Thursday 28 Aug 2014 @ 15:20
Ministry of Defence
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HMS Illustrious takes final bow

After a 32-year career, the last of the Royal Navy's Invincible Class aircraft carriers decommissions in Portsmouth. 

Having sailed over 900,000 miles on operations across the globe, including helping with the aftermath of the first Gulf War, HMS Illustrious has been decommissioned at a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The ship’s white ensign was lowered for the final time in front of hundreds of guests, ending an era which began with the launch of her sister ship HMS Invincible in 1977.

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