Hunter-killer submarine HMS Audacious home after historic Mediterranean deployment
Royal Navy submarine HMS Audacious has returned home after a historic patrol of the Mediterranean.
The hunter-killer sub was on operations for 363 days away from her base on the Clyde in Scotland – the longest ever deployment for any of the Navy's new Astute-class vessels.
It proved the nuclear-powered class of submarines can deploy for extended periods without support, as per their design.
In March 2022, HMS Audacious deployed to the eastern areas of the Mediterranean in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The vessel spent 95 days under Nato command in support of efforts to combat illicit activity, people smuggling and illegal trade in the region.
One hundred and fifty family members and loved ones gathered at Rhu Spit in Scotland to wave to the returning vessel, before going to HMNB Clyde to give the crew a warm welcome home.
HMS Audacious' Commanding Officer, Commander James Howard, said: "My ship's company have delivered an unprecedented period of success on operations.
"We have maintained a highly capable and silent nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarine at high readiness for almost a year. In doing so we've operated at arm's length from the UK, providing support to Nato and exercising with partners in the region.
"This has also proved that the UK has the capability to provide a stealthy, flexible, and proportional response to any situation, should that need arise.
"We could not have achieved this without the support of our families, and I look forward to being able to release my ship’s company for a well-deserved break at home."
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