Argus proved totally unsuitable in terms of accommodation and facilities needed for a large Embarked Military Force EMF , which emphasised the need for a purpose built platform. On 29 March , the defence procurement minister announced that development of the new LPH was proceeding. In anticipation of the report, the Financial Times described the different philosophies adopted by the two bidders; while Swan Hunter viewed the ships as entirely military, "VSEL thought the design was basically a merchant ship with military hardware bolted on.
Launched on 11 October , she was subsequently named at Barrow by Her Majesty the Queen on 20 February , prior to delivery to Devonport. In her sea trial, she managed to reach a top speed of Role: Ocean was designed to provide the amphibious assault capabilities last offered by Albion and Bulwark whilst in the Commando role.
Secondary tasks include boarding parties, beach reconnaissance and providing amphibious knowledge to the ships Command. Besides these roles they have responsibilities within the ship which include fire fighting, watch keeping and security. HMS Ocean is also capable of limited anti-submarine warfare activities, supporting afloat training and acting as a base facility for other embarked forces including counter-terrorism units. Prior to their retirement, Ocean could transport up to 15 fixed wing Harrier aircraft of Joint Force Harrier in the ferry role, but was unable to operate as a fixed wing aircraft carrier due to her lack of the 'ski jump' that is needed to launch a fully loaded Harrier.
For the London Olympics, she carried an air arm of eight Army Air Corps and Fleet Air Arm Super Lynx helicopters, four from each service, to deploy special forces and conduct other missions in relation to her security role. Operational history: Just weeks after being commissioned, Ocean was undertaking the warm water element of her first-of-class trials, when she was deployed on short notice to the coasts of Honduras and Nicaragua to provide humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch.
In early , Ocean was scheduled to take part in an exercise in the Atlantic, but was diverted to the Mediterranean in readiness for possible deployment to Kosovo.
Walking then unescorted to the pier to catch a boat it was theoretically possible that a miscreant could have joined the queue — but I am sure they would have been kicked out by those of us who had queued. A Thames tourist boat was our transport link of choice, and lucky ones got to sit outside, and the rest of us inside to try and photograph the ship through dirty glass.
Rather nicely I thought, the boat took the long way around the steel monster, but then had difficulty mooring up next to it on the other side. Not sure what the problem was with the mooring point, but a pair of pliers wielded by one of the officers seemed to fix the problem. Up the traditionally very steep folding steps. There had been a warning before that those who prefer lifts and escalators might find a warship less than friendly.
And into a small hanger space with an alluring ramp up to the main deck, but sadly at the top a rope was holding people back. Also, quite a few people seemed to linger rather longer than the view of the top deck seemed to warrant, which made the wait to snap a photo and get out of the way for the next person somewhat irksome.
Inside the bay below, kids were able to get camouflage paint on their faces, including as I noticed later some adults. Do try the army rations. Again for the kids, please jump around the inflatable raft on display. A gap in the white mesh covers indicated a route around the rest of the ship, including a chance to see up close and attached to the side one of the amphibious assault craft that I see zooming past my flat — usually rarely, but at the moment, quite often.
Then through into the main hanger space — which is vast. It is difficult to convey just how huge the area is, especially as part of it was sealed off yet there was plenty of space to move around. Speaking today Mr Hammond said Londoners should be reassured by the military presence in the capital,. During the Games the ship will accommodate military personnel who are providing security at nearby Greenwich Park, and engage with Londoners by hosting public visits.
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