Previously, Ballard had its focus within the automobile market, and fleet services, as well as co-generation systems and the manufacture of materials for the fuel-cell sector.

On 8 January 1963, she put to sea for a fleet service mine test which ended on the 25th.

On 12 November 1934, Hessen was withdrawn from fleet service and placed in reserve.

After ten years of fleet service, they were replaced with newer ships.

The first week in April brought fleet exercises followed by a resumption of fleet services.

That ruling was made after Eastern proposed to spin off its fleet services to a new Air Ground Services unit.

"Over 20 years, we have evolved a spec that works for us," said Anthony DeMaio, the assistant deputy director of fleet services.

Like the Cavendish class, they were mainly employed on the ocean trade routes, also seeing fleet service in the Far East.

However, the large crews and limited helicopter capacity made Tigers' further fleet service limited to less than nine years.

Hipper held the position for three years, until he returned to fleet service.