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The UK\u2019s newest Astute-class submarine, Agamemnon<\/em>, has successfully submerged for the first time at BAE Systems in Barrow, Cumbria.<\/strong><\/p>\n BAE systems press release<\/em><\/p>\n The Royal Navy crew achieved the major milestone as part of HMS Agamemnon\u2019s <\/em>\u2018trim dive\u2019, a three-day period of testing in the town\u2019s Devonshire Dock to prove the 7,400-tonne, 97-metre-long attack vessel\u2019s stability and safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n The process, which comes shortly after King Charles III officially commissioned the Astute class submarine into the Royal Navy, is a key moment in the lead up to its departure from Barrow to join her sister boats in the fleet, based at His Majesty\u2019s Naval Base, Clyde.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis trim dive is the culmination of months of hard work. I\u2019d like to thank all teams involved for their commitment and professionalism. We\u2019re incredibly proud of the contribution we\u2019re making to the nation\u2019s security and Barrow\u2019s long and distinguished heritage as the home of UK submarine design and build.\u201d <\/em>said Pete Tumelty, Astute Programme Director, BAE Systems\u2019 Submarines business.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trim and basin dive is a key step in the commissioning of HMS Agamemnon. This period enables us to set the boat\u2019s internal weight, prove her water-tight integrity, test sensors and put some of our systems through their paces ahead of sailing for the first time. \u00a0It takes a great deal of planning and preparation to achieve this key step and all involved should be very proud of the part they have played.\u201d<\/p>\n Commander David \u2018Bing\u2019 Crosby, HMS Agamemnon Commanding Officer<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Alongside the build of seven Astute class submarines \u2013 of which HMS Agamemnon <\/em>is the sixth \u2013 BAE Systems is also constructing four Dreadnought class boats in partnership with the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise.<\/p>\n The Dreadnought vessels, due to enter service from the early 2030s, are the replacement for the Vanguard-class submarines, which currently deliver the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) for the Royal Navy. The critical role underpins the nation\u2019s defence as the ultimate security guarantee and sees at least one of the boats deployed in an unknown location at sea every minute of every day.<\/p>\n \u201cThe successful completion of HMS Agamemnon\u2019s trim dive marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to safely deliver available and capable submarines to the Royal Navy in defence of our nation.\u00a0This achievement reflects the exceptional collaboration between the SDA and our partners across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting the UK\u2019s nuclear deterrent as a national endeavour.\u201d<\/em> said Henry Musgrave, Head of Astute Delivery Team, Submarine Delivery Agency.<\/p>\n\n