(August 31st 2001)
Portsmouth Welcomes Ark Royal Home
Aircraft Carrier HMS Ark Royal (R07) has returned home to Portsmouth following the completion of a major refit.
Whilst in the Solent she was overflown by four Harriers, a Sea King and the new Merlin Helicopter. As she entered Portsmouth Harbour she fired a 15-gun salute, which was returned by Fort Blockhouse in Gosport.
HMS Ark Royal was first commissioned in 1985 but entered reserve at Portsmouth in 1994. After languishing in the dockyard for four years, Ark Royal arrived at Rosyth under tow in May 1999 to begin a £147 million refit. This was completed earlier this year and Ark Royal is now the most modern of Britain's three 'carriers.
Ark Royal will be rededicated in November this year and it is hoped the Queen Mother, who launched both the present Ark Royal and the previous ship to bear the name, will be able to attend.