When is HMS Illustrious sailing back down river from London?

Answer 1

HMS Illustrious visits London 11.05.05 13:32



Aircraaft carrier HMS Illustrious has just completed a five-day visit to London following a training session which will prepare her for front-line duties.

The 21,000-ton ship berthed at Greenwich to commemorate the new affiliation between Illustrious and the City of London.

While in London she also supported the bid to bring the Olympics and Paralympics to Britain in 2012, and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VJ Day. As May 6 signalled 60- days until the winning Olympic bid is announced, both occasions were marked by sailors forming a huge ‘60’ on the flight deck as she passed through the Thames Barrier.

While at Greenwich, the ship hosted a number of receptions and visits, including parties of local schoolchildren.

Another guest on board was the new Defence Secretary, Dr John Reid, who met members of the ship’s company.

Addressing the sailors and officers, Dr Reid said: “I am enormously proud to have been invited back to the MOD as Secretary of State for Defence – and could not be more pleased that my first official visit is to one of the UK’s most powerful defence capabilities after her successful refit.”

The carrier’s Commanding Officer, Capt Bob Cooling, said: It is a great honour for us to receive the Secretary of State so early in his time in office.

“I know that the ship’s company and the Royal Navy wish him well in his new appointment.”

Illustrious will become the Fleet Flagship at the end of next month, and will be a major attraction at the International Festival of the Seas in Portsmouth between June 30 and July 3.

Answer 2

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