Go Mighty O as sailors rejoin HMS Ocean following 15-month revamp
7 February 2014
The White Ensign today flies on HMS Ocean once again as sailors rejoined Britain’s biggest warship.
More than 150 sailors and commandos – a little under the Mighty O’s total complement – filed aboard the ship in Devonport as the helicopter carrier’s £65m refit draws to a close.
Pictures: LA(Phot) Joel Rouse, FRPU West
THE White Ensign today flies over Britain’s biggest warship since 2012 as HMS Ocean comes back to life.
The mess decks of the Mighty O are now alive with banter after more than 150 sailors and Royal Marines – the latter from 1 Assault Squadron – marched in file on to the Mighty O for the first time in over a year.
Moving back aboard the ship in her home base of Devonport is the most important milestone in the helicopter carrier’s £65m, 15-month refit by defence firm Babcock.
Ocean's CO Capt Tim Henry speaks to his ship's company
Welcoming aboard his ship’s company – some of whom had been on board helping the extensive revamp – was Capt Tim Henry, who assumed command of Ocean at the end of last year.
“Those of you who are returning will see major changes and will have to re-learn your way round the ship because of the new bulkheads and layout and new systems,” he explained.
“I will be working with and alongside you every step of the way. We all want to go back to sea and that is our goal where we will begin sea trials."
Stairway to Devon... Ocean's officers march up her side ramp
The carrier’s revamp – described by the Babcock team as equivalent to refitting three Type 23 frigates – has included a full refurbishment of her flight deck, hangar and aviation facilities, an overhaul of much of her mechanical and engineering equipment, and replacement or refurbishment of many of her communications and weapons systems. There’s also a bigger sick bay, enlarged galley and dining area.
Following sea trials testing both the ship and her sailors, the crew will undergo intensive training under Flag Officer Sea Training off the South-West coast.
By the end of 2014, Ocean will be the UK’s sole on-call helicopter carrier; veteran HMS Illustrious, which has performed the duty while the Mighty O has been going through her revamp, is due to pay off after more than 30 years’ proud service in the late autumn.