Submarine captain 'went against advice' to hold naval base 'rave'
'This wasn't the first time his judgment has been called into question,' sources say - but others say he is an "absolute hero" for taking care of his crew's morale
A Royal Navy submarine captain reportedly went against advice by allowing his crew to have what's been described as a "full on rave" at Devonport Naval Base during the COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown.
Sources have said it's not the first time the Commanding Officer's "judgment has been called into question" - but others have said he is an "absolute hero" for taking care of his crew's morale.
The Royal Navy has confirmed it is investigating reports a submarine commander threw a party with a DJ and dance music for his crew despite social distancing guidelines - and said it would not be appropriate to comment further.
Social media footage has emerged of the crew of what is said to be the crew HMS Trenchant enjoying the barbecue and party in violation of lockdown guidelines after docking for repairs in its base of Devonport, in Plymouth.
On Radio 4 this morning, BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale said that the "video shows a few of the crew dancing... but most appear bemused, standing with hands in pockets, or siting down and drinking, next to their docked submarine."
A still from one of the videos of the 'rave' at Devonport Naval base (Image: Forces Compare)
"The nuclear powered hunter killer submarine had been at sea for weeks on silent patrol and had returned to Devonport early for repairs - just as the rest of the country was being placed into lockdown," said the BBC correspondent.
"To keep the crew entertained while in isolation, the captain - who's not been identified - asked permission to hold a barbecue and party.
"The BBC's been told he was warned it wasn't the right time for celebrations. It's understood he went against that advice - and that this wasn't the first time his judgment has been called into question."
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However, the captain's actions have also been defended, with many on 'military banter' Facebook page Fill Your Boots UK suggesting the CO was boosting the morale of his crew - and described him as an "absolute hero" for doing so.
Another, commenting on claims the Submarine Commander had been relieved of command, said: "What, for giving his boys some morale?"
Other comments include:
"A man taking care of the morale of his troops, bloody rare thing these days especially on submarines, well played Sir"
"I look forward to the day when boosting morale isn't considered a crime."
"When morale strikes, kill it with fire.
"Admiral: 'I can't understand why we are having such problems retaining Naval Staff'.
"Crazy thought... but maybe a video of lads having a laugh would do better for retention and recruitment then someone fixing a skateboard."
"These COs and the like putting their blokes first like that just has to stop."
"What an absolute [...] hero. "Hero forever in the eyes of the lads. Enjoy your desk job sir, You have earned it."
A source who sent Plymouth Live a video of the incident, said: "They had a rave in the dockyard because they were all quarantined, it's all kicked off like. It's a full on rave.
A still from the video appearing to show DJs playing a set at a party at HMNB Devonport (Image: Forces Compare)
"CO [Commanding Officer] was told he wasn't allowed a BBQ in the dockyard so he just did it on the casing instead they had a DJ booth set up and everything getting p****d up.
"There's a video of the CO on the phone to the commodore being told off and everyone is silent around the CO and he's like, 'Yep yep, no problem, it's all wrapping up now.. bye.. bye'
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"As soon as he puts the phone down... air horns and rave music full blast kicks off and everyone cheers."
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "An investigation is underway. It would be inappropriate to comment further."
Last year, seven submariners were booted off a Royal Navy submarine in Devonport dockyard following a cocaine binge, according to reports in the national media.
Seven HMS Talent crew members tested positive for the Class A substance "after they attended a drug-fuelled party". It says senior Navy officers ordered that the sailors were handed over to military police after Royal Navy doctors confirmed the results last week.
Royal Navy Submarine captains must pass a course nicknamed The Perisher, which is widely considered to be the toughest leadership program in the world.
Even though the course is now more than 100 years old, a US foreign policy analysis website recently said it was still the best in the world. The National Interest described he senior service's Submarine Command Course as "secretive, highly competitive" and "the toughest leadership program in the world'.
It sees sailors, submariners and naval aviators are pitting themselves against each other off Scotland to pick commanders for the UK's ultimate military mission - captaining the vessels that form our Continuous at Sea Nuclear Deterrent, known as Trident.