UK Ministry of Defence,
London, UK: A GBP30 million investment, and 14 months in the hands of Babcock Marine in HM Naval Base Devonport, has maintained the commando carrier at the sharp end of the Royal Navy's capability after ten years' service.
The trials in south west waters are designed to test that the ship's systems and weapons work perfectly after improvements and upgrades.
First the crew had to be tested in their ability to keep the ship safe from the potential hazards of being at sea, such as fire, floods and navigational risks. This involved a team of experts from the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) organisation joining the ship to put the crew through their paces. The crew passed with flying colours and impressed the sea training staff with their enthusiasm and commitment.
The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Simon Kings Royal Navy, said:
“HMS Ocean has come a very long way in the last two months. When we moved back onboard in July the size and scope of the work yet to be completed was daunting. The crew and Babcock Marine have made tremendous progress, often working through the night with grit and determination to get the ship operational again on time. I am looking forward to the next stage when the sea training staff will come onboard again and this time help us to train not just to operate but how to work as a fighting unit – to 'fight the ship'.
“This has been an intense period of training that has seen the culmination of much hard work by all on board, including Babcock Marine and civilian contractors who came to sea to put last minute finishing touches to the ship.”
Following the assessment of the safety aspects, the ship then concentrated on material issues, ensuring the engines and diesel generators worked under various conditions. Radar systems were tested for accuracy and all guns test-fired, including the 'Phalanx' radar-controlled, multi-barrelled cannon which successfully obliterated a target towed by an aircraft with its 3,000 rounds-per-minute rate of fire.
After only a brief respite, HMS Ocean will return to sea again to resume her programme of sea trials before embarking on operational sea training in November 2008 – the next step up from basic sea training under FOST.
