The amphibious landing ship HMS 'Bulwark' returned to the Royal Navy fleet on February 25, after successfully completing sea trials following an 11-month support period.
The upgrade and maintenance programme was undertaken by Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard. This was the ship's first docking since being formally commissioned into the Royal Navy in April 2005.
The support period involved the overhaul of 1,625 items of equipment, manufacture of 1,557 items, and shipping of 398 tonnes of equipment on and off the ship. 215 hull valves were removed and replaced; 93 tanks opened, cleaned and surveyed; 21 miles of electrical cable installed; and 8,000 litres of paint applied to the ship's outer bottom.
HMS 'Bulwark' now has improved aviation facilities (the flight deck has the capacity to operate two heavy-lift Chinook helicopters simultaneously) and upgrades to the welldock, including full tactical night-vision capability by her landing craft and aircraft.
Further, the ship's communications equipment has been enhanced, high pressure salt water, drainage and sewage systems improved, and main propulsion system upgraded.