UK: HMS Ambush Officially Welcomed into Royal Navy

The Royal Navy’s latest, most advanced attack submarine was commissioned into the Royal Navy on Friday, March 1, 2013, during a ceremony at HM Naval Base Clyde.

HMS Ambush was commissioned into the Royal Navy to become “Her Majesty’s Ship” during a ceremony overseen by the submarine’s crew, Naval Base, workers and around 500 invited guests.

Among the dignitaries attending the event was The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, and the vessel’s sponsor, Lady Anne Soar, who were joined by representatives from the City of Derby, the submarine’s affiliated town. Also in attendance were proud family members and loved-ones of the crew.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome HMS Ambush into the Royal Navy Fleet during this important and noteworthy occasion,” said Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope.

“HMS Ambush is the second of the Royal Navy’s Astute Class submarines. These vessels represent the cutting edge of military technology and the future of UK submarine operations for many years to come.

“The Astute Class vessels will contribute significantly to our mission of protecting the UK’s interests worldwide.”

Launched on January 5, 2011, at BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness, HMS Ambush arrived at her home port of HM Naval Base Clyde on September 19 last year.

Since then she has undergone extensive sea trials to ensure she is ready to become part of the Fleet with the White Ensign being raised for the first time on January 18 after the signing of the Certificate of Acceptance transferring the submarine from her builders to the Ministry of Defence.

Commenting on the occasion of her commissioning, Commanding Officer of HMS Ambush, Commander Peter Green, said:

“The crew are immensely proud to mark the commissioning and to see the culmination of many months of hard work readying HMS Ambush for service with the Royal Navy.

“What makes the day especially significant is to have so many of our families and friends joining us during the commissioning ceremony, as well as those who have supported the vessel and whom we share a special affiliation with.

“HMS Ambush’s crew are now looking forward to the challenges ahead and to exploring the full range of the submarine’s capabilities before she enters full operational service later this year.”

Built by BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness, the Astute Class vessels represent a highly complex feat of naval engineering. Highly versatile, the submarines are capable of contributing across a broad spectrum of maritime operations around the globe.

As the home of the UK submarine service, all seven of the Astute Class vessels will eventually be ported at HM Naval Base Clyde. The first of class, HMS Astute, entered service with the Royal Navy in August 2010 with HMS Ambush joining her at Faslane in September 2012.

HMS Ambush is expected to complete sea trials and be formally handed over to the operational control of the Royal Navy later this year.

The other five vessels Artful, Audacious, Anson, and the as yet unnamed boats 6 and 7 are currently at different stages of build and development.

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Naval Today Staff, March 4, 2013; Image: Royal Navy