HMS Ocean (L12)

The sixth HMS Ocean (L12) of the Royal Navy is a "Landing Platform, Helicopter", the only one in its class, built by Kvaerner Govan[?] on the Clyde[?] taking advantage of commercial build methods and facilities, before sailing from Barrow-in-Furness[?] for fitting out prior to acceptance into service with the Royal Navy. She was launched on October 11, 1995, and christened by Her Majesty the Queen on February 20, 1998, at the yard of the prime contractor Vickers Shipbuilding[?] Engineering Limited, prior to the delivery voyage to her base port of Devonport.

She was commissioned on September 30, 1998, and completed her trials programme and initial Basic Operational Sea Training in the spring of 1999. When Ocean was undertaking first-of-class trials, she was called to Honduras to give humanitarian assistance following a hurricane.

Ocean was designed to provide the amphibious assault capabilities last offered by Albion[?] and Bulwark[?], carrying an Embarked Military Force (EMF) supported by 12 medium support helicopters, six attack helicopters, and four Mk5 landing craft. Her secondary roles included afloat training, limited anti-submarine warfare, and providing a base for anti-terrorist operations.

Prior to Oceans availability, the Invincible-class aircraft carriers had been required to support the helicopter-assault mission. Ocean freed them to concentrate on the role for which they were designed. During 2002, the ship played a major role in suppressing rebel activity in Sierra Leone, acting as a base for Boeing CH-47 Chinooks of the RAF.

General Characteristics

• Displacement: 21,578 tons
• Length: 208 metres
• Beam: 34.4 metres
• Crew: 284 officers and crew + 180 Fleet Air Arm + 800 Royal Marines
• Armament: Phalanx CIWS, close-range guns.
• Aircraft: Assorted helicopters, typically Westland Commando and Lynx but also Merlins and Chinooks; capable of carrying (but not operating) VTOL types such as BAe Harriers[?], or Sea Harrier.

See HMS Ocean for other Navy ships of the same name.