HMS Ocean in the Mediterranean

Pictured is HMS Ocean during Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) (JEF[M]) in the Mediterranean.

She is shown with Apache, Merlin and Chinook helicopters embarked...This year’s major task group deployment, to the Mediterranean and Middle East, will demonstrate the Royal Navy’s enduring ability to deploy highly effective and combat-capable maritime forces anywhere in the world. ..'Britain’s biggest warship', the helicopter carrier and assault ship HMS Ocean (L12) is the Flagship of the Royal Navy...In her role as a helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship, Ocean is designed to deliver troops by helicopter or by landing craft – the ship has six helicopters and carries four Mk5 landing craft vehicle and personnel (LCVP)...In 2015 HMS Ocean completed fitting new communications and IT systems which now allows the ship to host a staff, headed by a Rear Admiral, commanding UK and NATO Task Groups.

As well as the ship’s role as the Royal Navy’s Flagship, the headquarters staff in Ocean will be the Maritime Component Commander of the NATO Response Force (NRF) in 2016.