Families of the Royal Navy Submariners had the chance to see where their loved ones ate, slept, and lived while they were deployed during a guided tour at its HMNB Clyde base.

More than 200 people travelled from across the UK to join the family day on the Royal Navy's final Vanguard Class submarine.

(Image: Royal Navy)

Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Ian Coe, an engineer on HMS Vengeance, said: “The life on board HM Submarines is a challenging and rewarding one.

“The conditions our personnel live and work in is difficult to explain. Giving the crew the opportunity to show their families where they live and work when deployed is extremely important and something we on HMS Vengeance feel strongly about.”

(Image: Royal Navy)

Following a meal in the HMS Neptune Supermess, guests were taken to the submarine.

Their tour included demonstrations of sophisticated equipment onboard, including sonar and optronics systems in the control room.

(Image: Royal Navy)

Some even tried on fire-fighting suits and submarine escape suits.

Chief Petty Officer Davis, an instrumental figure in organising the day, said: "Families play a vital role in the deployment and support of HM Submarines and are just as key to operational success as the sailors onboard.

"It is important that they feel involved and see where their loved ones spend their time when deployed at sea.

"It also gives our sailors the opportunity to say thank you to our families, whose support is vital in maintaining the morale of personnel onboard."

(Image: Royal Navy)

 

(Image: Royal Navy)

HMS Vengeance, which is part of Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent force, was launched in September 1998 and commissioned in November 1999.