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HMS Ocean joins Task Force
The Royal Navy's largest warship, HMS Ocean, has set sail for the Mediterranean. The vessel, which is based at Devonport in Plymouth, has more than 1,000 service personnel on board, including 300 Royal Marines, 400 aircrew and 20 helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton. Ocean, which left with Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland, is to join the rest of a Royal Navy Task Force for exercises in the eastern Mediterranean. However, military leaders say they are prepared for frontline action should there be a war with Iraq. Royal Marines from 40 Commando on board have just spent two months in training both at altitude and in arid conditions. Two naval air squadrons from Somerset are on board with Sea King, Lynx and Gazelle helicopters. They will provide the vital amphibious assault role that is the extra element now that the Ocean has to be ready for action. Ocean's departure follows what has been a busy week of comings and goings at Devonport. HMS Chatham and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort Rosalie sailed earlier in the week. The ships are joining a flotilla of 16 vessels, which is Britain's biggest maritime taskforce since the Falklands War more than 20 years ago. The task force is being led by the Ark Royal, which left Portsmouth at the weekend and stopped off at the Glen Douglas base on Loch Long in Argyll for stores and munitions on Monday before setting sail again on Thursday. Good sailing, Mates. Happy to have you on board. Posted by: Steve 2003-01-16 |
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