Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
HMS Achilles crew honour Blackpool’s fallen as they forge first ties with resort
12 November 2025
Royal Navy personnel helped the people of England’s most famous seaside resort look to the past – and future – at this year’s Remembrance
For the first time, crew of HMS Achilles – the seventh and final Astute-class submarine – joined townsfolk at Blackpool’s War Memorial to remember past sacrifices, but also forge new friendships.
The resort enjoyed a long and fruitful affiliation with HMS Triumph which ended in July when the last Trafalgar-class submarine finally paid off at her home base in Plymouth.
Not wishing to be unaffiliated for long, the torch was quickly passed to HMS Achilles, which is in the later stages of construction at the BAE complex in Barrow-in-Furness, only 22 miles away as the crow flies – but an 80-mile/two-hour drive around Morecambe Bay.
Leading the contingent from the hunter-killer submarine on a very wet day in Lancashire was Lieutenant Will Houghton:
“It was a special moment in time for us to represent HMS Achilles, forging our affiliation and relationship with the people of Blackpool during this poignant service,” Will said.
To parade along the promenade during this act of Remembrance, after laying a wreath at the cenotaph was a truly unforgettable highlight for the boat.
photographs credit to: Elizabeth Gomm Photography
“To parade along the promenade during this act of Remembrance, after laying a wreath at the cenotaph was a truly unforgettable highlight for the boat.”
Also attending the service with local cadet, veterans’ groups, VIPs and Blackpoolers was Lieutenant Antonio Valente, Naval Regional Engagement Officer (North-West) from HMS Eaglet in Liverpool, representing the Royal Navy’s Headquarters Northern England and Isle of Man.
He laid a wreath on behalf of Naval Regional Commander Commodore Thomas Knowles.
"It means a great deal to us to be here with the people of Blackpool. Remembrance brings us together — to honour those who served before us, to support our veterans and families today, and to reaffirm the bond between the Royal Navy and this town,” Lt Valente said.
“The connection with HMS Achilles is more than ceremonial — it is built on respect, shared values, and a sense of community."