HM Naval Base Clyde

21/05/2026

11/05/2026

🎉CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM HMNB CLYDE who set out at 0530 AM on Saturday 9 May to walk (and in some cases run!) the distance of 40 miles from Keswick to Barrow-in-Furness through the challenging terrain of the Lake District.

This year Team HMNB Clyde raised funds for the British Heart Foundation and Motor Neuron Disease Scotland. The team chose MND Scotland to ‘give something back’ for the exceptional support provided to a valued member of the One Clyde Community upon her recent and devastating diagnosis of this disease.

The first Keswick to Barrow Walk took place on 1st April 1967, as a result of a statement by the late US President John F Kennedy that “every American should be capable of walking 50 miles a day”.

Last year’s Keswick to Barrow walk raised a record breaking £605,550 which was donated to various charities and good causes.

Well Done Team HMNB Clyde! 🎉👣 If you wish to donate, you can do so via HMNB Clyde coordinator, Debbie Walker's link: https://keswick2barrow.co.uk/donate/107654?cid2=107654

06/05/2026

Britain’s biggest warship has sailed from Scotland to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to the security of the Atlantic and High North.

01/05/2026

Royal Navy submariners gathered at HM Naval Base Clyde’s Supermess Conference Room on Wednesday, 22nd April, for the Submarine Service’s People Hub Conference.

The event, which was being held on the Submarine Service’s 125th anniversary year, was an opportunity for personnel to learn about the support available to them and their families, supplied by a host of organisations and charities.

Opening the one-day event was Commodore Ben Haskins CBE, Commander of the Submarine Flotilla and Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines. He was joined by a series of guest speakers and there was also an exhibition space where organisations, including Royal Navy Family and People Support, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Naval Families Federation, and the Naval Children's Charity, could chat with submariners and provide information.

Lieutenant Paddy Sheekey, People Hub Executive Officer, who helped organise the event, said: “The People Hub exists to support the whole Submarine Service community, not just the individual sailor or platform, but families as well.

“We have taken time to listen to feedback from across the Flotilla and a clear theme was, not a lack of support but rather a lack of awareness and confidence in how to access the support.

“The stalls and briefs at the Conference were deliberately chosen to address this,” he said. “The areas people most asked about include divisional support, mental health and wellbeing, family and relationship support, career management, and help for families during deployments. We are trying to make that support visible and easier to navigate.”

With 2026 being the 125th anniversary of the Submarine Service, there was an opportunity to reflect on how support needs have changed over time.

“While the basic concept of submarining remains the same as it did on the first submarine, Holland 1, the context, environment, and the technology has changed significantly,” said Lieutenant Sheekey.

“Modern submariners and their families face additional pressures – longer periods of separation, dual-career households, higher operational tempo and challenges. But there is also a greater awareness and openness around mental health and wellbeing.”

He continued: “There is a general shift in expectations. People are more confident seeking support early, to ask questions, and to expect clear, accessible information.

“We need to ensure our support structures evolve at the same pace, with new approaches. What we are doing now through the People Hube, in conjunction with the many dedicated and passionate support agencies, is laying the foundations for future support.”

One such support agency attending the People Hub Conference was Royal Navy Family and People Support (RN FPS).

Community Development Worker, Sophia McArdle, said: “Community support is offered in a variety of different settings including centres close to RN units. It includes things like kid’s clubs, coffee mornings, Sunday lunch and quiz nights, designed to connect with serving people and their families.

“In the past, support was provided locally, but with the use of technology and the Royal Navy Forum we have expanded our support network and are able to reach families from as far afield as South Africa and now offer national online events and clubs.

“Previously, it was mostly partners and spouses we connected with,” she said, “but we now talk online with many parents, grandparents, siblings, and even a few aunts and uncles.”

Sophia also explained the various kinds of support offered by RN FPS.

“Information support is available, as and when required. We send helpful arrival information to families new to their area to make settling in as simple as possible. Also, deployment packs to support the serving person and their families, including memory boxes for children to help with their serving person being away.”

She continued: “There are times when a more specialist service is required to give support during a crisis or personal situation. RN FPS specialist welfare staff offer guidance, and both practical and emotional support.

“We have a good working relationship with the Submarine Flotilla, ensuring families have a connection to the community and feel informed, involved, and supported no matter where they live.”

The Royal Navy Submarine Service began in 1901 with the arrival of the navy’s first submarine, “Holland 1”.

Since then, submarines have played a crucial role in protecting the nation through two World Wars, the Cold War, and conflicts in the Middle East. During this time, the Service has earned a total of 14 Victoria Crosses.

The Royal Navy Submarine Service provides the UK with unique military capabilities. They can operate undetected and so contribute to intelligence gathering, special operations, and can carry out surprise attacks. They can be used to protect aircraft carriers, hunt other submarines, and attack land targets using weapons such as the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile.

Submarines also provide a deterrent effect. The Royal Navy’s Vanguard Class submarines contribute to the delivery of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), a mission which the Submarine Service has fulfilled, unbroken, since 1969.

From the 2030s the nuclear deterrent baton will be passed to a new generation of submarines, the Dreadnought Class. Extensive work is underway to transform HM Naval Base Clyde so that it continues to maintain and operate fleet and ballistic submarines for many decades to come.

📸 LPhot Damien Bye

22/04/2026

ROYAL NAVY PERSONNEL engaged in the nation’s number one defence tasking, returned home on Saturday, 18th April after completing another successful mission delivering the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).

16/04/2026

THE CHILDREN of Naval Base Clyde workers recently participated in this year’s Easter Kings Camps, which is sponsored by Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

67 children were in attendance at the camp, running out of Lomond School Sports Hall, all eager to make new friends and partake in activities designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

On Wednesday, April 15, Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Philip Nicholson RN, HMNB Clyde’s First Lieutenant (1LT) took the time to drop in and see just how important this camp is to children of service personnel and local residents. Whilst there, he jumped in on a game of dodgeball, taking time to engage with children and staff members, and not forgetting to snap a picture with their teddy bear mascot, Kingsley.

After engaging with the kids and the camp’s staff, Phil said “It was great to see all the hard work that the Kings Camp staff put into organising these activities during the school holidays. School holiday periods can be especially hard for parents to keep children entertained and it was clear that they were all really enjoying themselves.”

“With the generous support of RNRMC, these camps across the UK support families in the community, strengthening links between the Royal Navy and the local area.”

The RNRMC provides grants to the camp, which offers a wide range of sports and activities to children aged five to fourteen.

A week at this camp is a fantastic way for children to have some fun. Starting with warm welcomes and leading onto the famous mid-week Wet Wednesday – where children are outside playing various water games – and finishing with the Kings Games, a brilliant way to show parents a glimpse of what has happened throughout the week and possibly leave a Camp Champion.

Due to weather, this week’s Wet Wednesday became Wacky Wednesday. Children were encouraged to dress up with odd socks, crazy hairstyles, and fully embrace the wacky energy.

Kings Camp host summer and school holiday camps at over fifty locations across the UK. The company is a leading provider of holiday sports and activity day camps for children and works closely with Naval Service communities.

📸 Credit - LPhot Damien Bye

02/04/2026

01/04/2026

WELL DONE to the team of Physical Training Instructors at HMNB Clyde who were recognised for their extraordinary contribution in delivering an exceptional standard of physical development, adventurous training and force generation support to the Naval Base.

The Deployable Regional Unit (North) were presented with the Herbert Lott Award on Monday, March 30th in the HMS Neptune Sportsdrome.

Heading up the group was Chief Petty Officer Oswald who was commended for guiding the team through a period of unprecedented challenge while displaying exemplary leadership, adaptability and determination. His ability to keep morale high under sustained pressure has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s first-rate output.

Supporting him, Petty Officer Coen has demonstrated outstanding organisation skills, drive, and professional mastery. Her leadership of several highly successful overseas scuba diving expeditions has been a standout achievement. She was personally responsible for qualifying twenty‑four personnel as Ocean or Sports Divers.

In addition, Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) Lavender developed and delivered a weekly programme of Adventurous Training which has been hugely successful across the Base. His ongoing commitment has strengthened physical robustness, teamwork, and confidence, particularly among junior personnel.

LPT James has delivered similarly exceptional output, organising an Adventurous Training package for submariners in Barrow in direct support of the Dreadnought build programme, a contribution that strengthened unity and resilience during a period of heightened operational focus.

The team have been jointly recognised for their continued efforts to bring Base staff together at fun fitness events like Hyrox, the annual Santa Dash and Battle of the Boats which have strengthened moral and improved community spirit.

Captain Boyd, who was presenting the Team with their awards in the HMS Neptune Wellbeing Suite said: “Operating under challenging circumstances, the Deployable Regional Unit (North) has delivered outstanding physical development, adventurous training, and force generation support across the Base and wider region.

“Through strong leadership, teamwork, and determination, the team has expanded opportunities, strengthened resilience, and boosted morale across HMNB Clyde. 👏💪 A brilliant example and thoroughly deserving recipients of the Herbert Lott Award.”

Mr Herbert Lott was a member of the London Stock Exchange and was extremely interested in the Royal Navy and the part it played in the defence of the Commonwealth. In 1928 he opened negotiations with the Admiralty for the creation of a Trust Fund and made an initial donation of £20,000, which he increased shortly after by another £5,000. The Herbert Lott Naval Trust Fund was instituted in 1930 to make awards to "those who shall show marked efficiency or shall contribute in signal degree to the improvement of the appliances of the Naval and Marine Forces". When Mr Lott died in 1948 he left the whole of the residue of his estate (over £100,000) to the Trust Fund that bears his name.

31/03/2026

A new training facility extension, which will be used to train Royal Navy submariners operating the next generation of deterrent submarines, has officially opened at HM Naval Base Clyde.

The UK’s new Trident Training Facility (TTF) Extension was opened ahead of schedule on March 24th with Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, US Director of Strategic Programs (DirSSP), cutting the ribbon.

“The Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) is foundational to the US-UK sea-based strategic deterrence relationship, and crucial to the collective security of our NATO allies,” said Vice Admiral Wolfe.

“It is truly an honor to open this facility in my role as Director Strategic Systems Programs and US guardian of that important relationship. The legacy of the PSA is built on the relentless dedication of the people who directly support UK and US strategic deterrent programs.”

The UK’s number one defence mission – the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) – is currently provided by the Royal Navy’s fleet of four Vanguard Class submarines carrying the Trident strategic weapons system.

From early 2030, the Vanguards will be gradually replaced by the new Dreadnought Class – the most powerful, and technically advanced, submarines ever built for the Royal Navy.

Currently under construction at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, the Dreadnought boats will deliver and maintain the UK’s CASD posture, which has existed since April 1969. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent exists to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, which cannot be deterred by other means.

The arrival of the new vessels means new training for those who will “sail” and “fight” the submarine. Up to 130 Royal Navy submariners will crew each of the new Dreadnought submarines and the new Trident Training Facility Extension will provide the crew, and in particular the weapons engineers, with bespoke training using shore-based equipment exactly replicating that found onboard the Dreadnought vessels.

The new TTF Extension will have its first intake of students later this year. The facility completed its testing phase at the end of 2025, ten weeks ahead of schedule.

Also attending the opening of the TTF Extension was Rear Admiral Robbie Lauchlan, the UK’s Chief Strategic Systems Executive (CSSE).

“I would like to say thank you to everyone in the UK who contributed to the new Trident Training Facility, particularly to the Royal Navy and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for the building and the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) for delivering the complex systems to train on,” said Rear Admiral Lauchlan.

“Today is a proud moment – this is a key milestone on the way towards the next generation of the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent.”

He continued: “But we didn’t do it alone and jointly delivered this essential facility alongside our US partners, exemplifying the strength of the partnership enabled by the Polaris Sales Agreement.”

The opening of the TTF Extension is among a host of developments at HM Naval Base Clyde – the Home of the UK Submarine Service.

Last year, the government approved a £270.7M investment package – an initial three-year funding that will be used to adapt and improve infrastructure at the Clyde base, preparing it to welcome the Dreadnought Class and the Royal Navy’s next generation of attack submarines.

Part of the improvements on-site also include the construction of four new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks. The first two, earmarked for submarine students undertaking training at Clyde’s new Royal Navy Submarine Training Centre (RNSTC), are scheduled to open late this year.

The developments are set to make 2026 an extra special year for the Royal Navy Submarine Service, who are celebrating 125 years since the service was formed with the arrival of the UK’s first submarine, “Holland 1”.

📸 LPhot Bill Spurr