Commanding a Cold War Royal Navy Polaris Nuclear Missile Submarine (168)

Mar 20, 2021

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Our conversation with Rob Forsyth continues when he became Executive Officer - and in command on occasions - of HMS Repulse, a Polaris nuclear missile submarine.

We hear in detail the challenges of command on these boats, their launch procedures and the conversations Rob had with his captain about the circumstances when they might refuse to launch the missiles.

Rob tells of many fascinating incidents including a very close encounter with the Malin Head AGI, a notorious Soviet Spy trawler.

We also hear about his promotion to “Teacher” or instructor for the Submarine Commanding Officers’ Qualifying Course aka “The Perisher” and his command of HMS Sceptre, a nuclear powered "hunter-killer" submarine.

In the last section of our conversations, Rob tells us why his views on the British nuclear deterrent have changed. You can read more here http://www.whytrident.uk/

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I am delighted to welcome Rob Forsyth to our Cold War conversation…

There’s further information on this episode in our show notes which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode168/

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0:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

0:59 Rob Forsyth's experiences on HMS Repulse, a Polaris nuclear missile submarine

5:43 Missile tests and weapons system readiness routine

11:19 Life on a submarine: staying active, alert, and coping with challenges

17:06 The psychological aftermath of patrols: crew members' struggles

23:47 Post-launch plans and moral implications of a nuclear attack

31:55 Anecdotes and stories from Rob's time with HMS Repulse

36:04 Rob's transition to a Perisher teacher and his experiences

49:42 Rob's command of HMS Sector and encounters with Soviet submarines

1:00:15 The financial and operational cost of Trident, and the UK's nuclear policy

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