Comments(0)

The crew of nuclear submarine HMS Torbay will parade through Torquay on Wednesday July 19 as they hand back the Honorary Freedom of Torbay which was presented to them by Mayor Gordon Oliver in 2015. The sub is being decommissioned at Devonport on Friday July 14.

Mayor Oliver said: "The Honorary Freedom of Torbay gave the submarine's crew the right and honour to march through the Borough bearing arms. Granted under the Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act 1885, the title is being returned as the submarine is decommissioned.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Torbay to say a big thank you to all the commanding officers and crews for defending us and keeping us free. We are very grateful to them for the service that they have provided not only for Torbay but this country and we will welcome them."

READ MORE: Thousands take a peek behind the scenes at world-famous Navy base

A ceremonial service will take place at 2pm outside Torquay Town Hall followed by a parade through the town centre led by the Royal Marines Band. The parade will start at the Town Hall, through Union Street and Fleet Street then around the Clocktower back towards Torbay Road finishing at the Princess Theatre.

Total Distance Travelled in 32 years: 705,600 miles Dived Distance Travelled: 544760 miles 3,162.5 days spent at sea 2,415 days under water Approximately 70 port visits (not including base port visits) Number of crew who have served on board ~ 2,500 Basic submarine qualifications completed ~ 1,850 Meals eaten at sea ~ 379,440 7 Perisher (submarine command course) courses hosted Length overall 85.4 m Breadth 9.83m Draught 9.5m Displacement 4,730t surfaced, 5,208t dived Armament: five 21 inch torpedo tubes Complement 96

After 32 years of service the Plymouth-based nuclear-powered submarine will come alongside a jetty in Devonport for the last time on Friday as she decommissions. Her 614,000 mile journey around the world, through war zones, diplomatic missions and covert operations will be marked with a parade and traditional ceremony attended by current and past crews and commanding officers.

Commander Dan Knight, HMS Torbay's captain, said: "I have had the privilege of serving in Torbay on a number of occasions; at the start of her second commission as first casing officer then navigating officer and now at the end of that commission as her commanding officer.

READ MORE: Anti-racism group demands Anne Marie Morris' resignation

"It has been a huge honour to be her final commanding officer and to have had the opportunity to lead the exemplary men who have made her the 'Good Boat' that she has always been recognised as. It is with immense sadness, but significant pride, that all of us say goodbye to her."

Dignitaries from Torbay are expected to be in Plymouth for the occasion.

HMS Torbay has been on the forefront of submarine development during her life, proving the Trafalgar Class submarine is capable of adapting to the changing threats around the world.

For the parade in Torquay on July 19 there will be a number of road closures between 1.30pm and 3.30pm and signed diversions will be in place. Parking suspension will be in place in Union Street and Torbay Road from Abbey Sands to Princess Gardens between 11am and 3.30pm.

RETURN to the DevonLive homepage

Read the original:

HMS Torbay captain and crew to hand back Freedom of Torbay - Devon Live