THE biggest ship in the RN inventory is the biggest ship on the beat as she takes up the war against drug-runners.

Helicopter carrier HMS Ocean has taken over from frigate HMS Lancaster policing Caribbean waters.

This is the first time a flat-top has been sent to the region to clamp down on traffickers – it’s a task normally reserved for frigates and destroyers.

Two Fleet Air Arm squadrons have deployed with the Devonport-based warship.

Recently-formed Sea King unit 854 is using its ‘bagger’ variants of the venerable aircraft to track scores of movements on the oceans.

Also aboard are the Merlins of 700M squadron, plus Ocean’s landing craft.

The combined electronic wizardry of the two squadrons should give the ship the edge over the traffickers – and give Ocean a much bigger ‘footprint’ in the Caribbean than a destroyer or frigate with a single helicopter.

It’s a trick the RN learned 12 months ago when it sent HMS Bulwark with her commandos, landing craft and helicopters to great effect in the northern Gulf.

The mission in the Caribbean is similar: to track and interdict the criminals and to reassure ordinary mariners.

“While not every day turns up something suspicious, it’s often worth knowing what constitutes ‘normal’ activity and it also helps all the interested agencies form an accurate worldwide picture,” explained Lt Cdr Pete Hoare, Ocean’s operations officer.

“So when something out of the ordinary happens, it’s much easier to pinpoint. It’s all about getting one step ahead of the bad guys.”

Apart from drug-busting duties, Ocean will make a high-profile visit to Norfolk, Virginia, where the ship will play a key role in the annual Azalea festival.

The festival is a huge event in the USA and this year, four centuries after the first British settlers landed in Virginia, it will focus on the UK.

Ocean will also be in the Caribbean for the beginning of the hurricane season and will be on stand-by to come to the aid of any island should a natural disaster strike.