Royal Navy nuclear ‘bomber’ submarine sets the record for longest patrol after more than six months at sea
- Spending half a year at sea puts immense strain on crews and their families
Covered in slime and encrusted in barnacles, this British nuclear ‘bomber’ submarine has set a new Royal Navy record for the longest patrol after spending more than six months at sea.
The Vanguard-class vessel returned to port earlier this week after loitering on the ocean floor as she hides from Russian submarines in the North Atlantic.
The length of her time at sea has raised further questions about the shortage of UK submarines. With boats currently ashore awaiting refits and maintenance, there is increasing pressure on those fit for operations.
Spending half a year at sea also puts immense strain on the submarines’ crews and their families, who know next to nothing about their activities or whereabouts.
Each submarine has a crew of around 130 sailors and officers. Earlier this month, the Mail exclusively revealed how all six of the UK’s attack submarines – from the Astute and Triumph classes – were in dry dock.
Pictured covered in slime and encrusted in barnacles, this British nuclear ‘bomber’ submarine has set a new Royal Navy record for the longest patrol
Spending half a year at sea puts immense strain on the submarines’ crews and their families, each submarine has a crew of around 130 sailors and officers
The UK has four Vanguard-class submarines which are armed with up to eight Trident nuclear warheads.
At least one of this class of submarines, which carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent, are at sea at any time.
But due to repair works only HMS Vigilant and HMS Vengeance have been active this year.
Repairs are taking longer because the Vanguard submarines are long past their retirement.
The boats were designed to last 25 years, but will have been in service for nearly 40 years before they are replaced.
Last night, the Royal Navy said: ‘The service does not discuss the length of patrols. We acknowledge the commitment and dedication of submariners and their loved ones.
‘All submariners on Vanguard-class submarines receive an additional payment on completion of an extended period to recognise the increased burden placed upon them and their families.’
The Vanguard-class vessel returned to port earlier this week after loitering on the ocean floor as she hides from Russian submarines in the North Atlantic
The UK has four Vanguard-class submarines which are armed with up to eight Trident nuclear warheads
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