In a rare break from naval tradition, the King read the commissioning warrant himself, declaring the submarine ready for service. A service of blessing was led by the Chaplain of the Fleet Reverend Doctor Mark Davidson, alongside Agamemnon’s commanding officer, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby.
Defence Secretary John Healey, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins and BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn addressed the audience before His Majesty’s arrival. The King also took the Royal Salute from the Guard and met principal guests, including Lady Sarah Jane Sedwill, the boat’s sponsor, who praised “Team Aggie” for their efforts in bringing the vessel into service.
Lady Sedwill said: “Over the past two years I have watched HMS Agamemnon become the awesome vessel being commissioned today. Just as awesome is the commitment of her crew, and their families and friends who support them.”
Commander Crosby, taking command of his fourth Astute-class submarine, said the boat represented the work of a vast national endeavour. He described HMS Agamemnon as a machine which “stands at the forefront of modern submarine warfare in the most unforgiving of all battlespaces.”
Once operational, the submarine will be based at HM Naval Base Clyde, joining her five sisters already in service. Equipped with Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,000 miles, she will both protect the nation’s nuclear deterrent and strike at hostile forces if required.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: “The commissioning of the sixth Astute class submarine, HMS Agamemnon and the steel cut for the fourth Dreadnought-class submarine, HMS King George VI, mark significant milestones in the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding our nation. These achievements underscore the critical role of the Continuous at Sea Deterrent in ensuring our security and the importance of cutting-edge warfighting capabilities in an ever-evolving threat landscape. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional workforce at Barrow, whose dedication, skill, and innovation continue to drive forward these vital programmes, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of global maritime defence.”
HMS Agamemnon is the sixth Royal Navy vessel to bear the name, dating back to the 18th century when Admiral Lord Nelson commanded an earlier Agamemnon. In tribute, oak timbers from the original warship, donated by Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum, have been used to craft the new submarine’s battle honours board.
Earlier on the same day, John Healey cut the first steel for HMS King George VI, the fourth Dreadnought-class submarine now under construction at the Barrow yard. These submarines will replace the Vanguard class from the early 2030s and continue Operation Relentless, the Royal Navy’s unbroken nuclear deterrent patrols since 1969.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarines, said: “It’s a privilege to host these ceremonies at our shipyard. Cutting steel on the fourth Dreadnought submarine demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made on the programme, whilst the sixth Astute class boat, HMS Agamemnon, joins the long and distinguished list of Barrow-built vessels to be commissioned into the Royal Navy. The enduring partnership between our Barrow shipyard and the Navy dates back to the Victorian age and our role as the UK’s home of submarine design and build is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Following the commissioning, King Charles visited Barrow Town Hall to bestow Royal Port status on the town. The title recognises Barrow’s more than 150 years of ship and submarine building, making it the UK’s centre for submarine design and construction.
Sources:
UK Ministry of Defence (press release)
