Hunter-killer submarine HMS Tireless is in the middle of a five-day visit to Southampton, giving dozens of sea cadets, scouts and other youngsters a rare opportunity to sample life on board. The Devonport-based Trafalgar-class boat arrived at the city’s Eastern Docks.
Civic dignitaries and senior city council officers will also visit the vessel and meet her crew.
The Royal Navy worked closely with Southampton City Council in advance of HMS Tireless’ visit.
The vessel’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Hywel Griffiths – a former pupil at Peter Symonds College in Winchester – said:
“Having completed my secondary education and worked in the local area prior to joining the Royal Navy, it is with immense personal pride that I bring HMS Tireless to Southampton under my command.
“It is a welcome opportunity for my ship’s company to meet people and visit the city of Southampton and for local people to visit us so that we may demonstrate how we are engaged day-to-day in protecting our nation’s interests.”
Last May Tireless returned from a ten-month deployment to the Middle East – the longest RN submarine deployment in recent history – where she conducted covert missions in support of counter-terrorism, counter narcotics and counter-piracy operations.
HMS Tireless will leave Southampton on Tuesday March 6 at 3pm.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 05, 2012; Image: royalnavy