The Royal Navy’s largest warship HMS Ocean celebrated her royal links by hosting Her Majesty the Queen on board in Plymouth on Friday, March 20.
Her Majesty paid her fourth visit to the nation’s ‘very high readiness’ helicopter carrier since commissioning in 1998.
Her Majesty, the ship’s sponsor since the official naming ceremony on 20th February 1998, was treated to a military ceremony alongside the ship at the jetty at Devonport, where she inspected a 96-man Royal Guard of sailors and attended a ship’s rededication ceremony.
The Royal guest was then escorted on board to meet members of the ship’s company and be shown examples of the ship’s amphibious capability, before being flown off the ship in the Royal helicopter.
HMS Ocean was rededicated following her refit, sea trials and operational work up to officially welcome her back into service as the Royal Navy’s only Landing Platform Helicopter.
HMS Ocean will now return to sea for Exercise Joint Warrior off the North West coast of Scotland. She will assume duties as the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship in June.
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Image: Royal Navy