HMS Ocean was a Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) and served as the UK's helicopter carrier and fleet flagship of the Royal Navy. Constructed in the mid-1990s by Kvaerner Govan on the River Clyde and fitted out by VSEL at Barrow-in-Furness, she was launched on 11 October 1995 and officially named by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 February 1998. She was commissioned at HMNB Devonport in September 1998. Ocean measured approximately 22,000 tons and was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 20.6 knots during sea trials, with a typical top speed of 18 knots. Designed for amphibious assault operations, HMS Ocean could deploy a Royal Marines Commando Group supported by aircraft and landing craft. Her crew included specialized units such as the 9 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, responsible for amphibious assaults, beach reconnaissance, and onboard security. The vessel could carry four to six Westland Apache AH1 helicopters, along with other helicopters like Seaking Mk4 and Chinooks, supporting a versatile range of operations including anti-submarine activities and supporting embarked forces. Her physical layout included a large flight deck, a well-equipped hangar, and facilities for embarked military units, including four permanently embarked Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVPs). She was also capable of supporting limited fixed-wing operations in ferry roles, although she lacked a ski jump for launching Harrier aircraft. Throughout her service, HMS Ocean participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian aid following Hurricane Mitch in Central America, support for operations in Sierra Leone, and the Iraq War, where she was awarded the battle honour "Al Faw 2003." She also played roles in security for the 2012 London Olympics and multiple NATO and joint exercises, demonstrating her operational versatility. Decommissioned in March 2018, HMS Ocean was sold to Brazil for £84.6 million and was renamed Atlântico. She now serves as the flagship of the Brazilian Navy, marking her significance as a versatile amphibious and helicopter carrier with a robust operational history in the Royal Navy.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.