Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has visited Faslane today, saying he wants to make clear the Government’s commitment to the nuclear deterrent.
He met submariners today and visited the Vanguard class submarine HMS Vigilant at HM Naval Base Clyde, he home of the Royal Navy’s submarine service.
Vigilant is one of the four 16,000-tonne vessels which patrol the oceans and make up the UK’s independent strategic nuclear deterrent, which the Royal Navy has operated for more than 40 years, initially with the Polaris system and now with Trident missiles.
Mr Fallon was briefed on the submarine’s operations by Vigilant’s commanding officer, Commander Dan Martyn, who guided him through the boat’s control room, missile compartment and missile control centre.
Mr Fallon said: “Around the clock nuclear deterrent is as crucial to Britain’s defence now as it has ever been. It is the ultimate guarantee of the nation’s security.
“We use our nuclear deterrent every day to deter a nuclear attack, nuclear blackmail and extreme threats that cannot be countered by any other means.”
Rear Admiral John Weale, Rear Admiral Submarines, said: “As a highly professional service, the Royal Navy is entrusted with safely delivering continuous at sea deterrence. Since 1969 we have ensured at least one submarine was deployed at all times, as the nation’s ultimate security insurance policy.
“We are now witnessing a resurgence in the Submarine Service; new submarines and driven personnel.
“Within the next four years all the UK’s submarines will be based in Scotland. This will lead to the creation of 1,400 new jobs taking the total number employed at HM Naval Base Clyde to 8,200 by 2022.”
Pictures Crown Copyright.
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