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

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/ I could really use your support to help me to continue to produce these podcasts. A monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon will really help, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. 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/ If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Thank you very much for listening. Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 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 Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices