(December 17th 2001)
HMS Triumph Returns
HMS Triumph returned home to Devonport today following her participation in Operation Veritas - Britain's contribution to the war against terror.
Following the tragic events of September 11th, Triumph was ordered to the Indian Ocean where she joined two other Royal Navy submarines - HMS Trafalgar and HMS Superb - in launching Tomahawk Cruise Missiles against targets inside Afghanistan.
Triumph entered Devonport Dockyard flying the Jolly Roger flag, symbolising a successful war patrol.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram and Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Alan West, were present in Plymouth to welcome the submarine home.
Adam Ingram said "She has played a vital part in the international coalition's effort against terrorism, and Britain is justifiably proud of the dedication and commitment she has displayed."
Over the past two years HMS Triumph has had an exceptionally busy programme spending 539 days - or 74% of her time - away from her home port of Devonport. This amounts to an almost two-year period of near continuous operations taking her to the Far East, Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea. Adam Ingram paid tribute to her ship's company: "Over the past year much of the flotilla has been under repair and HMS Triumph has carried significant additional tasking. The Ship's company has risen to the challenge and has borne the many changes of programme with fortitude, commitment and professionalism."