HMS Hydra (A144)

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KRI Dewa Kembar (932)

HMS Hydra (A144) was a Royal Navy deep ocean survey ship, part of the Hecla class, which served from the early 1970s until decommissioned in the late 1990s. Named after the Hydra, a serpent-like creature from Greek mythology, HMS Hydra, along with her sister ships HMS Hecla and HMS Herald, was designed to conduct various hydrographic survey missions around the world, contributing significantly to the understanding of the world's oceans and seabed.

Design and Construction

HMS Hydra was built by A. & J. Inglis of Pointhouse, Glasgow, and was launched in the early 1970s. The ship was equipped with advanced survey equipment for the time, including deep-water sounding gear, underwater cameras, and laboratories for immediate analysis of collected samples. The design focused on stability and endurance, allowing the ship to conduct extended missions in deep ocean waters.

Operational History

Throughout her service, HMS Hydra was involved in numerous survey operations, mapping the ocean floor, and collecting data on ocean currents, marine life, and seabed resources. This information has been vital for navigation, submarine cable laying, and scientific research. The ship operated in various climates and conditions, from tropical seas to the edges of polar ice caps.

HMS Hydra played a crucial role during the Falklands War in 1982, conducting surveys for the British naval forces. Her work ensured safer navigation for the fleet in the unfamiliar and often hazardous waters around the Falkland Islands.

After the Falklands War, HMS Hydra continued her peacetime missions, including significant contributions to environmental monitoring and the study of climate change effects on the oceans.

Decommissioning and Legacy

HMS Hydra was decommissioned in the late 1990s, having served the Royal Navy for over two decades. The ship's legacy continues through the vast amount of oceanographic data she collected, which remains valuable to scientists and researchers. Her decommissioning marked the end of an era for the Royal Navy's traditional survey ships, as technological advancements have since led to the use of unmanned and satellite-based survey methods.

See Also

• Hecla-class survey ship
• Royal Navy
• Oceanography