HMS OCEAN (L12) is a Landing Platform - Helicopter. (LPH). It is the only one in its class.
| Displacement | 21,578 tonnes |
| Length | 208m |
| Beam | 34.4m |
| Crew | 284 + 180 FAA + 800 RM |
| Armament | Phalanx CIWS, close-range guns. |
| Aircraft | n Assorted helicopters. Capable of carrying, but not operating, Sea Harriers |
HMS OCEAN was commissioned into the fleet in August 1998. She is part of the amphibious warfare group, currently alongside HMS FEARLESS and HMS INTREPID but very soon to be complemented by HMS ALBION and HMS BULWARK which will replace HMS FEARLESS and HMS INTREPID.
Although HMS OCEAN is, at heart, a helicopter carrier, it has the ability to land troops not only through any helicopters embarked, but also from its landing craft. These are the most modern types of landing craft available to the Royal Navy and will eventually be used in HMS ALBION and HMS BULWARK. The introduction of HMS OCEAN will also ensure that the current Invincible class aircraft carriers can be used for their primary role. When the Invincible class was designed, it had a secondary role as a helicopter assault ship. However, the hangars in those ships are not entirely suited for this purpose. However with only one ship in the Ocean class, there will be occasions when the ship will be non-operational. When this occurs it is unlikely that the Invincible class will now be used, HMS ALBION or HMS BULWARK would seem obvious - although less capable - choices and, if necessary, RFA ARGUS could be used in this capacity too.
HMS OCEAN made a dramatic start to its operational life. When it was undertaking first-of-class trials, it was called to Honduras to give humanitarian assistance following a devastating hurricane. This operation showed the flexibility of HMS OCEAN.
The strategic defence initiative led to the creation of the Joint Helicopter Command which places the helicopters of all the armed services (RN, RM, RAF and Army) under one command. When this Command is fully-operational HMS OCEAN will have the capability of deploying helicopters from all the services. This will increase the operational capability of the ship.
Perhaps one drawback with HMS OCEAN, however, is that unlike the Invincible class aircraft carriers, HMS OCEAN is not designed to be a flagship. It has no flag-quarters for an amphibious taskgroup commander which means that when she operates in an amphibious taskgroup, she will always need to be accompanied by either an LPD or an Invincible class ship.
Whether HMS OCEAN is capable of operating as a fourth aircraft carrier is a source of some speculation. HMS OCEAN has been closely modelled on the Invincible class ships and she is capable of carrying Harriers. At present it is believed that she is not capable of operating Sea Harriers because firstly, it does not have an angled jump-deck to allow fully-laden Harriers to operate, and secondly it is believed that her magazines are not fitted out for this role. However, it may not be difficult to add these features to HMS OCEAN although it is likely that such expense would only be justified in time of war when one of the other Invincible class ships has been badly damaged or sunk. It should be noted whereas HMS OCEAN therefore may not have a secondary warfare role as an aircraft carrier (other than for transporting purposes) the Invincible class ships do have a secondary role as an LPH.
Even with the possible disadvantages outlined above, it is clear that HMS OCEAN is a valuable addition to the fleet, and should be warmly welcomed. It is to be hoped that future governments will understand the folly of having only one dedicated LPH and build another one, so that there will always be at least one LPH available in times of conflict.
