Uncertainty over HMS Bulwark's return to operations as farewells made to HMS Albion

A special ceremony has taken place on HMS Albion to say goodbye to the ship, although it is still unclear when her sister ship HMS Bulwark will take over as a Landing Platform Dock ship for the UK Commando Force.

Sailors and Royal Marines gathered in the well dock of HMS Albion to reflect on their time on the ship and say farewell to the Royal Navy workhorse as her term as the UK's amphibious flagship ends.

Albion has been integral to Commando Force operations all around the world – but for now, it is farewell to the fleet.

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Brigadier Duncan Forbes, the commander at Headquarters Commando Forces, commended the crew during the special ceremony, calling HMS Albion's reputation "bomb-proof".

He said: "You've delivered time and time again, no faff, no fuss, no nonsense, just quiet excellence, day in and day out on behalf of the defence, so for that I really am grateful for all you have achieved over those last weeks and months."

HMS Bulwark

Over the coming weeks specialist parts and equipment will be moved from HMS Albion to HMS Bulwark.

Brig Forbes added: "None of us, if we are really honest, quite know how long it will be before Bulwark is back in the game and at the door and set for operations."

Albion sailed into Devonport dockyard in Plymouth earlier this year after her final deployment.

The amphibious vessel's crew was welcomed home by family and friends aboard after a mission to the Baltic with a stop in Den Helder to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK Netherlands Amphibious Force.

HMS Albion's specialist role was to bring Royal Marines ashore, using landing craft and raiding boats.

The assault ship had spent recent years leading the Littoral Response Group (North) – a force able to deploy across Europe and react to crises and world events.

Albion has completed six years of intensive operations around the world.