I have never been on a nuclear sub (the foxtrot was non-nuclear), but during one travel experience I certainly imagined that I had.

The occasion was a visit to Balaclava submarine base in the Crimea, then very much part of Ukraine.

We toured the once secret venue that used to house the Soviet nuclear submarine fleet for repair, refuelling and training of crew.

Sub Entrance

I will reveal more of the ‘boy’s own’ experience in my forthcoming book, but suffice to say it did not need a lot of imagination to transport yourself back in time to when the place must have absolutely buzzing with action and noise.

The perfectly intact structure could surely be put back into action fairly easily, but hopefully a museum it will remain.

Maintenance Bay