HMS Astute

Dolphins in tots of rum ready to be handed to newly-qualified submariners

Dolphins in tots of rum ready to be handed to newly-qualified submariners

Football in Kings Bay

football in Kings Bay

ship’s company group shot on the casing during the visit to Kings Bay

ship’s company group shot on the casing during the visit to Kings Bay

Relaxing in the Bahamas

Relaxing in the Bahamas

HMS Ambush undergoing trials off Scotland at the end of last year

Astute class submarine HMS Ambush is pictured during sea trials near Scotland. Ambush, second of the nuclear powered attack submarines, was named in Barrow on 16 December 2010 and launched on 5 January 2011. Having now completed her initial dive, she is in the final stages of fitting out whilst preparing for an extensive programme of sea trials. She will sail for her home port of Faslane in 2012. The seven Astute Class boats planned for introduction to the Royal Navy are the most advanced and powerful attack submarines Britain has ever sent to sea. Featuring the latest nuclear-powered technology, the vessels will never need to be refuelled and are capable of circumnavigating the world submerged, manufacturing the crew’s oxygen from seawater as she goes. The Astute Class are also quieter than any of her predecessors and have the ability to operate covertly and remain undetected, despite being fifty percent larger in size than the Royal Navy’s current Trafalgar Class submarines.

Admiral Jones talks with the Commanding Officer of HMS Talent, Cdr John Aitken, during a visit to Devonport

ROYAL NAVY’S NEW FLEET COMMANDER MEETS SUBMARINE AND WARSHIP CREWS The second most senior officer in the Royal Navy, Vice Admiral Phil Jones, visited HM Naval Base, Devonport, Plymouth, on a familiarisation to meet the crews of a warship and submarine. The newly-appointed Fleet Commander was hosted on board the Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland and the Trafalgar Class submarine HMS Talent alongside Devonport dockyard. Vice Admiral Jones was shown the advanced sonar room by the skilled operators, the tactical systems, wireless communications room, manoeuvring and power plant spaces. Image Shows: HMS Talents Captain talking to the Fleet Commander in the Operations Room.

Admiral Jones chats with sailors from HMS Defender at the new destroyer's commissioning last month

HMS Defender – the fifth of the Royal Navy’s powerful new Type 45 destroyers – was formally commissioned into the fleet today (March 21). Hundreds of guests including families of the 190 ship’s company attended a colourful ‘Christening’ ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base to mark the ship’s transition into front-line service. Commander Phillip Nash, HMS Defender’s Commanding Officer read a Commissioning Warrant during the hour-long ceremony which was rounded off in traditional Royal Navy fashion with the cutting of a commissioning cake. Commander Nash added: “The commissioning of HMS Defender is a hugely significant day in this state of the art warship’s life – it marks the point at which building and testing the ship finishes and frontline service in the fleet begins. “It is also important to recognise that for the 190 women and men that make up my ship’s company this day of commissioning represents the culmination of months and years of hard work of training, trials and practice focussed on ensuring that Defender is ready to undertake operations around the world whenever tasked. We are extremely proud of our achievement and would like to thank our partners in British shipbuilding industries for their assistance in reaching this goal.” The Type 45 Destroyer is the largest and most powerful destroyer ever built for the Royal Navy and provides UK defence with a world class military capability. Inspection of members of the ships company. Vice Admiral Philip Jones, Fleet Commander Royal Navy.

HMS Astute carries out her first Tomahawk missile launch in the Gulf of Mexico in November 2011

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

Future carrier Queen Elizabeth nearing completion at Rosyth, March 2013

Commanding Officer Cdr Stephen Walker and Lt Cdr Gary Tregunna

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

Ambulance Service Institute Awards Navy Medics

Six Royal Navy medics have been recognised by the Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) for their life-saving first aid skills used during an incident on board a submarine and while on operations in Afghanistan. Five medics on board HMS Astute – one a professional Medical Assistant and the rest qualified first aiders – were awarded the ASI First Aid Award for their actions when an armed Able Seaman opened fire while the boat was docked in Southampton.

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

HMS Astute returns to Clyde

HMS ASTUTE ARRIVES BACK ON THE CLYDE HMS Astute came home today (Thursday, March 1) after a 142 day deployment to America that became a voyage of recovery and redemption. It was also a voyage of discovery. HMS Astute was tried and tested as never before ñ and she came through with flying colours. She spent 77 days at sea, 65 alongside, and was inspected by 18 stars worth of American and British naval authority ñ including the First Sea Lord and Americaís naval equivalent, the Chief of Naval Operations. She ìbattledî against USS New Mexico, Americaís newest and best Virginia class hunter attack submarine. She deep dived, fired her Tomahawk Land Attack MissilesÖ and over the course of 16,400 miles, worked her way through 18,000 well-deserved sausages.

Astute grapples with America’s newest submarine in a test of the ‘best of the best’

Astute grapples with America’s newest submarine in a test of the ‘best of the best’

Astute grapples with America’s newest submarine in a test of the ‘best of the best’

Whole ship’s company photograph on the casing of HMS Astute alongside in Faslane

Commanding Officer Cdr Ian Breckenridge awarded the Silent Service’s coveted ‘dolphins’ to several newly-qualified submariners

HMS ASTUTE DIVISIONS & Ship's Company image

Divisions for the ship’s company of HMS Astute

HMS ASTUTE DIVISIONS & Ship's Company image

Divisions for the ship’s company of HMS Astute

HMS ASTUTE DIVISIONS & Ship's Company image

20110607_HRH_Visit

20110607_HRH_visit_1

Duchess of Rothesay visits HMS Astute

Astute

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

Tomahawk firing from Astute

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA.NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing rehearsal whilst alongside in Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia,USA. This image shows members of HMS Astute bombshop crew carrying out checks on the TLAM Missiles prior to them being loaded into the tubes. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

This image shows HMS Astute as she sails from Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia USA. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing rehearsal whilst alongside in Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia,USA. This image shows members of HMS Astute bombshop crew carrying out checks on the TLAM Missiles prior to them being loaded into the tubes.NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing rehearsal whilst alongside in Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia,USA. This image shows members of HMS Astute bombshop crew carrying out checks on the TLAM Missiles prior to them being loaded into the tubes. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing rehearsal whilst alongside in Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia,USA. The imageis of HMS Astute control room during a TLAM firing rehearsal. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA.NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

HMS ASTUTE

This image shows HMS Astute as she sails from Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia USA.NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

This image shows HMS Astute as she sails from Kings Bay Naval Base Georgia USA. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA.NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES

HMS Astute TLAM Firings Nov 2011.This image was taken during a TLAM firing by HMS Astute in the Gulf of Mexico,USA. NEW ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE FIRES FIRST TOMAHAWK MISSILES ACROSS NORTH AMERICAN SKIES The Royal Navy’s newest submarine has blasted Tomahawk missiles far across the North American skies, as part of its first test firing mission. Pictures show the Tomahawk weapons, which rocketed from HMS Astute at up to 550 miles per hour (885kph) across the Gulf of Mexico. The 5.5-metre-long cruise missile weighs 1,300kg and has a range of more than 1,000 miles.

Astute on show in the world’s biggest naval base

111128-N-NK458-103 NORFOLK (Nov. 28, 2011) Sailors assigned to the Royal Navy submarine HMS Astute (S119) tend mooring lines as the ship arrives at Naval Station Norfolk. Astute is the first in a new class of British nuclear submarines that sets the standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth. Commissioned on Aug. 27, 2010, the 323-foot, 7,400-ton submarine carries a crew of 98 officers and enlisted personnel, and can travel at speeds of 29-plus knots while submerged. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer/Released)

Astute on show in the world’s biggest naval base

111128-N-NK458-092NORFOLK (Nov. 28, 2011) A sailor assigned to the Royal Navy submarine HMS Astute (S119) prepares to raise the flag as the ship arrives at Naval Station Norfolk. Astute is the first in a new class of British nuclear submarines that sets the standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth. Commissioned on Aug. 27, 2010, the 323-foot, 7,400-ton submarine carries a crew of 98 officers and enlisted personnel, and can travel at speeds of 29-plus knots while submerged. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer/Released)

Astute on show in the world’s biggest naval base

111128-N-NK458-064 NORFOLK (Nov. 28, 2011) The Royal Navy submarine HMS Astute (S119) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk. Astute is the first in a new class of British nuclear submarines that sets the standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth. Commissioned on Aug. 27, 2010, the 323-foot, 7,400-ton submarine carries a crew of 98 officers and enlisted personnel, and can travel at speeds of 29-plus knots while submerged. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer/Released)

Astute on show in the world’s biggest naval base

111128-N-NK458-054 NORFOLK (Nov. 28, 2011) Sailors aboard the Royal Navy submarine HMS Astute (S119) stand in formation topside as the ship is maneuvered into position upon its arrival at Naval Station Norfolk. Astute is the first in a new class of British nuclear submarines that sets the standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth. Commissioned on Aug. 27, 2010, the 323-foot, 7,400-ton submarine carries a crew of 98 officers and enlisted personnel, and can travel at speeds of 29-plus knots while submerged. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer/Released)

Astute on show in the world’s biggest naval base

111114-N-FG395-079KINGS BAY, Ga. (Nov. 14, 2011) A British sailor from the Royal Navy attack submarine HMS Astute (S119) hangs the ship's bell from the quarterdeck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber/Released)

SUBMARINERS AT SEA

Photograph Public Relations (PR) shots of life onboard a Vanguard submarine (V Boat) for Directorate of Naval Recruiting (DNR).POC: FLEET PHOTOGRAPHIC UNITBONAVENTURE BLDHMNB CLYDEFASLANEEXT 3415

SUBMARINERS AT SEA

Photograph Public Relations (PR) shots of life onboard a Vanguard submarine (V Boat) for Directorate of Naval Recruiting (DNR).POC: FLEET PHOTOGRAPHIC UNITBONAVENTURE BLDHMNB CLYDEFASLANEEXT 3415

SUBMARINERS AT SEA

Photograph Public Relations (PR) shots of life onboard a Vanguard submarine (V Boat) for Directorate of Naval Recruiting (DNR).POC: FLEET PHOTOGRAPHIC UNITBONAVENTURE BLDHMNB CLYDEFASLANEEXT 3415

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute

HMS Astute