HMS Triumph, the last remaining Trafalgar-class attack submarine of the Royal Navy, embarked on its final voyage from HM Naval Base Clyde on December 12, 2024. With over three decades of service under her belt, Triumph's departure from the Clyde was marked by poignant farewells from personnel and the ceremonial display of water cannons from the vessel's escorting tugboats.
Commander Aaron Williams, who leads the 110-member crew, expressed high sentiments on the submarine's legacy. “HMS Triumph has served not just as a vessel, but as a symbol of commitment, courage, and camaraderie,” he stated as the submarine set sail for Devonport, where it will be officially decommissioned.
Laid down at the Barrow shipyard in February 1987, Triumph was commissioned less than five years later, becoming the final addition to the Trafalgar-class submarines. During her illustrious career, she travelled vast distances, including a notable 1993 mission to Australia. Triumph managed to cover 41,000 miles underwater without any support, claiming the record for the longest solo deployment by a Royal Navy submarine at the time.
Beyond her extensive travel, HMS Triumph played significant roles during military operations. She was involved in the Afghanistan campaign, where she launched Tomahawk missiles to support ground forces, and played her part in the NATO-led intervention in Libya, firing from the Mediterranean. Her return from such missions was traditionally celebrated with the Jolly Roger flag, signifying the completion of successful combat operations.
The name 'HMS Triumph' carries considerable history, tracing back to the first Royal Navy vessel of the same name—a 680-gun galleon built during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. With Triumph regarded as both the last of the Trafalgar-class and the final remnant of the Cold War submarine fleet, Rear Admiral Andy Perks acknowledged the emotions surrounding this milestone: “The last of the Cold War submarines…have helped keep our country safe for over 30 years,” he stated, emphasizing the pride and sadness accompanying this historic transition.
While Triumph bids farewell to its frontline duties, the baton will pass to the Astute-class submarines, the latest generation of advanced attack submarines currently operational within the Royal Navy. These vessels—HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious, and Anson—are capable of sophisticated operations expected to exceed their predecessors. With two more Astute-class submarines under construction, the Royal Navy aims to bolster its capabilities as Triumph stands down.
The decommissioning ceremony for HMS Triumph is set for 2025, capping off its distinguished service. This event will serve as both a retrospect of Triumph's long service and a herald for the new era of submarines, reflecting the evolution of maritime defense operations.
Triumph's legacy, as highlighted by Commander Williams, will endure through the memories of those who served aboard. This moment signifies not merely the conclusion of Triumph’s timeline but also the continuation of narratives woven by the efforts of its dedicated crew and their families, who supported them throughout their commitments.
Overall, the departure of HMS Triumph serves as both a tribute to its storied past and as a reminder of the steadfastness of naval service—a commitment to protect and serve, honored by each wave goodbye from the Clyde.