Ocean waves farewell to UK Royal Navy service
The UK Royal Navy’s former helicopter carrier HMS Ocean was decommissioned in a ceremony at Devonport naval base on 27 March, bringing an end to 20 years of service.
However, the vessel will transfer into service with the Brazilian Navy, continuing a long tradition of warship sales between the UK and Brazil.
Previous vessel types that have moved between the two countries include the Type 21 frigates and a variant of what would become the River-class Batch II OPVs.
Brazil’s previous flattop São Paulo, formerly the French Navy carrier Foch, was decommissioned in 2017 after 54 years of combined service.
The sale of Ocean to Brazil was confirmed by the UK MoD this year in a deal worth around £84 million ($118 million).
Displacing around 21,000t the vessel, designated a landing platform helicopter (LPH), was built mainly to commercial standards, seeing service in the UK’s support of the 2003 invasion of Iraq and 2011 aerial campaign against Libya.
A rotary wing flypast comprising Wildcat, Merlin, Sea King and Chinook helicopters marked the end of Ocean's UK service, with the vessel scheduled to undergo a maintenance period before departure for Brazil by the end of the year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
-
![Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA]()
Raytheon will develop an advanced naval sensing and targeting system for DARPA
RTX’s solution for DARPA’s Pulling Guard programme is intended to provide advanced maritime defence technologies to protect platforms against uncrewed surface vehicles and other threats.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
