Queen pays tribute to ‘remarkable’ HMS Ocean at decommissioning ceremony
The warship was commissioned in 1998 and has covered more than 450,000 nautical miles.
The Queen has paid tribute to the Royal Navy’s largest operational warship at a decommissioning ceremony in Plymouth.
HMS Ocean, or the Mighty O, as she is known throughout the fleet, has been sold to the Brazilian navy for £84 million.
She most recently carried out humanitarian work in the Caribbean following the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in British overseas territories.
The Queen – the helicopter and amphibious assault craft’s lady sponsor – was greeted with a 21-gun salute as she arrived at Devonport Naval Base.
She was guest of honour at the decommissioning ceremony, along with the head of the Navy, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones, and more than 500 of the ship’s company and their families.
The Queen inspected a parade of the ship’s company on the jetty before proceeding to the dais.
“We are gathered here in Plymouth today, in the midst of this city’s rich maritime heritage, to say farewell to this unique and remarkable vessel, and to reflect on her considerable achievements,” she said.
“It is a testament to the unique nature of this ship and her crew that her success on operations as an amphibious helicopter carrier, in Sierra Leone, Iraq and Libya, has been matched by her capacity to deliver vital humanitarian aid, from the very beginning of her career to her final deployment last autumn.
“With three generations of naval officers in my family, I recognise the significant demands that have been placed on all those who have served in the ship over the last two decades, as well as the contribution of their families and loved ones.
“The Lord High Admiral, the Duke of Edinburgh, joins me in wishing you well in your future endeavours.
“The ship that replaces HMS Ocean, HMS Prince of Wales, is much larger and has greatly increased advanced capability.”
The Queen, wearing a coat and dress by Stewart Parvin, hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan and a diamond paisley brooch, observed a flypast of three Merlin helicopters, a Chinook, a Sea King and a Wildcat.
The ceremony concluded with the Royal Navy White Ensign being symbolically hauled down from the ship’s main mast.
Members of the parade removed their hats and gave three cheers for the Queen.
Commander Nick Wood, the ship’s second-in-command, said: “This is a sad day for us all. This is our home when we are away.
“But while we will miss HMS Ocean we mustn’t let emotion cloud the bright future for the Royal Navy or stand in the way of progress.”