According to information published by the Royal Navy on September 23, 2021, Astute-Class attack submarine, HMS Audacious, was formally commissioned during a ceremony at HM Naval Base Clyde. Members of the ship’s company and personnel from the Submarine Flotilla (SUBFLOT) were joined at the Faslane site by the boat’s sponsor, Lady Elizabeth Jones, as they welcomed HMS Audacious to the Royal Navy Fleet.
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Fourth Astute-class submarine HMS Audacious at HM Naval Base Clyde (Picture source: Twitter account of Royal Navy)
The ceremony marks the completion of extensive tests and sea trials for the vessel with Audacious now ready for Royal Navy operations around the globe.
During the ceremony, members of Audacious’ ship’s company formed platoons on the jetty with Lady Elizabeth Jones inspecting them. Afterward, she addressed those gathered for the occasion and cut the commissioning cake.
HMS Audacious arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde for the first time on April 7 last year where she joined sister-vessels HMS Astute, HMS Artful and HMS Ambush.
The vessels are capable of circumnavigating the globe while submerged, producing their own oxygen and drinking water.
HMS Audacious is the fourth Astute-class nuclear-powered fleet submarine of the Royal Navy. Several previous vessels of the Royal Navy have borne the name. She was formally named on 16 December 2016 and was launched on 28 April 2017.
Audacious has provision for up-to 38 weapons in six 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes. The submarine is capable of firing Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles with a range of 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.
The Astute class is the latest class of nuclear-powered fleet submarines (SSNs) in service with the Royal Navy. The class sets a new standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth. The boats are being constructed by BAE Systems Submarines at Barrow-in-Furness. The Astute class is the replacement for the Trafalgar-class fleet submarines in Royal Navy service.
