Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines are among the country’s most well-kept secrets, with the whereabouts closely guarded. A Vanguard-Class submarine, one of four that carry the nation’s nuclear deterrent, is always on patrol, prepared to launch Trident missiles under the Prime Minister’s orders. Only a select few onboard are privy to its route, and its position remains undisclosed during deployment.
Operating silently beneath the ocean’s surface, the submarine receives minimal external communication to evade detection by potential adversaries. Recently, The Mirror had a unique opportunity to join the Prime Minister on a visit to a returning submarine after a record 206-day mission, known discreetly as “story X” prior to the event. The operation was shrouded in secrecy, with only a handful of individuals aware of the destination.
In the early morning hours, amidst a dark and choppy sea, the Prime Minister and The Mirror’s representative embarked on a boat journey to rendezvous with the surfaced submarine, whose identity remains undisclosed for security purposes. As dawn broke over the Scottish shoreline, the massive vessel emerged into view, encircled by military vessels manned by armed personnel.
Approaching cautiously, permission was awaited before docking alongside the submarine, where Royal Navy submariners awaited on deck. The journey onto the submarine commenced with navigating the gangway to the hatch, leading to a descent down a steep ladder into the interior of the vessel.
Upon entry, a distinct scent of oil and salt permeated the air, reminiscent of fish that quickly dissipated. Traversing a labyrinth of rooms illuminated by artificial lighting, the tour highlighted essential areas of the submarine’s defense systems, including the communication center and the control room adorned with numerous screens and operational controls.
An intriguing feature was the presence of advanced sonar systems detecting not only other vessels but also marine life such as whales and dolphins, unaware of the submarine’s silent glide. Notably, a secure safe held a critical letter from the Prime Minister outlining directives in the event of a nuclear strike decimating the British government.
The weight of responsibility borne by the Prime Minister was evident, as meeting the submarine crew left a profound impact, described as a “humbling” experience. The crew of 160 operates in shifts, enduring long periods of darkness without exposure to natural light, relying on special lamps and supplements to mitigate the effects.
Meal times serve as a primary marker of time passage, with a regimented schedule including Sunday roasts, steak, curry, and fish and chips. To maintain fitness levels, exercise equipment like running machines and weights are strategically placed, with a surprising exercise area adjacent to missile casings.
Football scores and competitive sweepstakes contribute to camaraderie onboard, complemented by a designated barber for grooming needs. Crew members reside in tight quarters, fostering close bonds within the isolated submarine community. Limited communication with families underscores the sacrifices made during extended deployments, with crew members learning of life-changing events like births or deaths while at sea.