HMS Ocean (L12)

An invitation to tender for a new helicopter carrier was issued in February 1992.{{cite news |first=David |last=Fairhill |title=£500 million to be spent on new assault vessels |newspaper=The Times |page=15 |date=14 February 1992 }} In February 1993 The Times reported that the carrier faced cancellation due to budgetary constraints.{{cite news |first=Michael|last=Evans|title=Spending axe falls on £170m carrier |newspaper=The Times |date=3 February 1993 }} However, at approximately the same time, British forces were engaged in operations in the Balkans, which saw the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's aviation training ship RFA Argus pressed into service as an amphibious transport ship. Argus{{'}}s accommodation and facilities proved inadequate for the needs of a large Embarked Military Force (EMF), which emphasised the need for a purpose-built platform.{{cite web |url=http://navy-matters.beedall.com/ocean.htm |title=HMS Ocean |access-date=7 October 2008 |website=Navy Matters |date=7 May 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102034324/http://navy-matters.beedall.com/ocean.htm |archive-date=2 November 2014}} On 29 March 1993, the defence procurement minister announced that development of the new Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) was proceeding.{{cite news |first1=David |last1=White |last2=Tighe |first2=Chris |title=MoD revives £170m helicopter carrier plan |newspaper=Financial Times |page=15 |date=30 March 1993}} Two shipbuilders tendered for the contract – Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL) and Swan Hunter. On 11 May 1993, the government announced that VSEL had won the contract.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Duce|title=Barrow ship order dismays Tyneside |newspaper=The Times |date=12 May 1993 }} The build was to commercial standards, reducing costs significantly and leading to a construction spend of £154 million (£{{Formatprice|{{Inflation|UK|154000000|1993|{{Inflation-year|UK}}|r=-4}}}} in {{Inflation-year|UK}}),{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}, comparable to that of a Type 23 frigate. VSEL, a warship manufacturer, sub-contracted the build phase to the commercial Kværner yard in Govan, Glasgow.

That VSEL's bid was £71 million lower than Swan Hunter's was the source of political controversy and led to a National Audit Office investigation to determine whether the competition was fair. The report, published on 29 July 1993, stated that, although VSEL did subsidise its bid, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) was right to award the contract to VSEL because the subsidy was much smaller than the difference between the two bids; VSEL's bid was £139.5 million compared to Swan Hunter's £210.6 million. The Times also suggested that the subsidy was as little as £10 million.{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Tighe |author2=Green, Daniel |title=VSEL subsidised Navy ship bid |newspaper=The Times |page=7|date=30 June 1993 }} In anticipation of the report, the Financial Times described the different philosophies adopted by the two bidders; while Swan Hunter viewed the ship as entirely military, "VSEL thought the design was basically a merchant ship with military hardware bolted on." VSEL's decision to sub-contract the build phase took advantage of lower overheads at a civilian yard as well as efficiency drives by its parent, Kværner.{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Green |title=Strategy to win a sea battle: How a civilian shipyard helped VSEL cut costs and gain a Royal Navy order|work=Financial Times |date=21 July 1993 }}

Launched on 11 October 1995, she was subsequently named at Barrow by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 February 1998, prior to delivery to Devonport. In her sea trial, she reached a maximum speed of {{convert|20.6|kn}}; however, her usual top speed is {{convert|18|kn}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/weapon/2007/dec07_weapon.html.print.html |title=Cyberpioneer – Weapon – Ruling over the oceans (Dec 07) |website=Ministry of Defence |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018071230/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/weapon/2007/dec07_weapon.html.print.html |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live }}

Ocean was designed to provide the amphibious assault capabilities last offered by {{HMS|Albion|R07|2}} and {{HMS|Bulwark|R08|2}}. She can deploy an Embarked Military Force (EMF) of a Royal Marines Commando Group from 3 Commando Brigade supported by aircraft and landing craft. The ship's company included 9 Assault Squadron (9 ASRM) from 1 Assault Group Royal Marines whose primary role is as an Amphibious Assault Squadron. 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 firefighting, watchkeeping and security. 9 ASRM is divided into a HQ unit, Landing Craft Troop, Signals detachment, Vehicle Deck Party and Assault Supply Team.RN Publication 15/370

HMS Ocean was 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.

The ship was capable of carrying four to six Westland Apache AH1 helicopters operated by the Army Air Corps, as well as helicopters of the Fleet Air Arm (Seaking Mk4) and Royal Air Force, including the larger twin-rotor Boeing Chinook transports. Prior to their retirement, Ocean could transport up to fifteen fixed-wing Harrier{{cite web |title=UK's first helicopter attack ship sets sail |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/183577.stm |publisher=BBC News |access-date=26 May 2014 |date=30 September 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420005026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/183577.stm |archive-date=20 April 2014 |url-status=live }} V/STOL aircraft of Joint Force Harrier in the ferry role, but was unable to operate as a fixed-wing aircraft carrier because she lacked the ski jump that is needed to launch a fully loaded Harrier.{{Citation needed|date=January 2017}}

For the 2012 London Olympics, she carried four Army Air Corps and four Fleet Air Arm Westland Super Lynx helicopters, to deploy special forces and conduct other missions in a security role.{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/near-miss-as-hms-ocean-squeezes-through-thames-barrier-7715349.html | location=London | newspaper=The Independent | first=Rob | last=Williams | title=Near miss as HMS Ocean squeezes through Thames Barrier | date=4 May 2012 | access-date=29 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812102332/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/near-miss-as-hms-ocean-squeezes-through-thames-barrier-7715349.html | archive-date=12 August 2016 | url-status=live }}

Four Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVPs) were permanently embarked and manned by 9 Assault Squadron Royal Marines.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/assault-ships/hms-ocean/ship-s-departments/9-assault-squadron-rm/ |title=HMS Ocean – 9 Assault Squadron |website=Royal Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722231328/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/assault-ships/hms-ocean/ship-s-departments/9-assault-squadron-rm/ |archive-date=22 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}

File:HMS Ocean DM-SD-02-07813.jpg ride the forward aircraft lift into Ocean{{'}}s hangar deck during an exercise in 1999.]]

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.{{cite news|title=UK Navy saves Nicaraguans|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/212149.stm|date=11 November 1998|work=BBC News|access-date=1 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418233858/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/212149.stm|archive-date=18 April 2014|url-status=live}} In early 1999, 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.{{cite news|title=UK Navy's biggest ship prepares for action|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/333584.stm|work=BBC News|date=2 May 1999|access-date=1 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418220718/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/333584.stm|archive-date=18 April 2014|url-status=live}}

During 2000, Ocean supported Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone, joining {{HMS|Illustrious|R06|2}} in aiding the suppression of rebel activity with her own embarked force, and providing support facilities for the Spearhead battalion ashore.{{cite book |title=A Short History of the Royal Air Force: Chapter 6 – Return to Expeditionary Warfare |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafiles/F21F8E7A_BD8A_55BA_43FA63F04FC5D6B4.pdf |page=307 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=1 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530173426/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafiles/F21F8E7A_BD8A_55BA_43FA63F04FC5D6B4.pdf |archive-date=30 May 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

On 17 February 2002, whilst under command of Captain Adrian Johns, a unit of Royal Marines from Ocean accidentally landed on the San Felipe beach in the Spanish town of La Linea instead of Gibraltar, causing a minor diplomatic incident as various media outlets labelled the mistake as an "invasion".{{cite news|title=Tell it to the marines... we've invaded the wrong country|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/feb/19/gibraltar.world|newspaper=The Guardian|date=19 February 2002|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925010210/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/feb/19/gibraltar.world|archive-date=25 September 2016|url-status=live}}

Ocean was the flagship and spearpoint of a large Royal Navy task force deployed for Operation Telic, the UK contribution to the 2003 Iraq War, for which she was awarded a new battle honour "Al Faw 2003".{{cite hansard|house=House of Lords|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo050609/text/50609-25.htm|title=Battle and Theatre Honours|date=9 June 2005|access-date=27 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013014145/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldhansrd/vo050609/text/50609-25.htm|archive-date=13 October 2017|url-status=live}} In the helicopter assault role she was accompanied by {{HMS|Ark Royal|R07|2}}.

She was awarded the Freedom of the City of Sunderland on 26 July 2004.{{cite web |url=https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/media/19477/Freedom-Recipients/pdf/Freedom_Recipients.pdf?m=636425412147300000 |title=Roll of Honorary Freemen of the former Borough of Sunderland |publisher=Sunderland City Council |access-date=9 June 2022}}

In the summer of 2006, under the command of Captain Christopher Clayton, the ship was deployed as part of the task force involved in the Aurora exercises on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Clayton was later succeeded by Captain Tony Johnstone-Burt.{{Citation needed|date=April 2017}}

In 2007, Ocean began her first long refit period. This was carried out by Devonport Management Limited at their Devonport Royal Dockyard facility and lasted around 12 months. Following this major period of maintenance and upgrading work, Ocean sailed from Plymouth on Wednesday 24 September 2008 to start sea trials.{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/OceanBackAtSeaAfter30mRefit.htm |website=Ministry of Defence |title=Ocean back at sea after £30m refit |date=24 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015005655/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/OceanBackAtSeaAfter30mRefit.htm |archive-date=15 October 2008 |url-status=dead}} As part of that upgrade, a PyTEC pyrolysising waste recycling unit was fitted.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8290130.stm|title=Energy from waste powers US army|work=BBC News|access-date=4 October 2009|date=5 October 2009|first=Jason|last=Palmer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521215232/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8290130.stm|archive-date=21 May 2014|url-status=live}}

On 18 February 2009, Ocean sailed from Devonport as part of the Taurus 09 deployment. She was joined on this deployment by the landing platform dock {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|2}}, as the flagship of the group, which included Type 23 Frigates {{HMS|Argyll|F231|2}} and {{HMS|Somerset|F82|2}} and four ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-events/taurus-09/ |title=TAURUS 09 |website=Royal Navy |year=2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426122243/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-events/taurus-09/ |archive-date=26 April 2009}} This exercise was filmed for the second series of the Channel 5 documentary Warship. In June 2009, Ocean took part in exercise Bersama Shield with HMS Somerset and {{Ship|RFA|Wave Ruler|A390|6}} off the Malay Peninsula.{{cite web |url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/445-task-force-raises-its-shield.aspx |website=Navy News |title=Task Force raises its shield}}{{dead link|date=December 2012}}

During the air travel disruption after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, Prime Minister Gordon Brown assigned Ocean and other units to rescue stranded travellers and army personnel across the English Channel in Operation Cunningham.{{cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/04/19/uk-deploys-royal-navy-warships/ | publisher=Fox News Channel | title=European Countries Agree to Resume Air Traffic | date=19 April 2010 | access-date=19 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421121443/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/04/19/uk-deploys-royal-navy-warships/ | archive-date=21 April 2010 | url-status=live }}

In 2010, the ship was sent on a multi-purpose deployment. This started with exercise Auriga on the eastern coast of the US.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/operations/auriga/news/hms-ocean-heads-across-the-pond-as-part-of-the-auriga-task-group/*/changeNav/6568 |title=HMS Ocean Heads Across The Pond As Part of the Auriga Task Group |date=10 June 2010 |website=Royal Navy |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100612115546/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/operations/auriga/news/hms-ocean-heads-across-the-pond-as-part-of-the-auriga-task-group/*/changeNav/6568 |archive-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead}} She then moved to Brazil to conduct an exercise with the Brazilian marines; whilst there a defence co-operation agreement was signed on board.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/assault-ships/hms-ocean/news/hms-ocean-departs-rio-de-janeiro-after-successful-diplomatic-visit |title=HMS Ocean departs Rio de Janeiro after successful diplomatic visit |website=Royal Navy |date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100927141555/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-events/rn-live/all-news/hms-ocean-departs-rio-de-janeiro-after-successful-diplomatic-visit/*/changeNav/6568 |archive-date=27 September 2010 |url-status=dead}} She then crossed the Atlantic to Nigeria to participate in the "Nigeria at 50" presidential fleet review and provide training to the Nigerian navy as part of the African partnership programme.{{cite web |url=http://www.naveur-navaf.navy.mil/artical_64.html |title=HMS Ocean Engages in Capacity Building with the Nigerian Navy |website=Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224212551/http://www.naveur-navaf.navy.mil/artical_64.html |archive-date=24 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/jackspeak/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/HMS-Ocean-during-the-Nigerian-Fleet-Review2.jpg |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101001133501/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/jackspeak/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/HMS-Ocean-during-the-Nigerian-Fleet-Review2.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-10-01 |title=HMS Ocean during the Nigerian Fleet Review |website=Royal Navy}} She returned to Devonport in November.{{cite news |title=HMS Ocean welcomed home after world wide deployment |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-ocean-welcomed-home-after-world-wide-deployment |date=1 November 2010 |website=Ministry of Defence |access-date=7 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418220723/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-ocean-welcomed-home-after-world-wide-deployment |archive-date=18 April 2014 |url-status=live }}

File:HMS Ocean, moored in Greenwich, London for the 2012 Olympic games.jpg]]

In April 2011, while under command of Captain Keith Blount, the ship took part in the COUGAR 11 deployment under the ultimate command of Commander Amphibious Task Group (CATG). During this deployment, she took part in Exercise Cypriot Lion.{{cite web |url=http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/operations/auriga/index.htm |title=Cougar 11 |website=Royal Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604174512/http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/operations/auriga/index.htm |archive-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}

In May 2011, she was detached from CATG's COUGAR 11 deployment and sent with embarked Apaches to aid operations in Libya along with the attack helicopters aboard the French amphibious assault ship Tonnerre (L9014).{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/ApachesGetReadyToHelpProtectLibyanCivilians.htm |title=Apaches get ready to help protect Libyan civilians |website=Ministry of Defence |date=27 May 2011 |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125919/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/ApachesGetReadyToHelpProtectLibyanCivilians.htm |archive-date=18 October 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/06/04/nato-uses-attack-helicopters-for-first-time-in-libya/?test=latestnews | publisher=Fox News Channel | title=NATO Uses Attack Helicopters for First Time in Libya | date=4 June 2011 | access-date=5 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607035144/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/06/04/nato-uses-attack-helicopters-for-first-time-in-libya/?test=latestnews | archive-date=7 June 2011 | url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=HMS Ocean returns home|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-ocean-returns-home|website=Ministry of Defence|date=12 December 2011|access-date=7 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015129/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-ocean-returns-home|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live}} This was the first time that Apache helicopters were sent directly into action from a Royal Navy ship.{{cite web |url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1213-ocean-and-her-gunships-dispatched-to-libya.aspx |title=Ocean and her gunships dispatched to Libya |website=Navy News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201221915/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1213-ocean-and-her-gunships-dispatched-to-libya.aspx |archive-date=1 February 2016 |url-status=dead}} Her initial complement of three Apaches was bolstered by a fourth soon after, and later a fifth.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8531704/British-attack-helicopters-to-Libya.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first1=Damien | last1=McElroy | first2=James | last2=Kirkup | first3=Thomas | last3=Harding | title=Libya: British attack helicopters to be deployed | date=23 May 2011 | access-date=2 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328104050/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8531704/British-attack-helicopters-to-Libya.html | archive-date=28 March 2018 | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/libya-british-army-details-apaches-success-359298/ |title=LIBYA: British Army details Apache's success |website=Flight International |date=8 July 2011 |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118213610/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/libya-british-army-details-apaches-success-359298/ |archive-date=18 January 2013 |url-status=live }} The deployment included a large medical team, a sign of the ship's flexibility.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-oceans-medical-team-supports-apache-crews-flying-over-libya |title=HMS Ocean's medical team supports Apache crews flying over Libya |date=5 August 2011 |website=Ministry of Defence |access-date=30 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014504/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-oceans-medical-team-supports-apache-crews-flying-over-libya |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:HMS Ocean nearing the end of her Operational Sea Training with Chinook and Apache on deck. MOD 45158421.jpg and Chinook training on Ocean in November 2014 following her refit]]

On 4 May 2012, she moored at Greenwich to prepare for her role of providing logistics support, accommodation and a helicopter landing site during the London 2012 Olympic Games.{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MilitarySupportTo2012OlympicGamesAnnounced.htm |title=Military support to 2012 Olympic Games announced |website=Ministry of Defence |date=15 December 2011 |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018124500/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/MilitarySupportTo2012OlympicGamesAnnounced.htm |archive-date=18 October 2012 |url-status=live }} From 24 to 28 May 2012, she visited Sunderland, her affiliated port, and made other port calls before returning to London on 13 July.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/May/23/120523-Ocean-visits-Sunderland |title=HMS Ocean visits her affiliated city of Sunderland this weekend |website=Royal Navy |access-date=27 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625170158/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/May/23/120523-Ocean-visits-Sunderland |archive-date=25 June 2012 |df=dmy }}{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18838595 | publisher=BBC News | title=HMS Ocean in London for Olympics | date=13 July 2012 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105102957/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18838595 | archive-date=5 January 2016 | url-status=live }} After Olympic duty, Ocean returned to her home port of HMNB Devonport for a scheduled period of maintenance.{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/the-fleet/ships/assault-ships/hms-ocean |title=HMS Ocean |website=Royal Navy |access-date=27 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926032437/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/the-fleet/ships/assault-ships/hms-ocean |archive-date=26 September 2013 |df=dmy }} The LPH role was provided by {{HMS|Illustrious|R06|6}} until 2014. On 22 July 2014, Ocean took over the helicopter carrier role again, after her 15-month, £65 million refit, replacing Illustrious, which then returned to her home port Portsmouth for the last time, being decommissioned on 28 August 2014. As part of the Response Force Task Group COUGAR 14 deployment, Ocean participated in exercises off Albania and France.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/september/19/140919-ocean-france |title=HMS Ocean joins the French in Exercise Gabion |date=19 September 2014 |access-date=22 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921105141/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/september/19/140919-ocean-france |archive-date=21 September 2014 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/september/17/140917-rm-launch-final-assualt-on-exercise-albanian-lion |title=Royal Marines launch final assualt [sic] on exercise Albanian Lion |website=Royal Navy |date=17 September 2014 |access-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414202420/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/september/17/140917-rm-launch-final-assualt-on-exercise-albanian-lion |archive-date=14 April 2016 |url-status=live }}

In April 2015 Ocean took part in Exercise Joint Warrior 15-1 around the coast of Scotland, with Wildcat helicopters landing on her for the first time.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/may/15/150515-845-nas-on-exercise-joint-warrior-151 |title=845 NAS on exercise Joint Warrior 15-1 |work=Royal Navy |date=15 May 2015 |access-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007061237/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/may/15/150515-845-nas-on-exercise-joint-warrior-151 |archive-date=7 October 2016 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newshms-ocean-conducts-first-time-operations-of-wildcat-helicopter-4588871 |title=HMS Ocean conducts first-time operations of Wildcat helicopter |website=Naval Technology |date=29 May 2015 |access-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809155847/http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newshms-ocean-conducts-first-time-operations-of-wildcat-helicopter-4588871 |archive-date=9 August 2016 |url-status=live }} She then stopped again in Sunderland where the ship's company exercised their right to the freedom of the city, with more than 300 officers and ratings parading through the city centre.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/april/30/150430-ocean-sails-into-sunderland-and-open-to-visitors |title=HMS Ocean due into Sunderland for Freedom of the City and open to visitors |website=Royal Navy |date=30 April 2015 |access-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811065103/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/april/30/150430-ocean-sails-into-sunderland-and-open-to-visitors |archive-date=11 August 2016 |url-status=live }}

Ocean became the Royal Navy Fleet Flagship in June 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/queen-plymouth-live-coverage-majesty-s-visit/story-26203323-detail/story.html |title=The Queen in Plymouth – live coverage of Her Majesty's visit |first=Patrick |last=Daly |newspaper=Plymouth Herald |date=19 March 2015 |access-date=17 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122616/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Queen-Plymouth-live-coverage-Majesty-s-visit/story-26203323-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |df=dmy-all }} In December 2015, she returned to port after Exercise COUGAR 15, an amphibious warfare exercise in the Mediterranean with the French Navy.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/december/11/151211-ocean-returns-home |title=HMS Ocean returns home from Cougar deployment |work=Royal Navy |date=11 December 2015 |access-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315045457/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/december/11/151211-ocean-returns-home |archive-date=15 March 2016 |url-status=live }}

In September 2016, Ocean left Devonport for the inaugural Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) (JEF(M)) Task Group deployment which is the successor to the annual Cougar deployments. The bulk of this deployment took place East of Suez and demonstrated the UK's ongoing ability to deploy highly effective and combat capable maritime forces anywhere in the world.{{cite web | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/september/20/160920-ocean-deploys | title=HMS Ocean deploys on joint expeditionary force | publisher=Royal Navy | date=20 September 2016 | access-date=7 November 2020 }}

The core task group included the LSD RFA Mounts Bay (L3008), MOD strategic Ro-Ro vessel {{MV|Eddystone}} and {{HMS|Bulwark|L15}}. Elements of the Royal Marines 42 Commando, were spread across the force. Frigates and Destroyers from the Royal Navy and French Navy joined throughout the deployment.

On the 60th anniversary of Operation Musketeer, Ocean became the flagship of COMATG. This marked the end of the JEF(M) deployment.

On 25 November, the ship rendezvoused with {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69}}. COMATG assumed command of the U.S. Task Force 50, becoming Commander, Task Force 50 (CTF 50).{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/november/26/161126-royal-navy-leads-us-task-force-50|title=Royal Navy leads US task force 50 for the first time}} Due to the U.S. Navy gap in carrier coverage in the Middle East, this was the first time a Royal Navy vessel had commanded the U.S. formation responsible for maritime war fighting in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulfs of Aden and Oman and the Indian Ocean. On 24 March Ocean returned to Devonport. During the deployment she steamed 23,000 miles, visited 11 countries, provided a platform for six British ambassadors and High Commissioners and was home to up to 1150 service personnel.

At the end of August 2017, Ocean left Devonport for her final deployment, scheduled to take over as Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 flagship in the Mediterranean.{{cite news |author= |title=Closing sail |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=30 August 2017 }} Before she could relieve {{HMS|Duncan|D37}} with SNMG2, Ocean was redeployed to assist in disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean, and then the subsequent Hurricane Maria.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-from-priti-patel-on-the-uks-response-to-hurricane-irma |title=Update from Priti Patel on the UK's response to Hurricane Irma |work=gvo.uk |date=8 September 2017 |access-date=8 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908090551/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-from-priti-patel-on-the-uks-response-to-hurricane-irma |archive-date=8 September 2017 |url-status=live }}

Ocean was decommissioned on 27 March 2018 at HMNB Devonport, with Queen Elizabeth II attending the ceremony.

{{Main|Brazilian helicopter carrier Atlântico}}

Brazil, seeking a replacement for their navy's outgoing flagship, NAe São Paulo, began negotiations with the United Kingdom in 2017 to purchase Ocean for £84.3 million (312 million Brazilian Reais),{{cite web | url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-ocean-decommissioned-from-the-royal-navy-to-be-sold-to-brazil/ | title=HMS Ocean decommissioned from the Royal Navy, to be sold to Brazil | date=27 March 2018 }} following her decommissioning in 2018. An agreement was struck and, after being transferred to Brazil, the former HMS Ocean was commissioned as Atlântico in June 2018. She has since been the flagship of the Brazilian Navy.

Initially being designated with the initials PHM (Porta Helicópteros Multipropósito, Multipurpose Helicopter Carrier), the ship's designation was changed to NAM (Navio Aeródromo Multipropósito, Multipurpose Aircraft Carrier) on 12 November 2020 due to her ability to host UAVs and VTOL aircraft.{{cite web |url=https://www.marinha.mil.br/capitania-da-esquadra-recebe-nova-denominacao-de-navio-aerodromo-multiproposito |title=Armada's Flagship receives new Multipurpose Aircraft Carrier designation |work=marinha.mil.br |date=12 November 2020 |access-date=18 May 2022 | language=pt}}

File:Fleet 5 nations.jpg in the Oman Sea]]

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• Coldstream Guards
• No. 27 Squadron RAF
• No. 30 Squadron RAF
• 656 Squadron, Army Air Corps
• 657 Squadron, Army Air Corps
• Worshipful Company of Farriers
• City of Sunderland
• Bedford Modern School CCF
• Whitgift School
• The Britannia Association
• HMS Ocean Association
• Duke of York Military School
• Kings College Wimbledon CCF
• Training Ship King Alfred
• Merton Sea Cadet Corps- T.S. Trafalgar
• 11th Torbay Sea Scouts
• 6th Torbay Sea Scouts

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• Amphibious warfare ship
• List of amphibious warfare ships of the Royal Navy

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{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/surface-fleet/assault-ships/hms-ocean Royal Navy HMS Ocean] (royalnavy.mod.uk)
• [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/ocean/ HMS Ocean] (naval-technology.com)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ocean (L12)}}

Category:Helicopter carrier classes

Category:Ships built in Govan

Category:1995 ships

Category:Aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy

Category:Amphibious warfare vessels of the Royal Navy

Category:2012 Summer Olympics