Panoramio is closing. Learn how to back up your data.

HMS Illustrious

Selected for Google Maps and Google Earth

Comments (1)

G Lokey on May 11, 2009

This, the fifth HMS Illustrious, was laid down in Swan Hunters Shipbuilding Yard on the Tyne on 7th October 1976. On the 20th June 1982, after steering gear trouble, she was finally commissioned at sea and headed directly to the Falkland Islands to relieve HMS Invincible.She has participated in most major UK & NATO campaigns over the past fifteen years including the first Gulf War, the Sierra Leone evacuations and the Afghanistan war in 2001. In October 2002 she undertook a 104 week refit at Rosyth Dockyard allowing Illustrious to stay in service until 2012 when she will be replaced by HMS Queen Elizabeth. She visited London for the Fly Navy 100 celebrations arriving 6th May and staying until 12th May. A flypast took place at midday on 7th May, which I witnessed, and taking part were Sea King, Merlin and Lynx helicopters plus Hawk and Jetstream aircraft.

Sign in to comment.

Photo details

  • Uploaded on May 10, 2009
  • © All Rights Reserved
    by G Lokey
    • Camera: SONY DSC-H3
    • Taken on 2009/05/07 12:30:27
    • Exposure: 0.003s (1/320)
    • Focal Length: 21.20mm
    • F/Stop: f/9.000
    • ISO Speed: ISO125
    • Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV
    • No flash

Groups