Defence Secretary Visits Returning Nuclear Sub

U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey visited sailors on a Royal Navy submarine returning from patrol as part of the country’s nuclear deterrent.

The government minister boarded the Vanguard-Class submarine this week as it returned to HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland after completing the U.K.’s latest patrol.

As is the usual policy, the name of the vessel, length of patrol, and its locations while at sea remain secret. The next submarine is already at sea to maintain the country’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) policy.

The ongoing mission is dubbed Operation Relentless and guarantees that at least one nuclear-powered submarine armed with the U.K.’s Trident nuclear missiles is always at sea.

On his surprise visit the Defence Secretary was also given an operational briefing and toured the submarine. He used the visit to stress the new government’s continued commitment to building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Mr Healey said: “Royal Navy submariners make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us all safe and it was an honour to thank the crew on behalf of the British people. As they return home, we salute their courage, dedication, and professionalism.”

Also present were First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key; Director Submarines, Rear Admiral Andy Perks; Commodore of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn; and Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin.

The new Dreadnought Class submarines are scheduled to replace the Vanguard vessels in the 2030s.

• You can read more about the Defence Secretary’s visit on the MoD website