HMS ARK ROYAL returns as fleet flagship
Proud return after seven month refit...

From 25 Jan 10, HMS Ark Royal will return as the Fleet’s Flagship and the UK’s high readiness aircraft carrier. After her 7-month refit last year, she completed numerous trials on sophisticated communications and weapons systems and fully tested the marine and air engineering departments’ capabilities, before conducting a 6-week Basic Operational Sea Training (BOST) period under the guidance of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) and his team prior to Christmas leave.

The return to Fleet Flagship is a significant moment for HMS Ark Royal as she will also become the Nation’s Strike Carrier: operating Harrier aircraft from Naval Strike Wing, maintaining the UK’s ‘Strike’ capability as HMS Illustrious prepares for hew own maintenance period. The coming weeks see HMS Ark Royal reammunition, visit Newcastle and receive the first of her embarked Harriers in addition to 814 Squadron.

Captain John Clink OBE, HMS Ark Royal’s Commanding Officer said:

“It gives all in Ark Royal great pride to be assuming the mantle of Flagship of the Royal Navy and our duties as the nation’s Strike Aircraft Carrier. We have been well supported by the Naval Base in Portsmouth and the staff of Flag Officer Sea Training in making sure the Ship is ready to take on this prestigious role and we look forward very much to seeing the Harriers back on deck and continuing our operations with Merlin and Sea King helicopters. The Ship’s Company of HMS Illustrious has been superb in providing some of us with training at sea and all of us plenty of help and advice as we take over the reins.”

After Easter, HMS Ark Royal will, having competed Exercise Joint Warrior 101, proceed to North America’s Eastern Seaboard to conduct a major, multi-national exercise in addition to visiting Halifax, Canada, for the Canadian Navy’s Centenary celebrations.

A busy few months ahead for the Captain and his crew: “Zeal Does Not Rest”.

Follow HMS Ark Royal at www.twitter.com/HMSArkRoyal