Ark Royal back out of Refit
So, what air wing joins, and when?
The Times: Ark Royal sails back after £18m upgrade
The aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal returned to front-line duties yesterday. At a ceremony, the Portsmouth-based vessel again became the flagship of the fleet after an £18 million, two-year upgrade in Scotland and six months of sea trials and training.
The ship’s 682-strong company was joined by private guests, former ships captains and the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band. Captain Mike Mansergh, the vessel’s commanding officer, said: “It is a very special day for Ark Royal because the ship can now be deployed across the world immediately.”
During the refit, the 20,000ton ship has had improvements in communications equipment, electronic charting and systems for defence against submarines. She ship will leave for Nato exercises in the coming weeks.