The amphibious programme retained 3 Commando Brigade, added HMS Ocean, provided replacement landing platform docks Albion and Bulwark, and sought two replacement landing ships after refurbishment of older ships proved more expensive and time-consuming than intended. The 1998 review publicized a 200-bed hospital ship with provision for a second, a recurring proposal that remained undelivered. Its immediate program paid off six destroyers and frigates while bringing only three Type 23s into service, cutting the escort total from 35 to 32. The intended 68-aircraft Merlin force, covering Sea King replacement, airborne early warning, and anti-submarine work, fell to 44, while the attack-submarine force dropped from 12 to 10 before the Astute replacements were ready. The mine-countermeasures force would grow from 19 to 22 ships instead of the previously intended 25, with new Sandowns entering service as three Hunts retired. The Scottish Fishery Protection Agency's decision that it no longer needed a dedicated Royal Navy ship led to HMS Orkney's retirement, and the net personnel reduction reached 1,400 posts. The opposition criticized Spartan's 150-million-pound refit for only four more years of service, although keeping as many submarines as possible is defended here. These decisions show how visible future promises could coexist with near-term losses of hulls, aircraft, people, and availability.
Chapter · 51:14-57:35
The 1998 pattern of promises and immediate retirements
A promised hospital ship sat beside immediate reductions to escorts, Merlin helicopters, attack submarines, patrol capability, and naval personnel.