Nuclear sub surfaces in Southampton 02.03.12
67She could approach by stealth, but the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine HMS Tireless wants to be detected for the next five days on a special visit to Southampton.
Her presence at the city's Eastern Docks is giving a rare opportunity for sea and air cadets, as well as sea scout units and sixth-form college students, to sample life on board.
Civic dignitaries and senior city council officers will also visit the vessel and meet her crew.
The Royal Navy has been working closely with Southampton City Council in advance of HMS Tireless' visit.
The vessel's Commanding Officer, Commander Hywel Griffiths - a former pupil at Peter Symonds College in Winchester - said: "Having completed my secondary education and worked in the local area prior to joining the Royal Navy, it is with immense personal pride that I bring HMS Tireless to Southampton under my command.
"It is a welcome opportunity for my ship's company to meet people and visit the city of Southampton and for local people to visit us so that we may demonstrate how we are engaged day-to-day in protecting our nation's interests."
Last May Tireless returned from a ten-month deployment to the Middle East -- the longest RN submarine deployment in recent history -- where she conducted covert missions in support of counter-terrorism, counter narcotics and counter-piracy operations.