HMS TRIUMPH S93
(Trafalgar Class Submarine)
[en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Triumph_(S93)]
Since HMS Splendid (formerly affiliated to Blackpool) de-commissioned from the R.N. , the prospect of Blackpool becoming affiliated to another Royal Navy vessel looked bleak. So imagine the surprise when the following was announced in the local press:
"Council Dives In and Returns in Triumph "
BLACKPOOL is set to renew its connections with the Royal Navy – by adopting a submarine. The resort was previously affiliated to U-boat* HMS Splendid until it was decommissioned in 2005.
Naval chiefs have now asked Blackpool Council to forge ties with Trafalgar Class submarine HMS Triumph, which has just returned to sea following a six -year refit.
She will rejoin the fleet in April as one of the most advanced units in the Royal Navy.
Commanding officer Rob Dunn said: “As this is a new beginning for the youngest T-Class submarine, I’m delighted to use this opportunity to rekindle such a fitting affiliation with a town which enjoyed such an excellent relationship with HMS Splendid.
“My ship’s company and I are looking forward to developing our ties with Blackpool into a bond which will last for the life of HMS Triumph.”
HMS Triumph, which was launched in 1991, is 85 metres long, has a beam of nine metres and weighs 5,200 tonnes when dived.
All Trafalgar class nuclear submarines are powered by a pressurised water reactor, giving them a speed in excess of 20 knots and a range limited only by how much food they can carry.
Despite limited space on board, she can accommodate up to 130 crew and has five missile tubes capable of firing Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles.
The submarine will be officially adopted* at a town hall ceremony later this year.
Blackpool Council leader Coun Peter Callow and his deputy Coun Ian Fowler both served in the Royal Navy.
Coun Fowler, who served on submarines for 21 years, said he was delighted the town was renewing links with the service.
He added: “I was bitterly disappointed when the Splendid was decommissioned and I wrote to the regional officer to ask if we could have another submarine affiliated to us but there weren’t any other vessels coming out of refit.
“So when I heard about HMS Triumph, I was overjoyed.”
The affiliation will see crests exchanged between the crew and the council, resort visits and the chance for schoolchildren to see the submarine, which will be based at Faslane on the west coast of Scotland.
* Gazette description [ Blackpool Gazette 25 Feb 2010]
The First Meeting:
The first contact in Blackpool took place in April 2010. The Boat's Captain, Commander Rob Dunn RN, arrived in Blackpool with seven Officers & Men from the Ships Company on April 28. They were:
Lt Nick Stone, Lt Cdr Brian Hambly, Lt Tom Evans, Cox'n Ginge Clifton, POLOGS Greg Barber
AB (TSSM) Martyn Parker ET (WESM) Joe Rush.
On Sat 29 April, there was a reception and buffet at Blackpool Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Norman Hardy. The Blackpool Submariners Association was also in attendance.
The crew were then invited by our Branch to the Comrades Club for the obligatory, 'Dinner Time Sesh'. (See below)
After a decent 'Run Ashore' in Blackpool, the crew made their way home on Sunday afternoon.
[en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Triumph_(S93)]
Since HMS Splendid (formerly affiliated to Blackpool) de-commissioned from the R.N. , the prospect of Blackpool becoming affiliated to another Royal Navy vessel looked bleak. So imagine the surprise when the following was announced in the local press:
"Council Dives In and Returns in Triumph "
BLACKPOOL is set to renew its connections with the Royal Navy – by adopting a submarine. The resort was previously affiliated to U-boat* HMS Splendid until it was decommissioned in 2005.
Naval chiefs have now asked Blackpool Council to forge ties with Trafalgar Class submarine HMS Triumph, which has just returned to sea following a six -year refit.
She will rejoin the fleet in April as one of the most advanced units in the Royal Navy.
Commanding officer Rob Dunn said: “As this is a new beginning for the youngest T-Class submarine, I’m delighted to use this opportunity to rekindle such a fitting affiliation with a town which enjoyed such an excellent relationship with HMS Splendid.
“My ship’s company and I are looking forward to developing our ties with Blackpool into a bond which will last for the life of HMS Triumph.”
HMS Triumph, which was launched in 1991, is 85 metres long, has a beam of nine metres and weighs 5,200 tonnes when dived.
All Trafalgar class nuclear submarines are powered by a pressurised water reactor, giving them a speed in excess of 20 knots and a range limited only by how much food they can carry.
Despite limited space on board, she can accommodate up to 130 crew and has five missile tubes capable of firing Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles.
The submarine will be officially adopted* at a town hall ceremony later this year.
Blackpool Council leader Coun Peter Callow and his deputy Coun Ian Fowler both served in the Royal Navy.
Coun Fowler, who served on submarines for 21 years, said he was delighted the town was renewing links with the service.
He added: “I was bitterly disappointed when the Splendid was decommissioned and I wrote to the regional officer to ask if we could have another submarine affiliated to us but there weren’t any other vessels coming out of refit.
“So when I heard about HMS Triumph, I was overjoyed.”
The affiliation will see crests exchanged between the crew and the council, resort visits and the chance for schoolchildren to see the submarine, which will be based at Faslane on the west coast of Scotland.
* Gazette description [ Blackpool Gazette 25 Feb 2010]
The First Meeting:
The first contact in Blackpool took place in April 2010. The Boat's Captain, Commander Rob Dunn RN, arrived in Blackpool with seven Officers & Men from the Ships Company on April 28. They were:
Lt Nick Stone, Lt Cdr Brian Hambly, Lt Tom Evans, Cox'n Ginge Clifton, POLOGS Greg Barber
AB (TSSM) Martyn Parker ET (WESM) Joe Rush.
On Sat 29 April, there was a reception and buffet at Blackpool Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Norman Hardy. The Blackpool Submariners Association was also in attendance.
The crew were then invited by our Branch to the Comrades Club for the obligatory, 'Dinner Time Sesh'. (See below)
After a decent 'Run Ashore' in Blackpool, the crew made their way home on Sunday afternoon.
HMS TRIUMPH Re-dedication Ceremony
Devonport-based nuclear submarine HMS Triumph, completed it’s £300 million overhaul with the celebration of a re-dedication ceremony in Plymouth on 23 April 2010.
HMS Triumph hosted 750 people at a ceremony to mark the vessel's return to the operational fleet after nuclear refuelling and equipment upgrade. Amongst the guests were representatives of Blackpool Borough Council, Ian & Sue Fowler.
(Also, may I add, that Ian represented the Blackpool & Fylde Submariners Association as well.)
Lady Anne Hamilton, of Epsom, was guest of honour at the re-dedication ceremony at Devonport Naval Base. Lady Hamilton became the submarine's sponsor in 1991 when she launched HMS Triumph. Her husband, Lord Archie Hamilton, was the Defence Secretary at the time.
HMS Triumph's Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Dunn, said: "It was a very special day for HMS Triumph and her ship's company. It marks the end of a long refit and a welcome return to the fleet at a time when our submarine force is stretched throughout the world. She is the newest of our operational submarines and emerges armed to the teeth with the latest equipment and weaponry that will provide a potent presence worldwide for many years to come. I am very proud to be in command of such a fine vessel with such a fine crew and hope that together we shall live up to our motto We Shall Triumph."
The Commanding Officer's wife, Trish Dunn, cut the rededication cake with the youngest member of the ship's company, engineering technician Matthew Corner, 18.
HMS Triumph hosted 750 people at a ceremony to mark the vessel's return to the operational fleet after nuclear refuelling and equipment upgrade. Amongst the guests were representatives of Blackpool Borough Council, Ian & Sue Fowler.
(Also, may I add, that Ian represented the Blackpool & Fylde Submariners Association as well.)
Lady Anne Hamilton, of Epsom, was guest of honour at the re-dedication ceremony at Devonport Naval Base. Lady Hamilton became the submarine's sponsor in 1991 when she launched HMS Triumph. Her husband, Lord Archie Hamilton, was the Defence Secretary at the time.
HMS Triumph's Commanding Officer, Commander Rob Dunn, said: "It was a very special day for HMS Triumph and her ship's company. It marks the end of a long refit and a welcome return to the fleet at a time when our submarine force is stretched throughout the world. She is the newest of our operational submarines and emerges armed to the teeth with the latest equipment and weaponry that will provide a potent presence worldwide for many years to come. I am very proud to be in command of such a fine vessel with such a fine crew and hope that together we shall live up to our motto We Shall Triumph."
The Commanding Officer's wife, Trish Dunn, cut the rededication cake with the youngest member of the ship's company, engineering technician Matthew Corner, 18.
HMS TRIUMPH'S SECOND VISIT TO BLACKPOOL
On September 3rd, four members of HMS Triumph's crew were in Blackpool as V.I.P.s, invited to attend the Switch-On of the 2010 Illuminations.
The following, Saturday, they were cordially invited to the Comrades Club for the obligatory 'Dinner Time Sesh'.
The crew were Ch. Stoker Nobby Styles; Ch. (Tiffy) Dave Brandreth; LH. Chris Rose
and L Chef James (Elly) Ellison.
First things first, off to our Meeting Room to 'Splice the Mainbrace'. (There was whisky as well for those not practiced in the art of Rum Drinking!)
Then back into the Club for some drinking, eating and the purchase of various raffle tickets. (Sorry lads, none of your numbers came up, but one of our members won a bottle of Bacardi which may still be here next time you visit!)
Another good 'Run Ashore' on Saturday night (Funny Girls will remember you forever!), then back to Guzz via Elly's Mum's house, where she forced them to eat scrummy bacon sandwiches.
You guys were really welcome and we look forward to seeing you all in the future.
The following, Saturday, they were cordially invited to the Comrades Club for the obligatory 'Dinner Time Sesh'.
The crew were Ch. Stoker Nobby Styles; Ch. (Tiffy) Dave Brandreth; LH. Chris Rose
and L Chef James (Elly) Ellison.
First things first, off to our Meeting Room to 'Splice the Mainbrace'. (There was whisky as well for those not practiced in the art of Rum Drinking!)
Then back into the Club for some drinking, eating and the purchase of various raffle tickets. (Sorry lads, none of your numbers came up, but one of our members won a bottle of Bacardi which may still be here next time you visit!)
Another good 'Run Ashore' on Saturday night (Funny Girls will remember you forever!), then back to Guzz via Elly's Mum's house, where she forced them to eat scrummy bacon sandwiches.
You guys were really welcome and we look forward to seeing you all in the future.
HMS TRIUMPH IN BLACKPOOL FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2010
The boys were back in town again to keep the name of HMS Triumph alive in the Borough and to pay their respects at the town's Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
They were invited to a social club on the Friday night where they became involved in a fund-raising night for H4H. A tidy sum was raised.
Saturday night was a run ashore in Blackpool. (Sorry, no photos of that.)
Sunday at the Cenotaph. The weather kept dry, but it was bitterly cold. What a fine body of men Triumph proved to be in the march past. Then 'lunch' at the Comrades Club. Very sociable.
This visit consisted of the following:
CPO Dave Brandreth; CPO Nobby Styles; LLOGS Mark Youngs; LET Liam Riley; ET Ash Ashworth; PO Dave Smith; ET Hankey; PO Frankie Rainey.
They were invited to a social club on the Friday night where they became involved in a fund-raising night for H4H. A tidy sum was raised.
Saturday night was a run ashore in Blackpool. (Sorry, no photos of that.)
Sunday at the Cenotaph. The weather kept dry, but it was bitterly cold. What a fine body of men Triumph proved to be in the march past. Then 'lunch' at the Comrades Club. Very sociable.
This visit consisted of the following:
CPO Dave Brandreth; CPO Nobby Styles; LLOGS Mark Youngs; LET Liam Riley; ET Ash Ashworth; PO Dave Smith; ET Hankey; PO Frankie Rainey.