Navy's newest attack sub wins praise from Camilla

THE Duchess of Cornwall told the crew of the first of the UK's new class of attack submarines they were a "great credit" to the country as the vessel was formally accepted by the Royal Navy yesterday.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th Aug 2010, 22:39 BST

Updated 27th Aug 2010, 22:39 BST

Naval dignitaries, the ship's crew and their families gathered on the quayside in brilliant sunshine for the HMS Astute commissioning ceremony at the base at Faslane on the Clyde.

Camilla, sponsor of the ship, was guest of honour at the service where the submarine was welcomed into the Royal Navy and became "Her Majesty's Ship".

The nuclear-powered vessel, which displaces 7,400 tonnes, is the UK's most powerful attack submarine, but is armed with non-nuclear weapons.

Built by BAe Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, HMS Astute has completed her first year-long sea trials – and will undergo further tests before becoming part of the operational fleet.