HMS Audacious: Royal Navy submarine returns to Clyde base at Faslane

Hunter-killer sub HMS Audacious was on operations for two days short of a year, making it the longest-ever deployment for any of the Navy’s new Astute-class submarines.

While the sub itself remained poised for operations in the Mediterranean, Audacious’ submariners made the most of opportunities associated with planned maintenance and crew rotation, taking periods of leave and seeing family over the festive period.

Commanding Officer of HMS Audacious, Commander James Howard, said: “My ship’s company have delivered an unprecedented period of success on operations.

“We have maintained a highly capable and silent nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarine at high readiness for almost a year. In doing so we’ve operated at arm’s length from the UK, providing support to NATO and exercising with partners in the region.

“This has also proved that the UK has the capability to provide a stealthy, flexible, and proportional response to any situation, should that need arise.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of our families, and I look forward to being able to release my ship’s company for a well-deserved break at home.”

HMS Audacious (Image: Royal Navy)

In March last year, she sailed from her HM Naval Base Clyde home at Faslane to the eastern reaches of the Mediterranean in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The boat had just completed Operational Sea Training – winning the Valiant Trophy for exceptional performance during her certification for front-line duties.

Audacious spent 95 days under NATO command as she supported the alliance’s efforts to combat illicit activity, people smuggling, and illegal trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In all, Audacious was away from her base port for 363 days, proving the Royal Navy’s newest nuclear-powered submarines are capable for deploying for extended periods without support – as per their design.

In addition to the year on patrol, the 130-strong crew spent nearly three months preparing for the full range of submarine missions – so it was an emotional return to Faslane for many as families were reunited with loved ones after Audacious’ long adventure.

Some 150 family members and loved-ones gathered at Rhu Spit to wave to the vessel, before travelling on to HM Naval Base Clyde where they gave the crew a warm welcome home.

HMS Audacious (Image: Royal Navy)

At Christmas, many of the ship’s company were reunited at home or with their families in Cyprus, with loved ones flown out with the assistance of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.