HMS Enterprise (H88)

HMS "Enterprise" (H88), the tenth ship to bear this name, is a multi-role Survey Vessel - Hydrographic Oceanographic (SVHO) of the Royal Navy. She has a sister ship, "Echo".

Built by Appledore Shipbuilders under the prime contractor Vosper Thornycroft, "Enterprise" was launched on 27 April 2002, officially named by the ship's sponsor, Mrs S Forbes, at her naming ceremony on 2 May 2002, and commissioned 18 October 2003.

"Enterprise" is designed to collect an array of military hydrographic and oceanographic data both on and off the continental shelf, and to support mine warfare and amphibious operations. She is designed and built to Lloyd's Naval Ship Rules.

"Enterprise's" crew consists of 72 personnel, with 48 onboard at any one time, working a cycle of 75 days on, 30 days off. The ship can accommodate 81 personnel if necessary. The ship is operationally available 330 days a year. In support of this high availability, all accommodation and recreational facilities are designed for an unusual (in a warship) degree of comfort. All personnel share double cabins with private facilities, except the Captain and Executive Officer who both have single cabins.

"Echo" and "Enterprise" are the first Royal Navy ships to be fitted with azimuth thrusters. Both azimuth thrusters and the bow thruster can be controlled through the Integrated Navigation System by a joystick providing high manoeuvrability. Complete control and monitoring for power generation and propulsion, together with all auxiliary plant systems, tank gauging and damage control functions is provided through the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), accessible through workstations around the ship.

HMS "Enterprise" is the affiliated ship of Reading Blue Coat School (RBCS) CCF Navy Section. HMS "Enterprise" is also affiliated with the town of Tiverton, Devon which also includes the freedom of the city with the ship's company able to march through the town with flags flying whilst bearing arms.