Sub skipper axed over relationship is named
THE nuclear sub skipper relieved of duty over allegations of an on-board relationship can today be named as Commander Stuart M Armstrong.
The Ministry of Defence is investigating claims of an “inappropriate relationship” with a female junior officer on HMS Vigilant, one of the Royal Navy Vanguard submarines.
Intimate relationships on a warship or a submarine are against Navy rules.
A Royal Navy spokesman said last night: “We can confirm an investigation is under way. Any allegations of wrong-doing are taken very seriously and will be dealt with appropriately.” The Navy said the probe has no impact on current operations. HMS Vigilant, based at the Faslane naval base near Glasgow, can carry 16 UGM-133 Trident II missiles.
Commander Armstrong was due to hold a barbecue with US Navy counterparts in Georgia last Thursday, but it was postponed.
The Glasgow University graduate trained at Britannia Royal Naval College. He commanded £1billion Astute-class vessel HMS Artful before HMS Vigilant.
The Mirror revealed yesterday that Navy top brass had been dispatched to US waters to deal with the claims.