The Royal Navy is left with a single nuclear-powered attack submarine in service following the decommissioning of HMS Talent and Trenchant at Devonport Naval Base on May 20.
The once seven-boat strong Trafalgar-class, which has been in service since the 1980s, is being replaced by the new Astute-class. Four Astutes have been commissioned, soon to be joined by number five, HMS Anson, which has completed successful diving checks.
With the retirement of Talent and Trenchant, the only Trafalgar unit still in service remains the youngest submarine HMS Triumph, which entered service in 1991.
Crews from both retired boats paraded in Plymouth for the final time in front of HRH The Princess Royal – HMS Talent’s patron – as well as high-profile guests and former commanding officers.
Trenchant’s operational career came to an end last year, while Talent completed her final patrol earlier this spring. Both boats served for 32 years with distinction. As hunter-killer submarines, it was their mission to protect first Polaris, now Trident – the country’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent – and to detect, track and classify targets.
The boats are capable of gaining intelligence, covertly inserting troops ashore, or striking at enemy submarines and ships with Spearfish torpedoes and targets ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
“The Trafalgar-class developed a world class reputation and defended UK interests unstintingly across the world’s oceans. The Astute submarines have now taken up the baton, continuing to protect the UK from threats with deeply professional submarine crews,” Commodore James Perks, Commodore Submarine Service, said.
“As we look back with appreciation at the service provided by HMS Talent and HMS Trenchant, we can also look forward with excitement to the future. We have some of the best attack submarines in the world in the Astute class and developments in submarine training mean that we will continue to have the best men and women sailing and fighting them, protecting our nation far into the future.”
Following Talent’s initial workup period, in 1991 she sailed straight to the Mediterranean and played an active role in the first Gulf War, with the boat’s efforts praised by the US officer commanding the submarine task group, Admiral Ryan, who personally congratulated the crew.
Lieutenant Commander David ‘Freddie’ Fox, Talent’s last commanding officer, said:
“This was an emotional day for many of the ship’s company. I am well aware of the bond shared by all who have worked onboard Talent throughout her time in the Fleet. Numerous port visits, exercises, memories and stories are all interwoven into the rich and inspiring history of a submarine which has maintained a steady vigil on the forefront of the defence of the United Kingdom and indeed, the world. The dedication, fortitude and commitment shown by the ship’s company over the years is commendable and Talent will be sorely missed now her Ensign has been lowered for the last time.”
