Submarines

A U.S. Navy attack submarine of the Virginia class was seen surfaced in the Firth of Clyde on the morning of Monday 7 September, as it arrived at Faslane in Scotland for a routine port visit. The report notes that such sightings are common on both sides of the firth, which lies near Britain’s key submarine infrastructure. His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde at Faslane—on Gare Loch—hosts the Royal Navy’s submarine service, while Coulport on Loch Long houses an associated armaments depot. Vessels transiting the route must pass down the Gare Loch and out through the firth, allowing them to be visible from areas including Dunoon and Gourock. The piece also references public concern about tensions linked to Russia.