Commissioned in 2010, HMS Astute is the first of the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines and holds numerous operational firsts. These include being the first A-boat to visit Australia in support of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s carrier group and the AUKUS defence partnership, the first to transit the Suez Canal, and the first to visit the USA for advanced weapons and sonar trials.
Often operating unseen, Astute and her sister submarines have played a key role in safeguarding UK waters through highly classified and rarely publicised missions. Her first commission stands as the longest initial deployment in the history of the Royal Navy’s Silent Service.
To mark the end of this historic chapter, Astute’s crew hosted a final sea voyage for families, friends, and VIPs. Guests departed from Plymouth for a short underwater experience, offering a rare glimpse into life aboard a nuclear-powered submarine.
Onboard hospitality included a light-hearted culinary highlight from the galley—“cheesy wham bam,” a dish of cheese on toast with grilled ham and fried egg. Commander Christopher Bate, Astute’s Commanding Officer, explained, “This snapshot was a small token from the ship’s company to celebrate and thank friends and families for the support and sacrifices made while HMS Astute had been away and on operations and show them some of the differences that life on a nuclear submarine holds.”
While all Astute-class submarines are based at HM Naval Base Clyde, major upgrade and refit work is carried out at Devonport Dockyard. The same high-tech facilities are also responsible for maintaining the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class strategic deterrent submarines.
Five Astute-class boats are currently in service, with HMS Agamemnon set to be commissioned this autumn and HMS Achilles in the final stages of construction in Barrow. HMS Astute now begins her next phase, continuing to play a vital role in the UK’s underwater capabilities.
