AS the Royal Navy’s new Astute class sails on operations around the globe, submarines HMS Talent and Trenchant were decommissioned at Devonport Naval Base on Friday.

Crews from both nuclear-powered attack boats paraded in Plymouth for the final time in front of HRH The Princess Royal – HMS Talent’s patron – as well as high-profile guests and former commanding officers.

Both vessels were built in Barrow's shipyard.

Trenchant’s operational career came to an end last year, while Talent completed her final patrol earlier this spring. Both boats served for 32 years with distinction. As hunter-killer submarines, it was their mission to protect first Polaris, now Trident – the country’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent – and to detect, track and classify targets.

Commodore James Perks, Commodore Submarine Service, said: “The Trafalgar Class developed a world class reputation and defended UK interests unstintingly across the world’s oceans.  The Astute submarines have now taken up the baton, continuing to protect the UK from threats with deeply professional submarine crews."

Both boats have spent much of their time away from her base port of Devonport – without the regular access to communications with loved ones back home that their colleagues in the surface fleet have enjoyed, especially with the advent of email and phone calls at sea.

Following Talent’s initial workup period, in 1991 she sailed straight to the Mediterranean and played an active role in the first Gulf War, with the boat's efforts praised by the US officer commanding the submarine task group, Admiral Ryan, who personally congratulated the crew.

Lieutenant Commander David ‘Freddie’ Fox, Talent’s last commanding officer, said: “This was an emotional day for many of the ship’s company. I am well aware of the bond shared by all who have worked onboard Talent throughout her time in the Fleet.

"Numerous port visits, exercises, memories and stories are all interwoven into the rich and inspiring history of a submarine which has maintained a steady vigil on the forefront of the defence of the United Kingdom and indeed, the world."

Members of Talent’s affiliates that the boat has built up over the years were represented at the ceremony, among them Hope House Hospices, the boat’s chosen charity, the Intelligence Corps and the town of Shrewsbury.

Trenchant’s career has been no less impressive, the memories imprinted on her crews just as vivid. Commander Gareth ‘Bats’ Batsford said she had provided “sterling service to the RN over an illustrious career.