Following a £65M refit that saw the helicopter carrier fitted with one of the most advanced RADAR systems ever put to sea (Type 997 also known as Artisan), along with having her engines re-turned, HMS Ocean has returned to Plymouth.

HMS Ocean sailed from Plymouth for sea trials for the first time since October 2012 back in July of this year, those trials are now complete.

An Apache lifts off from HMS Ocean during the conflict in Libya

The tests reportedly saw her achieve speeds in excess of 20 knots, the fastest she has gone since she was built. The helicopter carriers refit was carried out at Devonport by Babcock and the firm’s staff were onboard throughout the trials supporting HMS Ocean’s marine engineers in testing, adjusting and fine tuning the ship’s engines.

HMS Ocean is the Royal Navy’s helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship designed to deliver troops to the centre of the action by helicopter or by landing craft. Her flight deck can operate six helicopters at once with space in the hangar to hold, transport and maintain many more aircraft.

Captain Tim Henry, the Commanding Officer, said:

“HMS OCEAN’S SEA TRIALS HAVE BEEN A SUCCESS, WITH THE EQUIPMENT PERFORMING ABOVE EXPECTATIONS AND ALL THE CREW GAINING INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE. WE ARE WELL PLACED TO CONTINUE WITH OUR PROGRAMME LATER IN THE YEAR THAT WILL GROW OUR CAPACITY TO DELIVER SECURITY AT SEA AND PROTECT THE NATION’S INTERESTS.”