The latest and penultimate Astute-class submarine HMS Agamemnon has been formally launched at BAE Systems’ facility in Barrow.
Nicknamed ‘Awesome Aggie’, the sixth of the seven Astute-class submarines constructed for the Royal Navy over the last twenty-five years derives its name from the famed Greek king who laid siege to Troy.
Upon her integration into the Fleet, Agamemnon will operate at the forefront of submarine missions well into the latter half of the 21st Century, safeguarding the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carrier task groups from potential threats, collecting intelligence, and executing Royal Marine operations. HMS Agamemnon will be armed with up to 38 Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedoes, and Block V Tomahawk land attack missiles, able to strike targets at a range of up to 1,000 miles.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce nuclear reactor, the boat will be operational for 25 years without refuelling.
Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, the Commanding Officer of Agamemnon, remarked that the successful preparation of this formidable vessel for her launch was the result of an exceptional collaborative effort involving BAE Systems Submarines, Agamemnon’s crew, and the broader Astute program – coinciding with the 123rd anniversary of the completion of the nation’s first submarine at the same shipyard.
“It is fantastic to finally get Awesome Aggie into the water in preparation for the final stages of build and commissioning of this extremely complex and highly capable submarine,” Commander Crosby said.
“While the roll out and launch is not as exciting as an historic dynamic launch on a slipway, it does have periods of excitement – and it has taken months of detailed planning across the entire build enterprise to get safely to this stage.”
“The days of the actual launch have been long but ultimately it is a very special period for all involved and one that they and their families, as well as the people of Barrow, should be extremely proud of.”
Having commanded three of Agamemnon’s older sister boats – HMS Astute, Artful and Anson – Commander Crosby knows all about the hard work, dedication and skill it takes to get an Astute boat through the final commissioning activities and into service.
“There is still plenty to do until we get to exit Agamemnon from Barrow, but the entire workforce should be full of pride for what they have achieved with this build so far,” he continued.
“I am looking forward to working with our friends at BAE Systems, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the wider enterprise to get Agamemnon through these final tests and in readiness for her exit from Barrow.”
