Royal welcome for HMS Talent
7 Sep 06
Royal Navy submarine HMS Talent welcomed a royal guest onboard today, Thursday 7 September 2006, to mark the vessel’s re-entry into the fleet after a major overhaul.
![Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visits HMS Drake during the rededication of HMS Talent. [Picture: LA (Phot) Shaun Barlow]](GenerateThumbnail.aspx?imageURL=/NR/rdonlyres/23C28F85-6502-4C84-9696-089BEB0EE736/0/20060907UPrincessAnne.JPG&maxSize=210)
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visits HMS Drake during the rededication of HMS Talent.
[Picture: LA (Phot) Shaun Barlow]
HRH The Princess Royal was the guest of honour at the rededication ceremony which took place at HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth. Princess Anne’s links with HMS Talent extend to when she launched the nuclear-powered submarine in 1988.
HMS Talent’s Commanding Officer, Commander David Lightfoot, said:
"This marks a great day for HMS Talent, recognising the hard work and effort expended by the crew, the prime contractor, Devonport Management Limited, and the associated Ministry of Defence stakeholders to deliver HMS Talent from a comprehensive long overhaul period and refuel.
"I am looking forward to commemorating the occasion with our sponsor, VIPs, representatives from our various contractors, former commanding officers and, vitally, the families of the ship’s company.
"This has been a demanding period for the crew and to be able to celebrate with those who have supported them throughout is important.
"The now completed major enhancements guarantee HMS Talent returns to the Fleet in the best possible material state, enhancing our operational capability and ensuring we are ready and able to meet the varied commitments of the 21st Century."
A rededication ceremony is an old Royal Navy tradition. Today's event marks HMS Talent's ceremonial return to the Fleet after a multi-million pound overhaul period, which started in May 2003.
The work included modifications to the weapons systems, nuclear refuel, an entire overhaul of ship’s systems and the introduction of the new sonar 2076. HMS Talent will sail in the near future to undertake contractor’s sea trials and safety training.