THE Barrow-built ship HMS Albion is set to mark its 20th anniversary since its launch back in 2001.
Since then, she has played a pivotal role with the Royal Navy having held the position of Royal Navy flagship and flagship of the UK Responsive Force Task Group up until January 27 of this year when Albion transferred Fleet Flagship duty to HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Launch of the Landing Platform Dock HMS Albion .Pic: Crowds gather for the naming and launch of Albion.RICHARD ENGLISH REF: 0079624.
The assault ship had been flagship since March 2018, deploying to the Indo-Pacific for 10 months; to the Baltic for major multi-national exercises; and latterly to the Mediterranean leading NATO security patrols and experimental warfare trials.
Her sister, HMS Bulwark, previously led the Fleet for four years.
Built by BAE Systems Marine in Barrow-in-Furness, Albion was launched on March 9, 2001 by the Princess Royal and has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II back in 2006.
ROYAL: Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to HMS Albion Picture:Dave Gallagher/Royal Navy/PA.
The shipbuilding legacy in Barrow is iconic and BAE Systems highlighted how important this work is and their pride in seeing this ship see such service in the Royal Navy.
A spokesman for BAE Systems said: “There is an immense sense of pride in seeing ships and submarines built in Barrow serving with the fleet.
“The town has a tangible connection to those vessels, and they are a reminder of why the work we do here in Cumbria is so crucial to our nation.
“As we mark the 150th anniversary of our shipyard we look forward to welcoming the next generation of shipbuilders to our business.”
Barrow shipyard
Affiliated to the city of Chester and based in Plymouth, she is the ninth ship to carry the name Albion (after Albion, an ancient name of Great Britain), stretching back to the 74-gun 1763 warship.
HMS Albion has been described as the Royal Navy’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ – and for good reason.
This amphibious transport dock is capable of carrying 400 sailors and Royal Marines with a huge range of skills and experience, from technicians and engineers to medics and chefs.
OPENING: HRH Princess Anne visits HMS Albion
The loading dock of HMS Albion is packed with the trucks, machinery, and watercraft her crew use to carry out their duties.
The ship also carries emergency supplies for use in disaster relief operations, from food supplies to water pumps.
She has been used on numerous operations during her 20-year service which has seen her go across the globe with the Royal Navy.
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