Published at 16:28, Monday, 24 December 2012

BARROW’S newest supersub has been officially handed over to the Royal Navy.

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In a tradition that dates back more than a century, the blue ensign aboard HMS Ambush was lowered and replaced with the white ensign of the Royal Navy – transferring ownership from BAE Systems following contract acceptance.

The ceremony marked more than 10 years of close teamwork across BAE Systems, the supply chain, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.

HMS Ambush has reached this milestone within three months of sailing from Barrow which, BAE said, demonstrates the learning which is gained as the class progresses. It took first-of-class HMS Astute a year from sailing out of Barrow to reach the same point.

John Hudson, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines, said: “The fact that the MoD has taken ownership of the submarine demonstrates that HMS Ambush has successfully proven she can operate safely and independently.

“It has taken a huge amount of effort, skill and dedication from across the submarine enterprise to reach this milestone, and bring this highly capable submarine a major step closer to operational deployment.”

HMS Ambush left Barrow in September amid a flurry of civic pride and celebratory farewells.

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