Following a £65M refit that saw the helicopter carrier fitted with one of the most advanced RADAR systems ever put to sea (Type 997 also known as Artisan), along with having her engines re-turned, HMS Ocean has returned to Plymouth.
HMS Ocean sailed from Plymouth for sea trials for the first time since October 2012 back in July of this year, those trials are now complete.
The tests reportedly saw her achieve speeds in excess of 20 knots, the fastest she has gone since she was built. The helicopter carriers refit was carried out at Devonport by Babcock and the firm’s staff were onboard throughout the trials supporting HMS Ocean’s marine engineers in testing, adjusting and fine tuning the ship’s engines.
HMS Ocean is the Royal Navy’s helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship designed to deliver troops to the centre of the action by helicopter or by landing craft. Her flight deck can operate six helicopters at once with space in the hangar to hold, transport and maintain many more aircraft.
Captain Tim Henry, the Commanding Officer, said:
“HMS Ocean’s sea trials have been a success, with the equipment performing above expectations and all the crew gaining invaluable experience. We are well placed to continue with our programme later in the year that will grow our capacity to deliver security at sea and protect the Nation’s interests.”
Seeing the French are now selling two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships one built and another on the way Why not get the french to change to our specifications and the UK could buy both. They can carry 2 X LCAC (air cushioned landing craft they have both got reinforced deck spots to land V-22 or Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion Helo . I don’t think Ocean has reinforced landing spots to land V-22 OR SUPER STALLION Helo’s Also it seems that HMS OCEAN will be withdrawn from service in 2018 with no Replacement as yet Also Uk has been left out of exercising with USN in June 2014 Mistral class conducted Amphibious training in Norfolk no British ships to be seen During the Falklands we had to take up STUFT Ship taken up from trade) due to not having enough ships to transport troops 8000 miles