HMS Ocean: This Is Your Life
The Queen has paid tribute to one of the Royal Navy's largest warships at a decommissioning ceremony in Plymouth.
HMS Ocean, or the Mighty O, as she is known throughout the fleet, has been sold to the Brazilian navy for £84million.
She most recently carried out humanitarian work in the Caribbean following the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in British overseas territories.
The Queen, the helicopter and amphibious assault craft's lady sponsor, was greeted with a 21-gun salute as she arrived at Devonport Naval Base.
She was guest of honour at the decommissioning ceremony, along with the Head of the Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones, and more than 500 of the ship's company and their families.
Following her decommissioning ceremony later, we have taken a look back at her illustrious career.
The dedicated helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship, HMS Ocean was designed to deliver troops to battle and saw service in Iraq and Libya during her time in service.
Most recently she carried out a humanitarian trip to the Caribbean after Hurricane Irma.
During her final deployment as a Royal Navy vessel, she assumed the role of NATO flagship in the Mediterranean; proud Captain, Rober Pedre said:
“My ship’s company and I very much look forward to assuming the role of a NATO Flagship.
"HMS Ocean is an incredibly capable amphibious and command platform and represents a significant UK contribution to NATO’s efforts to maintain security in the Mediterranean region.”
1995
HMS Ocean was launched on 11 October, and was subsequently named at Barrow by Her Majesty the Queen in 1998.
1999
She was sent to the Mediterranean in readiness for possible involvement in the Kosovo conflict.
2000
Supporting Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone, HMS Ocean aided the suppression of rebel activity.
2003 - Iraq
Ocean was deployed for Operation Telic, the UK contribution to the 2003 Iraq War, for which she was awarded the battle honour "Al Faw 2003".
She set sail from Plymouth on January 16, carrying 300 Royal Marines and 400 air crew.
Ocean was a platform for 22 helicopters and her 200 Royal Navy medical staff treated casualties from both sides of the conflict.
2010
British citizens stranded in continental Europe by the eruption of an Icelandic volcano were ferried across the Channel by HMS Ocean.
2011 - Libya
HMS Ocean is sent to aid NATO operations concerning the Libyan conflict.
This was the first time that Apache helicopters had been sent into action from a Royal Navy ship.
Apache crews from 656 Squadron Army Air Corps carried out effective missions inside Libya, hitting military vehicles, installations and communications equipment.
Ocean spent four months operating off Libya, spending 87 days at sea.
2012
Mooring at Greenwich, she provided logistics support, accommodation and a helicopter landing site during the London Olympic Games.
2015
Ocean became the Royal Navy Fleet Flagship, taking over from HMS Bulwark.
2016
HMS Ocean assumed command of the maritime counter-Daesh effort.
HMS Ocean V HMS Queen Elizabeth: The Key Stats
HMS Ocean:
Weight: 22,000 tonnes
Top Speed: 18 knots
Length: 203 meters by 35 meters
Crew: 285 - 1,300 personnel
Carries: 18 Rotary Wing Aircraft- including Sea King, Lynx, Wildcat, Merlin, Chinook and Apache Attack helicopters
HMS Queen Elizabeth:
Weight: 65,000 tonnes
Top Speed: 25 knots
Length: 280 meters by 70 meters (that’s enough space for three football pitches!)
Crew: 700 -1,600 personnel
Carries: 40 Aircraft - 36 F35 Fighter Jets and 4 Helicopters
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