From the first "commando carriers" to the legendary Fearless class and
the current generation, this title explores the capabilities, roles, and
history of the Royal Navy's frontline amphibious assault ships.
Amphibious assault ships have been at the center of nearly all of
Britain's expeditionary campaigns since World War II, from the Suez
crisis of 1956 to operations as far afield as Borneo (1963-66), the
Falklands (1982), Sierra Leone (2000) and Iraq (2003).
In major operations such as Suez and the Falklands, the use of
amphibious assault ships was essential to the military success of the
campaigns. The Suez Crisis saw two of the Royal Navy's former light
fleet carriers converted into commando carriers to specialize in
amphibious warfare. In the 1960s these were followed by the famous
Fearless class ships - the first purpose-built amphibious assault ships
in the Royal Navy. With an internal dock, headquarters capability, and
multiple landing craft, these Landing Platform Docks were built to
project power around the world. When the Falklands were invaded, HMS
Fearless was the key to the successful landing in San Carlos.
In the 1990s, a new generation was ordered: the helicopter carrier HMS
Ocean and the Albion class LPDs. In recent years Ocean, Albion and
Bulwark have been the largest fighting ships of the Royal Navy and
have acted as the navy's flagships, as well as being perhaps the most
versatile ships in the navy.
This title is an essential guide to British Amphibious Assault Ships
across the decades, from the mighty Fearless to the modern Albion.
Packed with full-color illustrations, contemporary photography, and
detailed analysis, this definitive work explores the history,
development, and deployment of the Royal Navy's front line.
