Heartwarming pictures have captured the lovely moment sailors on board HMS Vanguard returned to HMNB Clyde last weekend.
Crew were captured standing and waving on the submarine as it was coming alongside after more than six months on continuous at sea deterrent patrol.
The submarine left Faslane in March and has spent over 200 days at sea, one of the longest patrols completed by the fleet.
Another Vanguard has already sailed to take its place, maintaining the country’s nuclear posture under Operation Relentless.
Around 140 submariners endured the routine of life underwater for over half a year, separated from their families and operating without pause.
Family members and friends lined the shoreline and waved to their loved ones with flags on October 1.
Defence Secretary John Healey joined the crew for their final passage home, accompanied by Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan.
The group toured the submarine and met personnel to hear first-hand accounts of the patrol.
The Vanguard Class, equipped with the Trident missile system, continues to provide the UK’s strategic deterrent until the new Dreadnought Class boats come into service.
Increasingly lengthy patrols have become more common as the Navy sustains the deterrent with an ageing fleet while preparing for transition.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADL, the First Sea Lord, said: “Since April 1969, Royal Navy Submariners have proudly delivered the UK’s deterrent patrols, a silent sentinel ready to respond to the most extreme threats to the UK.
“The mission demands extraordinary commitment, not only from our submariners, but from their families.
"Their modest strength and resolute support enable us to deliver our deterrent posture. The nuclear deterrent remains the Royal Navy’s foremost responsibility, ensuring we remain vigilant, always ready.”
The homecoming was an extra special moment for one of the families when crew member Mark met his baby son Toby for the first time.
Toby, a brother for Henry, was born while his dad was on patrol and there were tears of joy when his wife Amy introduced Mark to the newest member of the family.
Mark said: “I have waited a long time to meet Toby but there are no words to describe how good it feels to hold him in my arms at last. Now that I’m home, I look forward to getting to know him and spending time with Amy and the boys.”
Another family who had gathered to welcome home their loved one was Megan and her three children, Thomas, Nevaeh and Archie. The children were all looking forward to seeing their dad, Michael.
“We are so happy to be seeing Michael again although I only told the kids today that their dad is coming home as the excitement can get too much for them and they can’t sleep,” said Megan.
“While he is away, I miss that other person in my life who is your rock and always has your back. As a family, it’s the little things you miss like just spending time together. We are looking forward to planning some days out and ordering takeaways together.”
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