Astute crew row outgoing skipper ashore in traditional farewell from submarine

Commander Chris Bate was given a traditional send-off in a Cornish gig as he left the attack submarine for the final time.

Before departing, he addressed the 100-strong crew of the A-boat, which is based on the Clyde but in Plymouth for a refit, on the jetty, thanking all for their efforts during his 29 months in command.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as the commanding officer of this great submarine and I want to thank you all for your dedication and professionalism throughout my time on board,” he said.

During more than two years in command of the first boat in the class of seven hunter-killer submarines, Commander Bate and his crew patrolled the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, safeguarded home waters, helped with the training and assessment of future submarine commanders (the Perisher course), tested their mettle against the newest boat in the class, HMS Anson, and supported the opening stages of this year’s Carrier Strike Group.

Among Cdr Bate’s last acts as commanding officer was to host Her Majesty The Queen last month [JULY] at a ceremony marking the end of HMS Astute’s first commission (15 years, the longest in the Silent Service’s history).

Command of the submarine now passes to Commander Bob Church from the Royal Navy’s Submarine Support Group.

Under him Astute will undergo her Mid Life Re-Validation Period (MLRP) conducted by the crew in conjunction with MOD experts, defence firm Babcock and scores of contractors.