The crew of HMS Triumph left the bowels of their submarine behind to fly the flag for Armed Forces Day.
The boat will be at sea on Saturday, but the lads wanted to show their support – and did so for a group shot on the hunter-killer’s casing in Devonport Naval Base.
FLYING the flag for Armed Forces Day – which is this Saturday – are the submariners of HMS Triumph, standing proud on the hunter-killer’s casing.
They can’t do it on the day itself – the Devonport-based submarine will be at sea on June 29 itself – but wanted to show their support.
So step forward 96 of the boat’s crew who formed up with the Armed Forces Day flag in their home port before sailing on deployment, eager to raise awareness of the Silent Service’s contribution to UK security.
“We wanted to show our support for all those service personnel who are deployed across the globe and supporting Armed Forces Day is just one small way of doing that,” said Triumph’s casing officer Lt John Gabb.
“Getting everyone up on the casing was also a great way for us to get a bit of much needed sun before we go under.
“Triumph’s team has had a busy period alongside but we are eager to back to the job after training.”
HMS Triumph’s deployment comes after an extensive routine maintenance and regeneration period in Devonport. Once deployed, HMS Triumph will embark on a number of anti-submarine warfare exercises to support the Submarine Command Course – better known throughout the Service as the Perisher – before becoming one of the United Kingdom’s high readiness front-line strike assets at sea.
The Triumph guys aren’t the only ones to raise the AFD flag. The standard is flying over No.10 today and numerous other landmarks in the capital: the Guildhall, the Mayor of London’s Office, Tower Bridge, the BT Tower and the Bank of England, plus government buildings.
AB(Logs) Leanne Miller, WO1 Richard Parry RLC and Flt Lt Olly Slatter, 32, of the Royal Squadron pose with Premier David Cameron and an Armed Forces Day flag. Picture: PO(Phot) Des Wade
And the public are being encouraged to share photos of the Armed Forces Day flag if they see it out and about in their community. Images should be uploaded to the Armed Forces Day Facebook page or shared with the @ArmedForces_Day Twitter account with the hashtag #ArmedForcesDay and a personal message of support.
“‘Flying the Flag’ is a symbol for all to see that the public care for our Servicemen and women, past and present, who continue to rise to the very difficult challenge of defending this country and its interests,” said Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards.
“Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to show its backing for the Armed Forces. We are very grateful for all the support you give us. It makes a difference to every soldier, sailor and airman to know that you value them.”
Nottingham will host the national celebrations this year, beginning with a feu du joie (fire of joy) at the city’s castle, followed by a parade by veterans and serving members of all three Forces, with music provided by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Portsmouth), from the historic fortification to the Old Market Square in the heart of the city for a drumhead service.
Afterwards events move to Victoria Embankment Park by the River Trent and continue into the afternoon.
The Royal Marines will be tearing up the river with an action-packed explosive display involving their fast craft and helicopters, while on land there will be demonstrations from the Defence Animal Centre, including search and guard dogs and a military farrier working at a forge. To close festivities, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will perform their celebrated Musical Ride with their troopers, horses and Great War guns.
