Amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark has sailed for her first training programme under the White Ensign.

The Royal Navy’s newest ship, recently handed over by shipbuilder BAE Systems, took with her a newly-formed ship’s company of 400, including 85 Royal Marines.

While at sea, her sailors and officers will familiarise themselves and train on the Plymouth-based ship’s equipment – and for around a third of the ship’s company it will be their first taste of life at sea with the Navy, having only recently joined up.

This first phase of training will be carried out in the Plymouth area under the watchful eyes of staff from Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST).

After sea safety training, Bulwark will move on to a period of sea trials around the UK, testing equipment and weapons systems and integrating 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines and their landing craft into the ship.

She is due to formally commission with a ceremony in Devonport Naval base in the spring.

At 18,500 tons, Bulwark and her sister Albion are impressive replacements for the veteran assault ships Fearless and Intrepid.

Bulwark can carry up to 700 Royal Marines commandos and up to 60 vehicles, ranging from trucks to Challenger II main battle tanks.

She is equipped with the largest and most sophisticated battle command centre afloat in the Royal Navy, carries eight new landing craft and her flight-deck can handle large troop-carrying helicopters.