HMS Astute completes longest-ever first commission as sub gets mid-life revamp

The Royal Navy's lead Astute-class submarine has ended her first frontline commission after 15 years of continuous global operations.

HMS Astute has now arrived in Devonport to begin her Mid Life Revalidation Period (MLRP) – a major overhaul that will upgrade systems and extend her service life well into the next decade.

The hunter-killer submarine's first commission was the longest in the history of the Royal Navy's Silent Service, with deployments ranging from the Middle East and Indo-Pacific to the North Atlantic.

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She was the first of her class to visit Australia, in support of Carrier Strike Group operations and the Aukus partnership, and the first Astute-class submarine to pass through the Suez Canal and visit the United States.

Although most missions were unpublicised, Astute also played a key role in safeguarding UK home waters, conducting operations beneath the surface.

Before entering dry dock, HMS Astute hosted a rare day at sea for friends, family and invited guests, giving them a glimpse of life on board.

The submarine dived beneath the waves off Plymouth for a few hours, while the crew showcased the conditions they live and work in.

"This snapshot was a small token from the ship's company to celebrate and thank friends and families for the support and sacrifices made while HMS Astute had been away and on operations and show them some of the differences that life on a nuclear submarine holds," said Commander Christopher Bate, the boat's Commanding Officer.

Astute is the first of seven submarines in her class. Five are currently in service, with HMS Agamemnon due to join the fleet later this year and HMS Achilles in the later stages of construction at Barrow.

While all Astute-class submarines are based at Faslane on the Clyde, deep maintenance and overhaul work is carried out at Devonport, including refits for the Vanguard-class strategic deterrent submarines.