Royal Navy amphibious warship HMS Ocean docks in Malta

HMS Ocean of the Royal Navy is an amphibious assault ship (or landing platform helicopter), the sole member of her class.

She is designed to support amphibious landing operations and to support the staff of Commander UK Amphibious Force and Commander UK Landing Force. She is currently the largest ship in the Royal Navy.

The role of the amphibious assault ship is fundamentally different from a standard aircraft carrier: its aviation facilities have the primary role of hosting helicopters to support forces ashore rather than to support strike aircraft. However, they are capable of serving in the sea-control role, embarking aircraft like Harrier fighters and ASW helicopters.

During the air travel disruption after the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption Prime Minister Gordon Brown assigned Ocean and other units to rescue stranded travellers and army personnel across the English Channel in Operation Cunningham.

In May 2011, she was detached from the COUGAR 11 deployment of the Response Force Task Group and sent with embarked Apaches to aid operations in Libya along with the attack helicopters aboard the French amphibious assault ship Tonnerre. This marks the first time Apache helicopters have been sent into action from a Royal Navy ship.

Her initial complement of three Apaches was bolstered by a fourth soon after. She can deploy an Embarked Military Force (EMF) of a Royal Marines Commando Group from 3 Commando Brigade supported by aviation and landing craft assets. The ships company includes 9 Assault Squadron from 1 Assault Group Royal Marines. Ocean is also capable of limited anti-submarine warfare activities, supporting afloat training and acting as a base facility for other embarked forces including counter-terrorism units.

The air group of up to 12 Sea King HC4 medium-lift helicopters, six Lynx AH7 light-lift/anti-tank helicopters are provided by the Commando Helicopter Force. However, she can also support the Apache AH1 operated by the Army Air Corps and helicopters of the Royal Air Force including the Chinook.