THE latest force in the Navy’s amphibious fleet has been officially welcomed into service with a dedication ceremony in Portsmouth.

RFA Largs Bay is the second ship in a four-strong class which replaces the venerable Knights of the Round Table.

The landing support ship is intended to serve in the second wave of an amphibious assault, ferrying troops, vehicles and kit ashore either using landing craft operating from her dock, or by helicopter from her flight deck.

Ship’s sponsor Lady West, wife of former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West, and head of the RFA Cdre Bob Thornton joined Largs’ captain Capt Ian Johnson, sailors and guests in the huge loading dock for the service of dedication, led by the Rev Mark Jackson, Chaplain to the RFA.

“Many organizations and many hours of work by many people were needed to bring Largs Bay to this stage,” said Capt Johnson.

“After intense but successful sea trials my ship’s company are looking forward to getting this highly capable, state-of-the-art ship out to sea doing what she is designed to do.”

Largs’ younger sister (she was laid down later but finished first) Mounts Bay has already proven herself off Africa with the Vela task group last year.

Cardigan Bay is undergoing trials and the fourth of class is being finished off by BAE Systems at Govan: Lyme Bay is due to be handed over to the MOD in the summer.

The ships can carry more than 350 troops into battle, plus 32 Challenger II Main Battle Tanks or several dozen vehicles or up to 40 large containers.

See February’s Navy News for a report on progress completing Lyme Bay.