HMS Bulwark returns to the front line

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The Plymouth-based amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark has returned to the operational fleet after the completion of essential maintenance work which saw her taken out of front line service for 12 months.

HMS Bulwark launches a raid during Exercise South West Sabre using her landing craft and helicopters from 846 Naval Air Squadron
[Picture: LA (Phot) "Pepe" Hogan]

Following the maintenance work, which has greatly enhanced Bulwark's capability, the ship completed seven weeks of basic operational sea training under Plymouth-based Flag Officer Sea Training staff which culminated in a major amphibious exercise in Cornwall and Dorset.

HMS Bulwark's commanding officer, Captain Jeremy Blunden, said:

"HMS Bulwark has greatly benefited from her basic operational sea training and I am delighted that she is back where she belongs in the operational fleet. We are all looking forward to our forthcoming programme."

During Exercise South West Sabre the ship carried 150 Commandos from 42 Commando Royal Marines (Plymouth) 29 Regiment Royal Artillery (Plymouth), and Commando Logistic Regiment (Chivenor, N Devon). Bulwark launched a series of mock amphibious raids and assaults on simulated targets in Pentewan, Cornwall, and Lulworth, Dorset, using her own landing craft and Sea King helicopters from 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons. HMS Bulwark was supported by the German frigate FGS Rheinland Phalz.

HMS Bulwark launches Royal Marine Commandos on a raid during Exercise South West Sabre using her landing craft and helicopters from 846 Naval Air Squadron
[Picture: LA (Phot) "Pepe" Hogan]

Bulwark's next task is in London later this month where she will support the launch of the Royal Naval Presentation Team's autumn tour and conduct a range of other public events.

She is then due to take over from her sister ship HMS Albion as the amphibious flagship of the Royal Navy fleet in December 2007 prior to acting as the flagship leading a task group during February 2008's amphibious exercise in Norway.

HMS Bulwark is the Royal Navy's newest commando assault and command and control ship. Launched in November 2001 she has a ship's company of 390, a quarter of whom are made up from 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines. She can also carry up to 700 troops and her flight deck can land two Chinook or two Merlin helicopters. A large floodable dock holds four large landing craft, with another four carried on davits on the ship's side.

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