HMS Ocean sets off for training

HMS Ocean carries Royal Marines and helicopters

The helicopter carrier HMS Ocean left Plymouth's Devonport Naval Base on Wednesday for sea training in the run up to a major exercise.

The carrier had been due to leave on Tuesday but adverse weather conditions delayed her departure.

The vessel will return next week and then join the Royal Navy task force in the Mediterranean in the coming weeks.

The Task Force may be diverted to the Gulf should there be military action against Iraq.

Some 40 MoD staff work at a Plymouth hospital

There had been speculation she would be carrying South West Royal Marines from 40 Commando.

However, a navy spokeswoman said only the standard crew of 300 were on board and the ship would return by mid-January.

HMS Ocean left Devonport to go on basic operational sea training following a refit at Portsmouth.

The ship's primary role is to carry Royal Marine troops supported by 18 helicopters and various landing craft.

Meanwhile, hospital ship RFA Argus is on routine training for three days.

Some 40 MoD staff normally based at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital are taking part in the current training, forcing the closure of a ward there.

RFA Argus is a casualty receiving ship

The deployment to the Gulf of Argus and Ocean, would be highly significant, say military experts.

Rear Admiral Terry Loughran, the former commander of HMS Ark Royal, said: "If Ocean does go, that will be a very significant step because she was purpose-built to carry Royal Marine commandos.

"Argus was built as an air-training ship but she is also our principal casualty receiving ship.

"It would also be a significant thing if she was sent as well."