine concerns about the possibility of separation. Your observations about my attitude are both misguided and rude.

Cj
Cj
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

My apologies if you think I was being rude but I’m sure you said about being racially abused before, any time there is something about Scotland certain peeps pop up moaning about Scotland, you don’t just go on about the shitty SNP you go further about its people so I assume you have an issue with us? Also saying you hate Tories does not mean you hate England, I hate the snp but I don’t hate Scotland I’m not fond of the Tories at the moment doesn’t mean I hate England far from it, so again apologies but you don’t… Read more »

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Cj

My fondness for Scotland includes a wife from the Highlands. Of cause, most Scots are great people but certain individuals in responsible social positions should not practice blatant racism against a fellow Brit and should know better. A Scottish friend has observed a growing resentment toward Westminster, which I might add I understand but such mood swings can lead to change. Thanks, Cj.

Cj
Cj
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

Hi Maurice10 thanks for the reply, I think both the Tories and labour have been at fault that is why the snp have been doing well with votes, the one thing I would say is people vote SNP up here for day to day life because there is no one else to vote for lately but when it’s for independence it’s a different way of thinking, I’m hoping labour push on a bit up here then we can all stop with the independence malarkey, I’m in a minority I think there should be debates on not having Scotland, England, Wales,… Read more »

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Cj

The main concern I have is affordability. With a population of just five million, the SNP has to make contingencies that cover a multitude of economic challenges to ensure that the burdens of the state don’t end up disproportionately being paid for by the people. I doubt many Scots realise just what could be lost economically if only in the short term. The current devolvement appears to be working democratically so maybe the status quo will remain in the future.

Mark franks
Mark franks
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Ah the remainer card.

Sean
Sean
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

Plain wrong, but nice attempt at trolling.

Marius
Marius
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

You need to keep up, it is NOT within the powers of the snp to “get its independence” for Scotland. Further, for good measure, there is nothing “ugly” about “nuclear subs and shipbuilding”.
Needs must, an eye for an eye, time to stiffen the backbone!

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Marius

If not the SNP then who? Which other political party could attain such a goal? By the way, if the Supreme Court vote to allow the SNP to make the call they will have sanction.

Marius
Marius
1 year ago
Reply to  maurice10

Your grasp of UK constitutional matters, and the role of Westminster v Holyrood is clearly lacking. No point in me pursuing this tête-à-tête. With respect.

maurice10
maurice10
1 year ago
Reply to  Marius

Ditto.

David Barry
David Barry
1 year ago

Are convo’s taking place that are not trusted over telephonic/electronic systems? There’s a lot of activity taking place with different navies at the mo’

Supportive Bloke
Supportive Bloke
1 year ago
Reply to  David Barry

These visits have always occurred. However, the frequency of them has increased. This is not surprising as there is quite a large war on at the edge of Europe which needs to be contained. And even less surprising when oil pipelines start blowing up and mysterious drones are scoping out oil platforms. Yes, UK and EU were dozing for a while at Putin’s threat level. Fortunately UK got real just in time and started banging on doors which, just, stopped Mad Vlad’s parade into to Kiev. Make no mistake about it there will have been overt and covert warnings to… Read more »

farouk
farouk
1 year ago

I have to ask, do subs roll more than ships?

Deep32
Deep32
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

More like corkscrew (v good at inducing vomit to the unwary)when its very rough, but yes up until then they have a pronounced roll due to the hull shape.

Monkey spanker
Monkey spanker
1 year ago
Reply to  farouk

I believe on the surface a sub is not a nice place to be for movement. Under the water I think it doesn’t move about.

Geoffi
Geoffi
1 year ago

Seems to be a lot of US SSN activity around the British Isles at the moment…

Deep32
Deep32
1 year ago
Reply to  Geoffi

There is probably a lot of activity up in the Norwegian Sea, its what normally stimulates greater NATO activity.

Lordtemplar
Lordtemplar
1 year ago
Reply to  Geoffi

Perhaps patrolling trans-Atlantic underwater cables to avoid any incidents like the Nordstream pipeline?

PaulW
PaulW
1 year ago

Time for the RN to park some drone shooters along the Clyde. Seems reasonable to me. National boundary extends 12 miles by my understanding.

Graham Moore
Graham Moore
1 year ago

Are all Astute class subs loaded-out with TLAMs when on patrol or just if circumstances require it?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
1 year ago
Reply to  Graham Moore

I have always assumed they were carried as standard.