HMS Agamemnon, the Royal Navy's sixth Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane and will begin sea trials and operational preparation. The 318 ft (97 m) hunter-killer is armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes and will be crewed by about 100 submariners. Rear Admiral Andy Perks called the arrival a "significant milestone," and Commander John Gabb praised the boat's quietness and advanced sonar. Its arrival coincided with the 125th anniversary of Holland 1; a seventh Astute, HMS Achilles, remains under construction.
HMS Agamemnon Joins Faslane Fleet: Royal Navy's Sixth Astute-Class Submarine Begins Sea Trials
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HMS Agamemnon, the Royal Navy's newest Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has arrived at her home port at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane, Scotland. The 318 ft (97 m) hunter-killer boat will now begin an intensive period of sea trials and operational preparation before joining the active fleet.
The sixth boat in the Astute class, Agamemnon is armed with Tomahawk long-range land-attack cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes reported to have an engagement range of up to about 30 miles. The submarine will be crewed by roughly 100 submariners and its systems and performance will be thoroughly evaluated over the coming months.
Delivery Marks A Milestone
Rear Admiral Andy Perks, the Navy's submarine lead, described the arrival as a "significant milestone" that reflects the effort of thousands across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise who contributed to the programme. Agamemnon left BAE Systems' shipyard in Barrow and carried out her first dive at sea while transiting exercise areas in the Inner Hebrides en route to Faslane.
"HMS Agamemnon's delivery reflects the dedication, skill and collaboration of thousands of people across our Defence Nuclear Enterprise," Rear Admiral Perks said. "I am delighted to welcome the submarine and her ship's company to their new home on the Clyde, and I look forward to seeing them join the operational fleet in due course."
Commander John Gabb, Agamemnon's commanding officer, added that it is "an enormous privilege" to lead the vessel into service. He described the boat as "incredibly quiet" with a "world-class sonar" and said the crew will spend the coming months familiarising themselves with the submarine as they prepare for operations.
The arrival coincided with the 125th anniversary of the launch of Holland 1, the Royal Navy's first submarine. A seventh Astute-class boat, HMS Achilles, is currently under construction, and ministers have announced plans for new dry docks at Faslane and a UK-built research ship, with work on follow-on submarines expected to start next year.
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