Sea Lord bids to torpedo nuclear sub critics

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope's ringing endorsement of the nuclear-powered submarine Astute Class came amid speculation that the new vessels could fall victim of defence cuts.

Military observers have suggested that UK's new submarine fleet could be cut during the government's forthcoming strategic spending review.

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

"The Astute Class is truly next generation - a highly versatile platform," said Sir Mark at the HMS Astute commissioning ceremony at Faslane - HM Naval Base Clyde.

"She is capable of contributing across a broad spectrum of maritime operations around the globe.

"She will play an important role in delivering the fighting power of the Royal Navy for decades to come."

HMS Astute has completed her first set of sea trials, which began at the end of 2009, and will undergo further sea trials before becoming part of the operational fleet.

Built by defence giant BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, she is the first in a fleet of six which will replace the Trafalgar class submarine.

The Band of Her Royal Majesty's Royal Marines entertained the crowd before the arrival of the guest of honour the Duchess of Rothesay, as the Duchess of Cornwall is known in Scotland.

The ship's company filed on to the parade ground ready to give her a royal salute when she appeared.

She inspected the parade, stopping for a chat with a few of the submariners and band members.

HMS Astute's commanding officer Andy Coles then read out the Commissioning Warrant and Act of Dedication, and called on the ship's company to ask for God's blessing on the ship.

She 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.

Naval dignitaries, members of the ship's crew and their families gathered on the quayside in brilliant sunshine on the quayside at Faslane.

She said: "It is an enormous privilege for me to be here this afternoon, on this very special occasion, as sponsor of this magnificent vessel.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say how very proud I am of all that you have achieved.

"You are, if I may say, a great credit to the Royal Navy and to this country."

HMS Astute is 97 metres from bow to stern and can circumnavigate the globe submerged, creating the crew's oxygen from seawater as she sails. She will never need to be refuelled.

As the base port of all the Navy's submarines from 2016, Faslane will be home to the whole Astute class. This includes the submarines Ambush, Artful and Audacious, which are already being built in Barrow-in-Furness.