MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Illustrious hosts launch of Falklands' campaign

Aircraft carrier and Royal Navy fleet flagship HMS Illustrious is currently moored in London, her affiliated City for the Remembrance celebrations.

Next Monday she will host the Ministerial launch of the commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign, according to a release from the RN.

As a centerpiece for the Navy's Remembrance weekend celebrations, the 22,500 tons Portsmouth-based warship, known affectionately to her crew as ?Lusty', steamed up the Thames on Friday 10 November passing under the QEII Bridge and mooring off Greenwich.

Commanding Officer, Captain Tim Fraser RN said "It is a great honor to bring HMS Illustrious to support the City of London in its Act of Remembrance as well as being able to reinforce the Ship's affiliations with the City. We are very much looking forward to the weekend."

Starting with Lord Mayor's Show in the City on Saturday where the ship is providing an honor guard of 50 sailors, the focus for Remembrance weekend ceremonies naturally moves to the Cenotaph on Sunday, however the ship will also be contributing to events in the City of London.

One Falkland Island veterans serving onboard Illustrious, Warrant Officer Jan Pellow from Plymouth, will be remembering the conflict of almost 25 years ago; "Every year I am reminded of those who gave so much. However this year is particularly poignant and has sparked personal memories of nearly 25 years ago. It has reminded me how lucky I am, and I?m proud to be involved in this particular anniversary."

An official reception will be held onboard on the Saturday evening with up to 750 invited guests from across the Capital and from affiliated organizations. 250 of the Ship's Company and their families will attend the Remembrance Service at St Paul's Cathedral on the Sunday. The aircraft carrier is home to a number of Londoners and Air Engineering Technician Andrew Kent from South West London said "Having grown up and still living in South West London, it is a great honor to visit this fantastic city with HMS Illustrious, the Royal Navy's flagship. We have a strong bond with London in general and the City in particular, and it's a special honor to be here for such an important weekend. It will make my Mum - born and bred in the Square Mile - very proud indeed."

Monday will see the national launch of the RN Presentation Team's 06/07 tour and the Ministerial launch of the commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign. Also on that day, the ship will host a number of media organizations with a possibility of live programs being aired from the ship.