HMS Albion Returns Home Following Trials

Following a revamp costing £90 million, HMS Albion has successfully completed her first four weeks of sea trials.

The refurbishment of the assault ship took more than two years and saw 110 major changes, including the phalanx close in weapons system and a new propulsion cooling system.

It was 2011 when HMS Albion was laid up in Devonport, mothballed by the government in the strategic defence review.

The refit is expected to ensure the ship is able to serve into the 2030s.

She was approved for a 350-plus crew of sailors and marines, who were deemed fit to deal with specialist scenarios such as an aircraft crash on deck or blaze in the main engine room.

It was during the trials, in clear sight of Plymouth Breakwater, that the ship performed her ‘party trick’.

She took on 2,500 tonnes of sea water to 'ballast down', then opened her stern gate and flooded her loading dock with 1,500 tonnes of water so that landing craft could successfully operate.

And after a successful start to her trials, Albion has returned home, ready for her rededication on Friday.

 The Princess Royal will be guest of honour at the event, 16 years after she launched the ship at BAE's Barrow yard.