SINCE 1969 submarines built in Barrow have supported Operation Relentless – providing what is called Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD). In an unbroken sequence, there has always been a submarine on deterrent patrol at all times, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, 365 days-a-year, for the past 50 years.

Half a century after HMS Resolution slipped into Walney Channel, work on the Dreadnought Class submarines is well underway at BAE Systems. The Royal Navy is marking the 50-year anniversary by thanking those involved with Operation Relentless and in particular, those who have served aboard deterrent submarines, often being away from friends and family for months at a time.

In Barrow the half century milestone of Continuous At Sea Deterrence recognises the generations of families from the town who have worked in the shipyard, building famous submarines like Resolution, Repulse, Vanguard and Victorious. The names are branded into the town's heritage.

Steve Bamber, now General Manager of BAE Systems' state of the art Central Yard Complex, started work at the shipyard as an apprentice straight from school. Now managing facilities that are crucial to Dreadnought's build, he is the fourth of five generations from his family to have worked in the shipyard.

Steve said: "My great grandfather and grandfather both worked in the yard. My dad was an Apprentice Instructor here and he's still working here, he's 79. Now my son and daughter both work here.

"We are absolutely committed to delivering Dreadnought. It's in our blood, it's in our DNA."

A cabinet in Steve's office contains commissioning books from several of the vessels he has worked on, including HMS Vanguard which plays its part delivering CASD today. Similar publications, as well as photographs and artefacts, are available at Barrow's Dock Museum, where the town's proud shipbuilding past is remembered.

Barrow built submarines have successfully undertaken deterrent patrols over the last 50 years and, through delivery of the Dreadnought programme, will play a part in continuing Operation Relentless for many more. While technology may have moved on and locations like the Wood Shop and Spar Shed where booms and masts were once made have been consigned to the history books, the workforce now using Virtual Reality and Robotic Welding remain as committed and proud as ever.

The deterrent boats (prefixed HMS after acceptance into the Royal Navy)

HMS Resolution

HMS Repulse

HMS Renown

HMS Revenge

HMS Vanguard

HMS Victorious

HMS Vigilant

HMS Vengeance

Dreadnought (under construction)

Valiant

Warspite

King George VI