It is absolutely the USS Missouri SSN 780, my son is on it.

Allan - my apologies --- I have the same problem when ship watching at Norfolk, Va. - there is no id on any of the subs going and coming.

Hi

They are MOD Civil Servants.

Neil

Thanks for that! How are Admiralty Pilots different from those employed by a Pilotage Authority? Are they commissioned naval officers?

Hi

Yes, a Admiralty Pilot was embarked at the Nab Tower and he was standing with crew members at the top of the fin.

Neil

Interesting photo! Would this vessel be required to use a pilot? If yes, where would he be located? Can't be all that much room at the top of that conning tower.

Thanks Allan

Neil

Neil, just spoken to press office, they confirm Missouri

Allan

Neil, sounds a bit like these naturalists who identify whales from bits missing from their tails etc. But if someone is in the know, then Missouri it must be and Seawaves have got it wrong.

cheers, Allan

Hi Allan and Magogman

I thought this question of correct identity might arise. However, I was assured by a well respected Portsmouth ship photographer with sources in high places, that this is Missouri and having compared my images taken today with those I took of Missouri and Virginia earlier, I am satisfied that is the case because of differences in the cosmetic condition of the fin and slightly different sensor equipment.

Neil

Magogman, you misunderstand my question. Yes, Missouri is SSN-780. But as there are no markings or name on these vessels, they are unidentifiable from the photographs, so all I am asking is whether Seawaves are correct in stating the vessel visiting Portsmouth is SSN-774 Virginia, or whether it is SSN-780 which as Neil remarked visited earlier this year. The Portsmouth QHM web-site simply gives Foreign Vessel which is less than helpful. What I want to clarify is whether this is Missouri or Virginia.

Allan

The Missouri is definitely SSN 780.
The 774 is the class of submarine it is in as in SSN 774.
This information comes from multiple sources including the U.S. Navy Register, a U.S. Department of Defense website.

Neil, are you sure, Seawaves have amended it to Virginia SSN-774, any proof either way ?

Allan