HMS Ocean is one of the few military wonders of the world. It is technically an assault ship that is amphibious in nature and is owned by the Royal Navy. As the category suggests, it can be used to launch and sustain both naval and ground attack. The HMS Ocean belongs to the type called of Landing Platform Helicopter or LPH. Although with provisions for amphibious landing craft like a well-deck, the HMS Ocean is technically different from a standard aircraft carrier. The primary facilities include the role of hoisting helicopters to support forces ashore, unlike a typical aircraft carrier which supports strike aircraft. As of currently, the HMS Ocean is employed for supporting the staff of Commander UK Landing Force and Commander UK Amphibious Force. This amphibious assault ship was constructed by Kvaerner Govan Ltd. in the mid-1990s and was commissioned for the first time in September of 1998 at the home port of HMNB Davenport in Plymouth.
In the world of military operations, HMS Ocean is a renowned name, primarily because of its unique status in the world of naval warships. But the common people are not much aware of this naval artifice. Some interesting facts about HMS Ocean can be presented here so as to make people more acquainted with it. These are:
The HMS Ocean is the only amphibious assault ship of its class, making it unique.
The HMS Ocean is expected to be completely operational for no longer than 20 years since its inauguration.
The name HMS Ocean was given to the ship by Her Majesty the Queen on 20th February 1998.
Although the usual speed of HMS Ocean is no more than 18 knots, at her first trial on the sea, she had reached the highest speed of 20.6 knots.
HMS Ocean can actually provide the assault capabilities that are amphibious which were previously offered by Bulwark and Albion.
HMS Ocean can launch and support a land attack by deploying an EMF or Embarked Military Force of the RMCG or Royal Marines Commando Group.
HMS Ocean is actually capable of anti-submarine warfare to a limited capacity.
The London Olympics 2012 saw the HMS Ocean performing a special duty. The HMS Ocean supported an air arm of 8 Fleet Air Arm Super Lynx and Army Air Corps helicopters to deploy the special forces for the security role that they were assigned. It was taken up to Greenwich for acting as a hub for logistics in terms of maritime activities. This exercise was taken up to ensure the safety of participants, organizers and viewers of one of the most awaited sporting events.
HMS Ocean was deployed to rescue the stranded civilians across the English Channel after air travel disruption due to the Eyjafjallajokull eruption in Iceland in 2010.
In May, 2011, HMS Ocean was sent to Libya with embarked Apaches to aid the operations there. This marked the first time when Apache helicopters were sent on an operation from a Royal Navy Ship.
These are only a few of the interesting and lesser known facts about the HMS Ocean. It is the largest ship of the Royal Navy and hence commands a lot of respect.
