HMS Ocean steams into Sunderland for visit

Sep 19 2009 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal

THE biggest ship in the Royal Navy has paid a visit to the biggest city in the region.

HMS Ocean steamed into the North East yesterday for a four-day visit which will see crew members get an opportunity to explore the area and a chance for the public to take a look around the warship.

The helicopter carrier will remain moored in Sunderland until Monday. Yesterday the vessel hosted an official reception for civic dignitaries, the highlight of which was seeing an Apache helicopter land on deck.

Today youngsters from Sea Cadet groups in Sunderland will spend time on board learning more about life at sea. HMS Ocean’s crew will be allowed to spend time ashore and will be taking part in a rugby game against Blaydon RFC, having a guided tour of the Stadium of light and also taking in a show at the theatre. Captain Simon Kings said the 500-plus strong crew always enjoyed visiting the city. He explained: “We really enjoy being able to bring this great ship into Sunderland. We are lucky enough to have really strong ties here with our affiliated city and we always get a great welcome.

“The hospitality we receive while we are visiting Sunderland is always second to none – we’re proud that the Sunderland people have taken us so much to heart.”

HMS Ocean acts as a seagoing commando base which can respond to rapid deployment anywhere in the world. Apart from its normal compliment of seamen and aircrew it can also accommodate 550 Royal marines. It can also house 12 Sea King helicopters and 12 Lynx helicopters.