THE historic setting of Westminster Abbey was used for a special service to recognise the Royal Navy’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD50) over the past 50 years and followed the announcement of the name of one of the boats which will continue that tradition.

At the service was new Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt.

She said: “Operation Relentless has seen generations of submariners from HMS Resolution to HMS Vengeance on constant watch, for every minute of every day for the last five decades.

“This is the longest military operation we have ever undertaken and continues right this minute deep under the sea.

“We pay tribute to those incredible crews, their supportive families, the Royal Navy and the thousands of industry experts who will continue to sustain this truly national endeavour for many years to come.

“CASD50 provides a chance to not only remember the national endeavour of the past half century but to look to the next-generation of ballistic missile submarines, the Dreadnought class.

“This will consist of four boats helping to ensure the security of generations to come.

“The Dreadnought-class are expected to enter service in the early 2030s, helping to maintain Operation Relentless.”

Prior to the service, First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones, announced that HMS King George VI will now join HMS Dreadnought, Valiant and Warspite as the fourth Dreadnought class submarine.

HMS King George VI makes history as it will become the first naval vessel to bear that royal title.

King George VI had strong naval connections having spent time at the Royal Naval College, Osbourne followed by Dartmouth.

He then went on to earn a mention in despatches for his service on HMS Collingwood during the Battle of Jutland.

The First Sea Lord said: “For half a century, the Royal Navy has always had at least one ballistic missile submarine at sea on patrol, safeguarding the ultimate guarantor of our country’s security – and that of our NATO allies too.

“Today, as we pause to reflect on the significance of this 50-year milestone in our proud history of submarine operations, and the national endeavour that underpins it, we are also looking to our future.

The Dreadnought class represents the cutting edge of underwater capability.

It is estimated that around 30,000 people are involved in building and supporting nuclear submarines across the UK.

Maintaining this skilled workforce brings millions of pounds of investment into local communities and ensures the UK continues to boast a highly-skilled workforce in this sector.