The latest H.M.S. Vengeance

'Safe by my Strength'

Thanks to Jim Allaway of "Navy News" for permission to use the photo of the 'new' HMS. Vengeance Submarine.

The latest and eighth addition to the 'Vengeance' family name of warships, is a Vanguard-class submarine (S 31), which was commissioned on the 27th November 1999.  Built by VSEL at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, she is the fourth and final submarine of the Vanguard class to be built and joins her sister ships HMS. Vanguard, HMS. Victorious and HMS. Vigilant.  The 'new' HMS. Vengeance is the most advanced and largest submarine ever built in the U.K. and incorporates all the modern technology, equal to that of the Space Shuttle.  The motto is as new as the ship itself, 'Safe by my Strength' as it was thought 'politically incorrect' to retain the old motto "I Strike, I Cover" for a nuclear submarine, although it was ideal for a wartime aircraft carrier.  HMS. Vengeance will be based with the First Submarine Squadron at HM. Naval Base  Clyde, Faslane, Scotland and will continue to maintain the nation's nuclear deterrent.

Ordered..............................July 1992

Keel laid down....................1st February 1993

Rolled out...........................19th September 1999

Commissioned.....................27th November 1999

Displacement......................16,000 Tonnes

Length.................................149.5 Metres

Beam...................................13.2 Metres

Draught...............................12 Metres

Speed...................................25 Knots Submerged

Compliment.........................205

Weapons..............................16 Lockheed Trident D5 Ballistic Missiles -- Marconi wire guided Torpedo system

HMS. Vengeance at the Commissioning Quay, 27th November 1999.

HMS. Vengeance commissioning book.