Defence Secretary writes to congratulate Barrow Shipyard workers on their vital role

Penny Mordaunt, the secretary of state for defence, has praised and recognised the work of Barrow shipyard workers past and present who spent the last 50 years helping to protect the UK.

As part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD), Mrs Mordaunt has written an open letter to all the thousands of shipyard workers who have served during the past 50 years recognising their efforts as a ‘vital contribution’ towards the security of the nation.

In the letter Penny Mordaunt wrote that:

“Every day for the past 50 years we have had a submarine continuously patrolling our waters and at this important milestone it’s important to recognise everyone who has played a pivotal role in this, including the thousands of shipyard workers in Barrow in Furness. 

“The region has a long and proud history of shipbuilding, with hundreds of merchant ships, submarines and naval vessels all built in Barrow’s shipyards, including both HMS Vengeance and HMS Victorious and the newest addition to the fleet, the 7,400 tonne Audacious.” 

The letter comes as part of the national recognition of Operation Relentless, which has ensured that  at least one Royal Navy ballistic submarine has been patrolling the world’s oceans, unseen and undetected since April 1969.

Barrow’s shipyard has played a vital role in this by starting construction on the Resolution-class of ballistic submarines in 1963.

By 1969 the UK began CASD with the four Resolution class boats and the shipyard has since been key in the construction of further vessels.

The defence secretary said: “Every single man and woman who works at BAE Systems in Barrow makes a vital contribution to our national security by helping to maintain our nuclear deterrent every day. "And as Defence Secretary I would like to thank them for their continued hard work.”

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