UK’s last Trafalgar submarine makes final voyage

Commander of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, salutes HMS Triumph as she leaves HMNB Clyde.

Royal Navy Two men salute as the submarine leaves the naval base. Men standing on the submarine in the distance can be seen to return the salute. — Commander of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, salutes HMS Triumph as she leaves HMNB Clyde.

The Royal Navy’s last Trafalgar-Class attack submarine has completed its final voyage from Scotland to be decommissioned.

HMS Triumph sailed from HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane in Argyll, to HMNB Devonport in Plymouth to retire after more than 20 years in service.

It was the last remaining of seven Trafalgar Class attack submarines deployed in operations around the world including Australia, Afghanistan and Libya.

Clyde tugboats fired water cannons to send off the submarine and its 110-strong crew on Tuesday, before being welcomed by waving well-wishers as it sailed into Plymouth Sound.

HMS Triumph is given a send off by Clyde tugboats firing their water cannons

Royal Navy HMS Triumph submarine at sea, with two tugboats sailing alongside it and firing their water cannons. Hills and trees are visible in the background. — HMS Triumph is given a send off by Clyde tugboats firing their water cannons

HMS Triumph arrived flying a decommissioning pennant as it was escorted by tugboats and vessels from Devonport.

Commander Aaron Williams, HMS Triumph’s commanding officer, said the Royal Navy would reflect on the legacy of HMS Triumph “with immense pride”.

He added: “The submarine has served not just as a vessel, but as a symbol of commitment, courage, and camaraderie.

“While this chapter of HMS Triumph’s story ends, her spirit will endure in the memories of all who served aboard her, and in the gratitude of the nation she helped protect.”

HMS Triumph sails down Gare Loch on a sunny winter day after leaving Clyde base

Royal Navy HMS Triumph at sea on a bright sunny day with blue skies and clear blue water — HMS Triumph sails down Gare Loch on a sunny winter day after leaving Clyde base

HMS Triumph was laid down in Barrow shipyard in February 1987 and commissioned less than five years later in October 1991.

The submarine deployed to Australia in 1993, travelling 41,000 miles submerged without support, which at the time was the longest solo deployment by a Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine.

The vessel later served in Afghanistan, launching Tomahawk missiles at targets, and was later deployed to Libya – again firing her weaponry at positions from the Mediterranean Sea.