Record-breakers: Submariners home from nuclear deterrent patrol after 205 days at sea
After a record-breaking deployment at sea, personnel from a Vanguard-class submarine have been greeted by their loved ones as they arrive back at Faslane naval base.
The nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine spent almost seven months at sea – 205 days in total – breaking the previous record for the longest unbroken 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.
Boarding the Vanguard-class submarine as it arrived on the Clyde, was Defence Secretary John Healey, who later posted on X, describing the submariners as "the very best of Britain".
Also in attendance was First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who spent time engaging with families at HMNB Clyde before greeting the returning submarines as they stood to attention on deck.
Home sweet home
Their purpose is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.
While operationally independent, the deterrent is declared in the defence of Nato allies.
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.
Each vessel will have a displacement of 17,000 tonnes and will be fitted with X-rudders, designed to reduce noise underwater.
They are also expected to remain in service for 35 to 40 years – significantly longer than their predecessors.
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