According to information published by the UK MoD on October 28, 2022, the Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship visited Egypt as part of a busy autumn deployment in the Mediterranean. HMS Albion, leading the UK’s Littoral Response Group (North), spent time in Alexandria before working alongside the Egyptian Navy.
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Royal Navy's amphibious transport dock HMS Albion. (Picture source: UK MoD)
On behalf of the British Embassy in Cairo, HMS Albion also hosted senior diplomatic and military personnel from Egypt and other partner nations during a reception and capability demonstration.
Guests were shown around a Wildcat Maritime Attack helicopter, saw a Puma remotely-piloted air system and were given a demonstration of a ‘Dragon Runner’ bomb disposal robot.
Shortly after leaving Alexandria Naval Base, HMS Albion worked alongside Egyptian frigate ENS Taba, strengthening the knowledge of those on both ships.
The two warships carried out a series of manoeuvres, including a passing exercise, practising how two navies are able to safely communicate and cooperate when operating in close proximity to one another.
About the HMS Albion
HMS Albion is an amphibious transport dock of the Royal Navy, the first of the two-ship Albion class. Built by BAE Systems Marine in Barrow-in-Furness, Albion was launched in March 2001 by Princess Royal.
The Albion-class LPDs have a length of 176 metres (577 ft), a breadth of 28.9 metres (94 ft 10 in), and a draught of 7.1 metres (23 ft 4 in). They have a normal displacement of 14,000 tonnes (14,000 long tons; 15,000 short tons), 19,560 tonnes (19,250 long tons; 21,560 short tons) at full load and 21,000 tonnes (21,000 long tons; 23,000 short tons) when the dock is flooded. The ships have a crew of 325 and can accommodate up to 405 troops, including their vehicles and combat supplies, in overload conditions.
Designed as an amphibious warfare ship, Albion carries troops, normally Royal Marines, and vehicles up to the size of the Challenger 2 main battle tank. She can deploy these forces using four Landing Craft Utility (LCUs) and four Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVPs). A flight deck supports helicopter operations.
