The King thanks Royal Navy submariners and families at Scottish naval base
Published 17/09/2024
Visiting HM Naval Base Clyde, in Scotland, His Majesty boarded a British Vanguard-class submarine, toured the vessel and spoke with crew members.
His Majesty recognised the dedication of Royal Navy submariners when he visited the home of the UK Submarine Service at Coulport, part of HM Naval Base Clyde.
Welcomed on-site by First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, His Majesty received the Royal Salute before being greeted by senior members of the Royal Navy.
The King then toured one of the UK’s Vanguard-class submarines before being shown the Control Room where he chatted with crew members about their roles and thanked them for their commitment.
His Majesty was also shown some of the living areas onboard, including the bunk space and galley. Before leaving the vessel, he visited the Senior Rates’ Mess where he met a few more of the ship’s company and signed the visitors’ book.
During his visit the King met with a group of Gold Deterrent Pin holders, giving his thanks for their outstanding contribution. Royal Navy Deterrent Patrol pins are awarded to Submariners for their contribution to the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD). There are three levels of achievement: pewter, silver, and gold. Gold is awarded to those Submariners who have spent the greatest amount of time under the waves.
Due to the geographical position of a Vanguard-class submarine remaining a classified secret while on patrol, most of the crew are unaware of their location. Therefore, submariners have little contact with the outside world. However, one important link with their families is the arrival of the “Family Gram”, a 120-word, one-way message that arrives weekly.
Patrolling Submariners will also receive a snapshot of local and international news stories, as well as sporting results.
As part of the visit, His Majesty thanked the families of Submariners for their sacrifice in the defence of the United Kingdom.
Today’s visit was the first The King had made to HN Naval Base Clyde as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces. He had visited the military site in 2011 and 2013 as The Prince of Wales.
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