, Conducting security operations at sea is a vital part of the Royal Navy's job, and HMS Ocean pounding the maritime beat in the vast open waters of the Atlantic Ocean is a good example of that role.
'Beat duty' may not be the most glamorous of jobs but it's an important role nevertheless. After all, it is widely believed that much of the world's illicit trade in arms and people takes place at sea.
Carrier Ocean, providing a maritime presence in the Atlantic area, is well equipped to take her place on beat duty using her wide variety of helicopters, radars and sensors.
Lieutenant Commander Pete Hoare, Operations Officer of HMS Ocean, explains:
“While not every day turns up something suspicious, it's often worth knowing what constitutes normal activity and it also helps all interested agencies form an accurate worldwide picture. When something out of the ordinary happens, it's much easier to pinpoint. It's all about getting one step ahead of the bad boys.”
HMS Ocean is currently on a four month deployment to West Africa and the Caribbean. The ship's primary role is to carry an Embarked Military Force (EMF) supported by 12 medium support helicopters, 6 attack helicopters and 4 Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) Mk 5 Landing Craft. Her secondary roles include afloat training, a limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform and a base for anti-terrorist operations.
The Royal Navy makes its presence known and forms part of the wordwide police force responsible for checking the flow of unlawful cargo making its way across the seas, some of it headed to UK shores.
Commenting on his ship's important role, Captain Russ Harding, her Commanding Officer, said:
“My ship's company takes real pride in delivering its security role. Every time we sail from our Devonport home we immediately keep a close watch on everything that happens around us.
“As a helicopter carrier, with a range of very well-equipped aircraft which are able to communicate with us at all times, we can see much further than many warships – both over the sea and in the air – and this makes us particularly capable in this role.”
The ship's company are relishing their spell of duty in the Atlantic and, with a bit of sun on their backs, they police the waters, watching and listening to what's going on, ready to deal with whatever potential challenges come their way.
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