Homecoming: Nuclear submarine crew return from Christmas patrol

The 140-strong crew of a Royal Navy submarine have been reunited with loved ones in Scotland after their Christmas patrol.

HMS Vengeance returned to her home port at HM Naval Base Clyde, greeted by family and friends now COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed.

The nuclear-powered submarine is one of four Vanguard-class vessels making up Britain's nuclear deterrent.

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Since 1969, at least one Royal Navy ballistic submarine has been on patrol to help maintain a constant deterrent to extreme threats to UK national security.

HMS Vengeance carries up to 16 Trident missiles, 48 nuclear warheads, as well as conventional torpedoes.

Commodore Jim Perks CBE, Commodore of the Submarine Service, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the families onto the naval base to welcome home HMS Vengeance after what has been a challenging period at sea, including being away from home over the festive period.

"We continue to ask a lot of people and they consistently rise to those challenges.

"Having the families back on the base for the first time since the start of COVID restrictions definitely makes the homecoming more special."