HMS Albion becomes RN flagship
03 December 2010
Amphibious assault ship HMS Albion has been named as the new Royal Navy flagship replacing HMS Ark Royal, which is soon to be decommissioned.
Albion, based in Devonport, is assuming the role following October's strategic defence and security review, during which the Prime Minister announced that HMS Ark Royal was to be decommissioned some three years ahead of schedule.
HMS Ark Royal returned to Portsmouth for the last time on 3 December, just over 25 years after being commissioned into the Royal Navy. It had been due to remain in operation until 2014.
The ship had been on a farewell voyage around the UK, including a visit to Newcastle where the last four Harrier jump jets took off from her deck.
Ark Royal's commanding officer, Captain Jerry Kyd, said: "There is no question that there is a certain amount of sadness attached to this final deployment. I am only too aware that this ship and her iconic name mean so much to so many.
"She has played a very important role throughout her history and we have always been lucky enough to draw great affection and support from the British public wherever we go."
The commanding officer of HMS Albion, Captain James Morley, said that all crew members took "great pride" in assuming the flagship role.
http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=14926