Home Europe Royal Navy commissions fourth Astute-class sub HMS Audacious

Royal Navy commissions fourth Astute-class sub HMS Audacious

HMS Audacious at HMNB Clyde
Photo: Royal Navy

The Royal Navy officially welcomed its fourth Astute-class submarine into the fleet with a commissioning ceremony at HM Naval Base Clyde on September 23.

Members of the ship’s company and personnel from the Submarine Flotilla (SUBFLOT) were joined at the Faslane site by the boat’s sponsor, Lady Elizabeth Jones, as they welcomed HMS Audacious to the fleet.

The ceremony marks the completion of extensive tests and sea trials for the vessel with Audacious now ready for Royal Navy operations around the globe.

Commander Jim Howard, the commanding officer of HMS Audacious, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be commanding officer of the Royal Navy’s newest and most capable SSN.

“As we now move from sea trials into our operational sea training program, I and the whole ship’s company are ready for the challenge ahead.

“This formal commissioning ceremony marks another major milestone in the platform being fully operational and ready for tasking.”

The commissioning for HMS Astute coincided with the official start of construction of the service’s first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer, in Rosyth, Scotland. What is more, the service made James Bond star Daniel Craig an honorary commander, recognizing his contribution to strengthening the navy’s ties with the communities it serves.

HMS Audacious arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde for the first time on April 7 last year where she joined sister-vessels HMS Astute, HMS Artful and HMS Ambush. Earlier this year, the boat helped the service test the upgraded Spearfish heavyweight torpedo in the Bahamas.

The Astute-Class submarines carry both Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.

The vessels are capable of circumnavigating the globe while submerged, producing their own oxygen and drinking water.

Speaking of the Commissioning, Commodore Jim Perks, Head of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, said: “This is an extremely important day in the life of HMS Audacious and I am delighted that the sponsor, Lady Elizabeth Jones, was able to formally commission this, our fourth Astute-Class submarine, today.

“Throughout this pandemic, Audacious has delivered her extensive trials programme without fuss and with considerable style.

“I wish the boat, crew and their families all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing her deliver on operations.”