MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Thousands Bid Farewell to Ark Royal

HMS Ark Royal

Around 250 sailors led crowds on a march through Portsmouth, to say a final farewell to the axed aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. Portsmouth is the Royal Navy flagship's home.

The warship, which was used in the second Gulf war, is being decommissioned three years early as part of the Government's defence review.

It is the fifth version of the ship which first saw battle in 1588 and smashed the Spanish Armada.

A Royal Marines band headed the parade in Portsmouth, which finished at the city's Guildhall Square where a special service was held.

This was led by Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor Paula Riches and ended with prayers by Ark Royal's padre, the Rev Martin Evans.

Coun Riches added: “This is a historical and moving moment. We will all have fond memories of this impressive flagship and its equally impressive captain and crew.”

Commanding officer Captain Jerry Kyd and leader of Portsmouth City Council councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson were also at the ceremony.

Coun Vernon-Jackson said: “HMS Ark Royal has a very special place in the hearts of the people of Portsmouth.

”It's only right to mark the passing of such a great ship.“

Capt Kyd said: ”It is with equal measure of sadness and a whole lot of pride that I stand here before you as the last CO of Ark Royal.

“On behalf of Ark Royal's men and women, past and present, and for those who have given their lives while of this great ship, we would like to say how much Portsmouth has meant to us.”

The Government has come under criticism for its decision to withdraw the fleet flagship and has been accused of being “short sighted”.

Former naval chief Admiral Lord West of Spithead has warned tensions in Korea show Britain may need the iconic carrier.

The ex-Labour security minister, in a letter to The Times, wrote: “What is certain is that to fail to stand by the United States, when they have supported us in Europe over some 70 years, would be a mistake.

”The dispatch of a carrier, its small air wing and a Tactom-armed nuclear submarine, should any such crisis escalate, is just the sort of commitment an ally such as the United States requires.

“Nothing else in our military inventory has similar flexibility and 'adaptability'.

”What will be the next strategic shock? I cannot predict it - nor can the Government. To lose our maritime strike capability in such dangerous times is short-sighted.”

The Ark Royal will be formally decommissioned in March and replaced by the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carrier.