Judge Tudor Owen
I realise many people in this forum will have seen all this many times in real life but I hope the pictures will be of interest to some.
HMS OCEAN 10-13 May: A fascinating and valuable insight into the operation of the dedicated helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship designed to deliver troops to the centre of the action by air or landing craft.
Sea King Mk 7 SKASaC 'Baggers' of 849 NAS in flight refuelling from HMS OCEAN.
From FlyCo
Attaching the hose
From the Bridge
(Apologies for the quality of the pics - iPhone through windows)
Sea King Mk7 'Baggers' of
849 Naval Air Squadron (RNAS Culdrose), parent unit of the Navy's Airborne Surveillance and Control.
The distinctive inflatable black bag contains Searchwater 2000 radar for detection of surface and air targets.
HMS OCEAN, helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship and, until the Queen Elizabeth class carriers arrive, the Royal Navy’s biggest warship.
A little more difficult to find our way around than HMS Illustrious (no
'25 HELPS' to help) but we soon learnt.
HMS OCEAN can carry 12 Sea King and 6 Lynx helicopters.
RAF Chinooks are normally carried as an integral part of the ship's air group.
Honourable Company of Air Pilots
Our very grateful thanks to Captain Tim Henry RN, Cdr Steve Deacon RN (Commander Air) and to all the ship's company for their warm welcome, willingness to explain and demonstrate their various roles - and patiently answering our many questions.
Tudor Owen