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Hail the warrior king as submarine HMS Agamemnon is launched
3 October 2024
The most advanced hunter-killer submarine in the Royal Navy is today in the water for the first time.
HMS Agamemnon, the penultimate Astute-class submarine built for the UK’s Silent Service, has been formally launched at BAE Systems’ facility in Barrow, following a delicate operation to move the 7,400-tonne boat from the construction hall into the neighbouring basin.
Nicknamed ‘Awesome Aggie’, the sixth of seven Astute-class submarines built for the Royal Navy over the past quarter of a century, takes her name from the legendary Greek king who besieged Troy.
When she joins the Fleet, Agamemnon will serve at the leading edge of submarine operations into the second half of the 21st Century, shielding the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carrier task groups from hostile threats, gathering intelligence, launching Royal Marine raids and, where necessary, striking at the UK’s enemies on land with pinpoint accuracy through her Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Agamemnon’s Commanding Officer Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby said it had taken a superb collaborative effort between BAE Systems Submarines, Agamemnon’s crew and the wider Astute enterprise to ready the leviathan for her launch – 123 years to the day the nation’s first submarine was completed in the same yard.
“It is fantastic to finally get Awesome Aggie into the water in preparation for the final stages of build and commissioning of this extremely complex and highly capable submarine,” Commander Crosby said.
“While the roll out and launch is not as exciting as an historic dynamic launch on a slipway, it does have periods of excitement – and it has taken months of detailed planning across the entire build enterprise to get safely to this stage.
“The days of the actual launch have been long but ultimately it is a very special period for all involved and one that they and their families, as well as the people of Barrow, should be extremely proud of.”
Having commanded three of Agamemnon’s older sister boats – HMS Astute, Artful and Anson – Commander Crosby knows all about the hard work, dedication and skill it takes to get an Astute boat through the final commissioning activities and into service.
“There is still plenty to do until we get to exit Agamemnon from Barrow, but the entire workforce should be full of pride for what they have achieved with this build so far,” he continued.
“I am looking forward to working with our friends at BAE Systems, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the wider enterprise to get Agamemnon through these final tests and in readiness for her exit from Barrow.”
Able Seaman Writer Lana Chilton has been involved with creating and then supporting the human resources hub for Agamemnon over the past 18 months, ensuring her shipmates have the administrative support and guidance they require.
She has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of watching the boat and crew grow in tandem as the ship’s company was forged and daily routines/working life developed ready to operate the hunter-killer when Agamemnon goes to sea.
“It has been an exciting opportunity to be part of a boat in build and I am eager to be involved in the launch process of the Navy’s newest Astute-class submarine,” she added.
“It’s a rewarding evolution for everyone involved, watching our hard work come together and supporting HMS Agamemnon as she progresses to become the newest submarine joining the Fleet.”
Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines, said the roll-out/launch was a “hugely significant milestone for everyone” involved with Agamemnon and the Astute programme.
“The design and build of a nuclear-powered submarine is incredibly complex and a truly national endeavour, and I pay tribute to the thousands of highly-skilled people who have helped get Agamemnon to this stage,” he added.
“Submarines are a vital component of the UK’s defence capabilities and we must now work collectively to ensure Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy as soon as possible.”
Still under construction in the gigantic Devonshire Dock Hall which dominates the Barrow townscape, is the final Astute-class boat, HMS Agincourt, as well as HMS Dreadnought, the first of the future nuclear deterrent submarines.