Had
previously been in Rosyth dockyard for several years on a
very long refit and was rededicated in Jan 97.
Berthed at Faslane in August 1997. Used during nuclear
accident Short Sermon on 18/20 November 1997.
Cracks discovered in tail shaft during post refit sea
trials. Probably not operational since refit. Sent to Rosyth
for 14 week emergency repair in June 1998. Then returned to
Faslane.
Used for submarine command course (Perisher) in June 1999 in
Scottish waters.
Used in Area Capability Training in June 1999 in West of UK
and Minches.
Fire on board at Faslane in early March 2000.
In NATO exercise Linked Seas in May 2000 in the Bay of
Biscay.
Used for submarine command course (Perisher) in May / June
2000 in Scottish waters.
Used in Area Capability training in June 2000 in West of UK
and Minches.
Sovereign in the oldest submarine in service, it is possible
that it is being used primarily as a training boat.
Sovereign
has been withdrawn from operational service because of a
potential reactor fault. (Daily Telegraph 8/9/00)
It has been berthed at Faslane from July to October 2000.
Reported that Sovereign may be scrapped because of a reactor
problem (Herald)
The reactor firm RRA were alongside on 27 Oct 00 and
probably inspecting the reactor.
MoD claim that clear of "Tireless" fault, 1 Nov
00.
Berthed at Faslane mid September 2001.
Listed as undergoing maintenance / repair in November 2001
A statement in January 2002 indicated that Sovereign had the
same problem as Sceptre and that the timescale for
inspection and repair of this was not known.
