Ballistic submarine HMS Vigilant returns home

Royal navy’s Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vigilant concluded her patrol and returned to HM Naval Base Clyde following 

The 140-strong crew of the submarine was welcomed at her homeport by family and friends.

What made this return special was the fact that families were granted access to the naval base to witness the return.

In previous years families would head to public land overlooking the Gareloch to catch a glimpse of one of the giant ballistic submarines glide past.

“Usually we’re at Rhu to watch the vessel come home,” said Victoria Barnwell, who was there to welcome her husband Iain home.

Victoria had travelled from the east coast of Scotland with their three young children – all under six years old – for the occasion.

“Last year Iain was away for Christmas,” she said. “The kids are very glad that this year daddy will be home before Santa.”

HMS Vigilant is one of four Vanguard class submarines which, between them, maintain the country’s continuous at sea deterrent.

Since 1969, at least one Royal Navy ballistic submarine has been on patrol acting as a constant deterrent.