The head of the Royal Navy’s submarine service retired today after nearly 40 years of devoted service.
Commodore Jim Perks handed over command to Commodore Paul Dunn in a ceremony at Faslane.
It marked the end of a 38-year naval career, which saw Cdre Perks climb the ranks from junior rating before going onto command the submarine flotilla in 2016 and eventually becoming head of the service in January 2020.
Cdre Perks toured the naval base with his wife Louise, visiting Valiant and Finger jetties where he has overseen countless submarine operations, before departing on Faslane Patrol Boat HMS Raider, transporting him down the Gareloch for the final time.
He said: “Having been promoted to the officer corps in 1988, the nature of our business and the camaraderie of the silent service was a real attraction and I saw the submarine service as a perfect home for me – and I was right.
“It has been an absolute honour to serve my final six years as commander submarine flotilla. I am, as ever, humbled by the fortitude, resilience and dedication of our fantastic people, and of course, their families.”
Taking over is Commodore Dunn, who hhas submarine experience stretching back to 1989 when he joined the Royal Navy aged 18 and volunteered for service on submarines.
He has served with HMS Courageous, HMS Sovereign, HMS Turbulent, HMS Superb, and HMS Vengeance (Port) and has commanded HMS Vigilant.
He has also spent time on shore as assistant staff officer operations at Clyde, with fleet operational sea (submarines), with the maritime warfare centre as head of underwater warfare pillar, and with the operations team of the naval staff within the MoD.
His most recent post was as head of nuclear planning in the director general nuclear organisation.
Pictures by leading photographer Bill Spurr.
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