ONE of the UK’s premier warships has moored in Greenwich for five days and yesterday put on a show of military might.

Described by commanding officer Captain Alex Burton as “the country’s very own Swiss Army Knife”, HMS Bulwark is the UK’s largest and most technologically advanced assault, command and control ship.

News Shopper: Helicopters were used in a capability demonstration

Complete with its own gym, restaurants, chapel, dentist and policemen, Cpt Burton describes it as a “small town at sea.”

The captain, originally from Blackheath, said: “Coming here is a great opportunity to show off her capabilities.”

He added: “In these uncertain times we are totally focussed on our commitments to the country’s interests and responsibilities and expect to be very busy once fully operational later this year.”

News Shopper: Helicopters were used in a capability demonstration Riverside spectators were treated to a demonstration which saw Bulwark staged as a merchant ship hijacked by pirates.

A Lynx helicopter was sent in to take out the pirates followed by a Sea King, which lowered troops onto the deck to take control of the ship.

Meanwhile a Merlin aircraft flew nearby, sending video footage of the scene direct to Bulwark’s control centre.

News Shopper: Helicopters were used in a capability demonstration The 18,500 tonne vessel, recently given a £32m refit, is part of the Response Force Task Group and is due to be deployed in the Mediterranean later this year as part of Operation Cougar.

Launched in 2001, the ship has a company of 380 people, but can take up to 1,000 personnel for a limited time.

It has a flight deck that can accommodate two Chinook or Merlin helicopters and a floodable dock that holds four large landing craft.