Emotional farewell as Ark Royal leaves Navy

The warship was taken out of service as part of the Government’s defence review last year.

The ceremony on the ship’s flight deck marked the decommissioning of the aircraft carrier at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The songs For Those in Peril on the Sea and Auld Lang Syne rose from the decks as people remembered her great history.

The Navy will not have the capability to fly fixed-wing aircraft from sea for about 10 years until the first of the next generation of aircraft carriers come into service.

Capt Jerry Kyd, the last commanding officer of HMS Ark Royal, said: “It’s hugely emotional, but I’m also very, very proud to be here today representing my ship’s company.

“This ship has been at service now for 25 years, both at peace and at war, she is part of the fabric of the Royal Navy and she’s probably the most iconic and famous name the Royal Navy has.

“Everyone knows the Ark Royal so today is very poignant and there’s a tinge of sadness of course, but also a real sense of pride about what this ship has achieved over 25 years.

“We could all, the whole British public, be tremendously proud of this ship, crew and what she’s done for the country.”

The ship’s last remaining 150 sailors marched onto the flight deck to the sound of the ship’s band.

The sailors were inspected by the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope in front of about 900 guests including families and former commanding officers.

Most of the Ark Royal’s crew will now go on to other ships and different air squadrons.

Capt Kyd said: “They’re all quite sad in their own way. When you live in a community like an aircraft carrier...you know each other all very well and today marks the end of that village life if you like