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Warm welcome home for latest deterrent patrol
6 October 2025
ROYAL NAVY SUBMARINERS from a Vanguard Class submarine were welcomed home as they returned to HM Naval Base Clyde following the latest UK nuclear deterrent patrol.
The submariners’ families and loved ones are often the unsung heroes. They provide the support that enables military personnel to carry out their vital defence tasking.
Over 400 family members gathered in at the base for the welcome home event organised by Naval Base staff and the Royal Navy Family and People Support (RNFPS) team. The RNFPS team work closely with the families of submariners over the course of the whole deployment, organising fun events to keep families in touch and provide support if needed.
Submariners have very little communication with family and loved ones while they are away on patrol. One of the highlights of the week is when the crew members receive their ‘Family Gram’ – a short message of up to 120 words – from home.
The 140-strong crew were joined on the final part of their journey by Defence Secretary John Healey, Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan.
After the visit to the submarine at sea, both the Defence Secretary and the First Sea Lord joined families within HM Naval Base Clyde to thank them personally.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADL, the First Sea Lord, said:
“Since April 1969, Royal Navy Submariners have proudly delivered the UK’s deterrent patrols, a silent sentinel ready to respond to the most extreme threats to the UK.
“The mission demands extraordinary commitment, not only from our submariners, but from their families. Their modest strength and resolute support enable us to deliver our deterrent posture. The nuclear deterrent remains the Royal Navy’s foremost responsibility, ensuring we remain vigilant, always ready.”
The homecoming was an extra special moment for one of the families when crew member Mark met his baby son Toby for the first time. Toby, a brother for Henry, was born while his dad was on patrol and there were tears of joy when his wife Amy introduced Mark to the newest member of the family.
Since April 1969, Royal Navy Submariners have proudly delivered the UK’s deterrent patrols, a silent sentinel ready to respond to the most extreme threats to the UK.
Mark said: “I have waited a long time to meet Toby but there are no words to describe how good it feels to hold him in my arms at last. Now that I’m home, I look forward to getting to know him and spending time with Amy and the boys.”
Another family who had gathered to welcome home their loved one was Megan and her three children, Thomas, Nevaeh and Archie. The children were all looking forward to seeing their dad, Michael.
“We are so happy to be seeing Michael again although I only told the kids today that their dad is coming home as the excitement can get too much for them and they can’t sleep,” said Megan.
“While he is away, I miss that other person in my life who is your rock and always has your back. As a family, it’s the little things you miss like just spending time together. We are looking forward to planning some days out and ordering takeaways together.”
Known at the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), since 1969 at least one nuclear-powered ballistic submarine has been at sea armed with nuclear missiles. Since then, there has never been a moment when the Royal Navy has ceased patrolling, providing the UK and her NATO allies with the ultimate security guarantee.
The deterrent mission entails an enormous national endeavour. Generations of submariners, MOD civilians, industry partners, and small business have contributed, and still contribute, towards maintaining the deterrent.
During the military and MOD visitors’ trip to Faslane, there was also the opportunity to tour the site to learn more about how the base is transforming to accommodate the next generation of deterrent submarines – the Dreadnought Class.
Work is underway to build four new single living blocks, part of a larger multi-billion programme to redevelop the base’s waterfront infrastructure, supporting the new Dreadnought and Astute class submarines and improving the lives of submariners who live and work at the base.
Just last week (22 September) the fourth and final Dreadnought Class submarine entered production at BAE Systems in Barrow.
The construction work is supporting tens of thousands of defence nuclear jobs and apprenticeships across the country.