Monday 22 July 2013

Submarines on the Clyde


 
Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde (also HMS Neptune) is one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Royal Navy (the others being HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth). It is the service's headquarters in Scotland and is best known as the home of Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent, in the form of nuclear submarines armed with Trident missiles.
HMNB Clyde lies on the eastern shore of Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, to the north of the Firth of Clyde and 25 mi (40 km) west of the city of Glasgow.
 




 

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Nuclear Submarines

 
 
 
Royal Navy submarine HMS Vigilant has recently returned to her home in Scotland following a multi-million pound, three-year overhaul.
The vessel, one of the UK’s four Vanguard Class nuclear submarines, was officially handed back to the Navy for operational use on Thursday, June 21, 2012.
Known as a Long Overhaul Period (Refuel), the work package was an enormous engineering task, with the submarine emerging as effectively a new boat inside.
Around 2.2 million man hours were involved in the overhaul under a £350m contract with Babcock Marine at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth.
Work carried out included the installation of improved strategic weapons equipment and the integration of the tactical weapons submarine command systems.
A new reactor core – which provides the power for the 15,000 tonne vessel – was also refitted meaning that HMS Vigilant will be able to function until the end of her operational life without ever having to refuel again.
 




Sunday 7 July 2013

Mike (Smudge) Smith

 
 
Victoria Smith is Michael Smith's (Smudge) other half, who was an MEM who served on HMS Superb and other boats (he was a boxer and from Warrington). He sadly crossed the bar in 2000 after an accident leaving behind Victoria and their two daughters. Victoria is trying to contact lads who have worked with Smudge and knew him, to hear some of the old shennanigans we used to get up to and pass on information to her daughters about their father. If any of you remember Smudge, please drop Victoria a line. Any help would be appreciated.
 
  • You, Tim Arnold, Brendan Blackie and 2 others like this.
  • Paul Cooper Any old pics or stories out there lads?
  • Graham Middleton I remember smudge from Tireless 93-96 ish. I was completely stunned when I heard of his passing, such a genuine guy. By that point I had been out for 4 years. The best person Victoria could contact for that period of time (tireless) is Steve Reeves, who, I believe she was in contact with at the time of his passing. I can put her in touch if she requires.
    13 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith I've messaged Steve Reeves heard nothing back Graham...  I am hoping I can get enough nice stuff back about Michael in time to get it all bound for Christmas 
  • Graham Middleton I'will give him a call, I'm sure he can help out.
    13 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith Any funny tales of Smudge even if they are just posted on here with who has said what and who has told what and I can cut and paste that would be fantastic please... 
  • Graham Middleton Well from my corner I can't be much help.It is 17 years since i left tireless (and last saw smudge) and my memory is not good. I do remember you and your (eldest ? ) daughter being a regular visitor to the boat whilst alongside if Smudge was duty. She ...See More
    12 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith Graham oh my god that is just brilliant... you've actually brought a tear to my eye... thank you so so much and it was her daddy's boat to her... she moved on to say 'aye aye daddy boat'... she doesn't remember any of it...  x
    12 hours ago · Unlike · 2
  • Victoria Smith And that has been copied and pasted... thank you again 
    12 hours ago · Unlike · 1
  • Alan Jones I joined up with smudge, I used to train with him in Sultan as baby stokers...much better light welter than me............
    12 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Graham Middleton It was a pleasure Victoria.
    12 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith Alan hope you don't mind I ave copied and pasted that too... do you remember anything else? 
  • Victoria Smith ave... ave... I meant have... 
  • Alan Jones no probs, I think I might have some photos of when we were at Sultan I will have alook and post them....
    12 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith Thank you... 
  • Graham Middleton A further avenue you can explore, if you haven't already, is friends reunited. You will be able to find lists of all boats and establishments he served with, and contact people who have listed themselves as being attached to that boat or base.
    12 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith oooh thank you I never thought of that... I will do that first thing in the morning... 
  • Chris Large I remember " smudge" well. What a top guy. I was a TG tiff (MEAOW) in 92-95 and he was onboard. Use to see him a lot at lunchtime circuit training all the time where at the end he would always kick my ass on the grid sprints.. Great decent honest hard working guy.....
    12 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith Thank you Chris 
    12 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Andy Bluffield Served with smudge on tireless up until that tragic day. He always had a smile from ear to ear, loved the banter, and popular with everyone.
    You can be very proud he was a top bloke.
    6 hours ago via mobile · Like · 3
  • Mike Wilder I remember him well. I was with him in gibraltar and i remember when he had the accident. We had many a night night out during our time there. He was one of the nicest people I ever served with. Always fun to be around. I don't ever remember him being pissed of or moody. I still think about him. He was one of the best and was greatly missed by everyone the knew him.
    6 hours ago via mobile · Like · 3
  • Scott Johnson I served on HMS Tireless with smudge we were both ME jr's at the time. I have a fair few photos from Den Helder and other jollies. I am on a course at uni this week but will contact you pass some photos i am sure you have never seen, and get thinking of some stories. Great guy sorely missed by many.
    4 hours ago via mobile · Like · 3
  • Victoria Smith Scott that would be fab  thank you
    about an hour ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • George Griffiths Hi Victoria Smith I don't think I served with Smudge but no doubt we have met at some time ... The Submarine Community is a very close one The Loungers as you can see Remember him and have some great memories and Photos of him which they are Very willing to share with you and your Family 
    51 minutes ago · Like · 1
  • Victoria Smith Thank you George. I'm really grateful for all the help and support that is being given to me 
    5 minutes ago via mobile · Unlike · 1