HMS Ocean, Flagship, pride of the fleet, etc. Is very likely to be sold in a deal with Brazil, for an estimated £84million. Though it seems people in some quarters are unhappy with the decision to sell so soon (four years) after a major overhaul which cost an estimated £65million. The Royal Navy's current Flagship, will be decommissioned later this year and the money to be used to finance other defence projects.
The ship, one of three, built in 1995 as Helicopter Support Ships, though later adapted to carry the Harrier Jump Jet, took part in the Iraq War of 2003 and the Libyan campaign of 2013. It is argued the sale of the ship will greatly reduce the navy's capability of making any form of amphibious assault, should the need ever arise. At the same time all Britain's armed forces are suffering from an extreme case of under funding and the reduction of equipment and re-employment of manpower must be taken into consideration as part of the future military focus.
Also there is a certain need to take the age of the vessel into consideration and her admirable service record, also our good relations with Brazil as a future potential Allie. Also Britain will soon bolster her commitments with the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers and the new planned frigates.
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