THE size and technical complexity of Barrow’s HMS Vanguard made a lasting impression on shipyard special visitor Diana, Princess of Wales.
She named the first-of-class vessel on April 30 in 1992 and returned for the commission ceremony on August 14 the following year.
The princess noted: “One cannot fail to be in awe of her size and presence.
“The tremendous achievement of designing and constructing the largest submarine ever built in the United Kingdom bears great credit on VSEL, the Ministry of Defence Procurement Executive and everyone involved in this exciting project.”
She paid tribute the Vanguard’s two crews, some of whom had already been involved alongside the building work on the vessel for three-and-a-half years.
She said: “Both crews have been closely involved in the building process and with organising and establishing the working procedures which will be fundamental to the operation of Vanguard.
“They are rightly proud to serve in this magnificent submarine.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here