Navy

In pictures: Smiles and salutes as submariners return home from latest nuclear deterrent patrol

After months apart, families welcomed home their loved ones (Picture: MOD)

Smiles and embraces fill the dockside at HM Naval Base Clyde (Picture: MOD)

The 140-strong crew has been conducting the latest UK nuclear deterrent patrol — The 140-strong crew have been conducting the latest UK nuclear deterrent patrol (Picture: MOD)

Known as the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), since 1969 at least one nuclear- powered ballistic submarine has been at sea armed with nuclear missiles — Known as the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, since 1969 at least one nuclear-powered ballistic submarine has been at sea armed with nuclear missiles (Picture: MOD)

Submariners aboard the Vanguard Class submarine wave to loved ones as she comes in to dock — Submariners aboard the Vanguard-class submarine wave to loved ones as she comes in to dock (Picture: MOD)

First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins went aboard to personally welcome the submariners home (Picture: MOD)

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir Richard Knighton extends his appreciation to the crew — Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton extends his appreciation to the crew (Picture: MOD)

Director of Submarines, Rear Admiral Andrew Perks onboard the Vanguard Class Submarine — Director of Submarines, Rear Admiral Andrew Perks, on board the Vanguard-class submarine (Picture: MOD)

The Defence Secretary joined the visit aboard to express his gratitude (Picture: MOD)

Posting on X, Healey said "An immense privilege, as always, to welcome home our Royal Navy submariners, and thank their families" — Posting on X, John Healey said it was "an immense privilege, as always, to welcome home our Royal Navy submariners, and thank their families" (Picture: MOD)

He took the opportunity to speak with sailors who had just completed their months-long deployment — Mr Healey took the opportunity to speak to sailors who had just completed their months-long deployment (Picture: MOD)

Smiles and embraces filled the dockside at HM Naval Base Clyde as more than 400 family members welcomed home their loved ones.

The 140-strong crew aboard the Vanguard-class submarine spent months at sea as part of the UK's latest nuclear deterrent patrol.

Their mission forms part of the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), which has been in operation since 1969. Under CASD, at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine remains on patrol at sea, undetected, at all times.

Warm welcome home

Their purpose is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.

Since the mid-1990s, this deterrent has been maintained by four Vanguard-class submarines -HMS Vanguard, HMS Victorious, HMS Vigilant, and HMS Vengeance.

This fleet will soon be replaced by a new generation of submarines, the Dreadnought-class, which is expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

The crew were joined on the final part of their journey by Defence Secretary John Healey, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan.

After the visit to the submarine at sea, both the Defence Secretary and the First Sea Lord joined families within HM Naval Base Clyde to thank them personally.

General Sir Gwyn said: "Since April 1969, Royal Navy Submariners have proudly delivered the UK's deterrent patrols, a silent sentinel ready to respond to the most extreme threats to the UK.

"The mission demands extraordinary commitment, not only from our submariners, but from their families. Their modest strength and resolute support enable us to deliver our deterrent posture.

"The nuclear deterrent remains the Royal Navy's foremost responsibility, ensuring we remain vigilant, always ready."

An immense privilege, as always, to welcome home our Royal Navy submariners, and thank their families.

Their unfailing, silent service delivers our nation’s ultimate security.

On behalf of millions of Brits who they’ll never meet - but whose safety they protect - I thank them. pic.twitter.com/fWN6kwBPHk
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) October 6, 2025

Posting on X, Defence Secretary John Healey spoke of the "immense privilege" to welcome home the Royal Navy submariners and that "their unfailing, silent service delivers our nation's ultimate security".

The deterrent mission entails an enormous national endeavour. Generations of submariners, MOD civilians, industry partners and small businesses have contributed, and still contribute, towards maintaining the deterrent.