News / Defence
New submarine support hub opens in Bristol
A newly opened submarine support hub is to create a score of positions in the defence sector.
The new hub, the Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH), will be at the heart of the government’s defence strategy and will enable the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, unveiled the new facility in north Bristol – the exact location Bristol24/7 is unable to reveal for security reasons.
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Eagle stressed the importance of the hub for the government’s commitment to making defence an “engine for growth”
She said: “It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike.
“The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth.
“This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security and bolsters our country’s prosperity.”
Minister Maria Eagle recently opened Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) in Bristol which will play a pivotal role in government’s defence strategy
The bespoke facility is set to be a melting pot of partners and experts from the engineering contractor Babcock, the Ministry of Defence, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Royal Navy.
SASH’s primary function is to provide comprehensive support to submarines, ensuring that they are ready for deployment when required.
It does this through a combination of logistical support, maintenance management, and ensuring that all necessary resources and personnel are in place for submarines to be operational.
SASH is involved in managing the repair, servicing, and availability scheduling of submarines, aiming to minimise downtime and ensure submarines are available for strategic operations.
The engineering giant Babcock, whose portfolio includes international defence, aerospace, and security credentials, will play a central role in the hub and welcomed the new career opportunities in the sector.
David Lockwood, chief executive of Babcock, said: “The Submarine Availability Support Hub is an exemplar facility for defence collaboration in the UK.
“We are working alongside our customers and partners to provide long-term sustainable infrastructure in the South West that will not only host and support the important operations that protect our country but also provide career opportunities for people passionate about our industry.”
The activities taking place within SASH will enable waterfront operations at Clyde and Devonport by improving the content, planning, and preparation for maintenance periods as part of an integrated Naval Nuclear business to support submarine availability.
All photos: MOD
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