IJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands 15 September 2012
Already in February 1992 were shipyards asked to sent tenders. Lacking finances was she however cancelled. Balkan operations proved that such was public announced on 29 March. Her building at the shipyard of Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd, Kvaerner, Govan was ordered on 11 May 1993, laid down on 30 May 1994, launched on 11 October a year later, sponsored by the British queen Elizabeth II was she commissioned on 30 September 1998. Her homeport is HMNB Devonport, Plymouth. Her motto is Boldly Faithfully Happily while she is nicknamed The Might O.
With a displacement of 21.500 tons-21.200 long tons-23.700 tons are her dimensions 667’x 115’x 21’ or 203,4 x 35 x 6,5 metres. Speed 15 (cruise)-18 maximum). Car capacity 40 vehicles and 830 royal marines. Her crew numbers 285 persons to which 180 persons of the FAA/RAF are added. The armament consisted of 3-Phalanx CIWS, 4-2cm guns and 4 machine guns. Able to take 18 helicopters with her.
