Nuclear submarine HMS Trenchant rejoins the fleet

HMS Trenchant has been reintegrated into the fleet after undergoing a maintenance period featuring a weapon and sensors upgrade.

The submarine holds the RN submarine record for a continuous deployment, 11 months in 2013.

A rededication ceremony is a traditional part of any Royal Navy vessel’s life after completing a period of refit and improvement. The event was attended by the submarine’s sponsor, Lady Meriel Hunt.

HMS Trenchant is a Trafalgar class nuclear-powered fleet submarine of the Royal Navy built by Vickers Shipbuilding, Barrow-in-Furness. Trenchant is in service and is based at HMNB Devonport.

Commander Rob Watts, captain of HMS Trenchant, addressed his crew on parade.

“I have much faith in this finest of crews will see out Trenchant’s final chapter with professionalism and pride. It is with much pride I have in showing you off to our sponsor and your families and friends.”

According to the Royal Navy, the maintenance period, carried out by the Royal Navy’s and Ministry of Defence’s industrial partner Babcock, is the largest and most complex ever undertaken at Devonport, including significant elements of maintenance and capability upgrades to see the boat through to its decommissioning in 2019.

HMS Trenchant is a potent vessel, capable of conducting a range of complex tasks including underwater and above water warfare as well as long-range strike, landing troops and intelligence collection. Her refit will ensure she enters the submarine fleet with the most modern equipment available.

Babcock Direct Submarine Support, Gavin Leckie, said:

“The completion of this project is a reflection of the strong cooperation of the joint Babcock, MoD and ship staff team who have overcome a number of significant technical challenges to deliver HMS Trenchant back to the Royal Navy in an excellent material state, and I’m grateful to all involved for their support in achieving this milestone.”

The work included a double motor generator change in dry dock, external hull paint, main battery exchange, extensive hull surveillance work, wide-ranging system surveys and a package of planned maintenance on the reactor system – amounting to more than 650,000 direct labour hours.