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Final farewell for HMS Ark Royal
2011-03-11 02:23:21
11 March 2011 Last updated at 13:12 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Final farewell for decommissioned warship HMS Ark Royal HMS Ark Royal will be replaced with the new Queen Elizabeth Class carriers Continue reading the main story Related Stories In pictures: HMS Ark Royal Profile: HMS Ark Royal Tears as Harriers leave Ark Royal
The aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has been decommissioned at a ceremony in its home base of Portsmouth.
The warship was scrapped after 25 years' service as part of the government's defence budget review.
The move leaves the Navy without the capability of launching fixed-wing aircraft until replacements come into service at the end of the decade.
The ship's white ensign was lowered for the last time at a special ceremony as Auld Lang Syne was sung.
The vessel's last remaining 150 sailors took part in the event in front of about 900 guests, including families and former commanding officers.
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//A Harrier jump jet takes off for the last time from HMS Ark Royal in November 2010
The Queen bade farewell to the Royal Navy carrier at a ceremony in November last year.
Capt Kyd, who now commands sister ship HMS Illustrious, added: "I am only too aware that this famous ship and her iconic name mean a great deal to many people.
"Although Ark Royal will be decommissioned, the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are vastly more capable and will provide the Royal Navy with an exciting future."
Ark Royal's operations have included leading the UK's naval forces during the invasion of Iraq.
The current ship is the fifth vessel to carry the name and has clocked up 621,551 nautical miles during its career.
The first Ark Royal saw battle in 1588, smashing the Spanish Armada.