HMS Triumph submarine’s combat history includes missions in Afghanistan in 2001 and later in Libya. Credit: © Crown copyright.

HMS Triumph, the Royal Navy’s last Trafalgar-class attack submarine, has returned to its base at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth before decommissioning after concluding its mission from Scotland.

This marks the end of operational service for the vessel, which has been active for nearly 34 years.

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HMS Triumph, the seventh unit in its series, made its last journey from Clyde Naval Base, where it received a ceremonial send-off.  

As the submarine entered Plymouth Sound, it was accompanied by a flotilla of ships and flew its decommissioning pennant, signalling the cessation of its duties which included global deployments.

HMS Triumph commanding officer Aaron Williams said: “As HMS Triumph prepares to decommission, we reflect on her legacy with immense pride.

“Although HMS Triumph has carried out her missions with quiet strength and dedication behind every mission, deployment, and triumph has been the sacrifice and steadfast support of the families who stood behind us.”

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The construction of Triumph commenced at Barrow shipyard in February 1987, and it entered service in October 1991. It was the final build following its sister vessels HMS Talent, Trenchant, Torbay, Tireless, Turbulent, and Trafalgar.

In 1993, the submarine undertook a notable voyage to Australia, covering 41,000 miles submerged without any external support – a record-breaking feat for a solo Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine at that time.

During its tenure, Triumph participated in military operations in Afghanistan in 2001 by launching Tomahawk missiles and later took part in action against Libya, firing from the Mediterranean Sea as part of an international initiative to safeguard civilians.

Royal Navy director submarine rear admiral Andy Perks said: “Having spent many years serving in Trafalgar-class SSNs it is with both pride and sadness that I see these excellent submarines reach the end of their career.

“The last of the Cold War submarines, these vessels have helped keep our country safe for over 30 years.

“As this era ends though, we can be assured that our Submarine Service remains well served by the Astute-class SSN.”

The submarine is planned to be officially decommissioned early in 2025. Its role will be fully taken over by Astute-class attack submarines.

Said to be the Royal Navy’s largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines, the Astute fleet will comprise seven vessels.

In 2022, the UK Navy decommissioned two of its Trafalgar-class nuclear-powered submarines, HMS Talent and HMS Trenchant.