End of an era: UK’s last Trafalgar submarine set for decommissioning after 30+ years of service

The Royal Navy’s final Trafalgar-class attack submarine, HMS Triumph, has returned to Plymouth for the last time before decommissioning.

The seventh and final submarine of the Trafalgar class, HMS Triumph, has returned to its homeport at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth for the last time before decommissioning.

After completing its final voyage from Scotland, where submariners bid farewell to the long-serving vessel at Clyde Naval Base, Triumph arrived in Plymouth last week.

The vessel was escorted into Plymouth Sound by a procession of vessels, marking the end of a career that took it on front-line operations around the globe.

Commander Aaron Williams, HMS Triumph’s Commanding Officer, said: “As Triumph prepares to decommission, we reflect on its legacy with immense pride. This submarine has served not just as a vessel, but as a symbol of commitment, courage, and camaraderie. While this chapter ends, its spirit will endure in the memories of all who served aboard it and in the gratitude of the nations it helped protect.”

He added, “Behind every mission, deployment, and triumph was the sacrifice and steadfast support of the families who stood by us.”

Laid down in Barrow shipyard in February 1987 and commissioned in October 1991, HMS Triumph was the last of the Trafalgar class to be built, following its six sisters: Talent, Trenchant, Torbay, Tireless, Turbulent, and Trafalgar.

Notable milestones in its service include a groundbreaking 1993 deployment to Australia, during which it traveled 41,000 miles submerged without support. According to the Royal Navy, this set a record for the longest solo deployment by a Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine.

The submarine took part in military operations, including launching Tomahawk missiles during the 2001 Afghanistan campaign and firing at Libyan targets in 2011 as part of international efforts to protect civilians.

HMS Triumph was the tenth Royal Navy vessel to bear this name, a title with a heritage dating back to the first HMS Triumph, a 680-gun galleon built in 1561 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Royal Navy Director of Submarines, reflected: “Having served aboard Trafalgar-class SSNs for many years, it is with both pride and sadness that I see these exceptional submarines reach the end of their careers. As the last of the Cold War-era submarines, they have helped keep our country safe for over 30 years. But as this era ends, we can take comfort in knowing the Submarine Service is in good hands with the Astute-class SSNs.”

The submarine HMS Triumph will be decommissioned after 34 years of service.