UK: HMS Ambush Flies White Ensign for First Time

Ambush, the second of the Astute class attack submarines, has been formally handed over to the Royal Navy and has begun flying the White Ensign for the first time.

Tony Wilcox, head of acceptance for BAE Systems and Commander Peter Green RN, Commanding Officer of Ambush, participated in the ceremony onboard to commemorate the signing of the Certificate of Acceptance transferring her from her builders to the MOD.

The signing was followed by the raising of the White Ensign on Ambush, marking her out as a British warship and signalling the completion of her Contractor Sea trial phase of the submarine’s wider sea trials and training programme.

Commander Green said:

“It is a proud day for all of us. To see the boat flying the flag of the Royal Navy is fantastic and shows just has far we have come in such a short space of time.”

When she left Barrow-in-Furness Ambush was flying the Blue Ensign to mark her out as a vessel undergoing sea trials.

Sea trials test the boat’s systems to their limits, taking the boat to her deep diving depth to ensure that she is as safe and capable, in addition to other important trials.

The planned fleet of seven Astute Class submarines are being built to replace the current fleet of Trafalgar Class submarines and are arguably one of the advanced submarines in the world today.

The 7,400 tonne Astute Class is quieter than previous submarines, and can operate covertly and remain undetected despite being larger than the Royal Navy’s current Trafalgar Class submarines.

Sonar specialist AB George Sherwin had the privilege of raising the Ensign for the first time.

He said, “It was brilliant to raise the White Ensign.  We’ve all worked really hard to get to this point and to be part of the handover has been memorable.”

Ambush will continue with further trials prior to her formal commissioning, when she will become an HMS, and enter operational service.

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Naval Today Staff, January 18, 2013; Image: Royal Navy