Raiders of the last Ark

**andron234** · 04-13-2015 08:55

I finished just reading "Modern combat aircraft 13" The Harrier by Bill Gunston, I was intrigued into the fate of the famous Sea Harrier only to find they have been sold off (one on e-bay) , But when I saw what happened to the UK Flagship "Ark Royal" I felt a little on the sad side, What would have made a wonderful floating naval aviation museum, is now "Tin cans"Attachment 162662 Attachment 162663 What would you have done with the ship?

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-13-2015 11:23

I can only say it is sad to see any ship go to the breakers yard, but when it is one as Iconic as that, it fair breaks my heart.

Rob.

**Gribble** · 04-13-2015 14:43

Hope this is fitting. I just now put this together.

Ark Royal

Her sum is greater than our broken hearts,

Her will shoved seas north and south apart.

Her service magnificent none can refute,

Old Legends stand silent,

“Ark Royal! Salute!”

I have a fond spot in my heart for the Royal Navy.

**Naharaht** · 04-13-2015 21:12

It is sad but all ships reach the end of their lives. I feel sure that there will be another Ark Royal one day.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-14-2015 00:17

Nice sentiment Mel.
Let us hope so David, and not that it is given to some small insignificant craft.
Rob.

**Gribble** · 04-14-2015 08:33

Right Rob,

From Spanish Armada days to recent history there has been a ship to sail as Ark Royal.

Maybe a newer ship of substance for the good of the nation and no less for the good of naval heritage.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-14-2015 11:41

We can but hope Mel.
Rob.

**andron234** · 04-23-2015 09:42

Originally Posted by Gribble

Right Rob,

From Spanish Armada days to recent history there has been a ship to sail as Ark Royal.

Maybe a newer ship of substance for the good of the nation and no less for the good of naval heritage.

Hi Mel Meet HMS Queen Elizabeth, the fist of two new British carriers, I just don't like the name (Mrs Winsor) Ill vote for Ark Royal anydayAttachment 163238

**Grey** · 04-23-2015 10:25

At least the Royal Navy will have some aircraft carriers (if they can afford it).
I am pretty sure you'll need them.

**Gribble** · 04-23-2015 11:00

Originally Posted by andron234

Hi Mel Meet HMS Queen Elizabeth, the fist of two new British carriers, I just don't like the name (Mrs Winsor) Ill vote for Ark Royal anydayAttachment 163238

I understand, Drew.

I am struck by the two island design. I think I do somewhat like it, though. Seems all about the business so far.

Rumor has HRH Prince of Wales may relinquish naming the second aircraft carrier hull "HMS Prince of Wales" in favor of HMS Ark Royal.

Best,
Mel

**Gribble** · 04-23-2015 11:03

Originally Posted by Grey

At least the Royal Navy will have some aircraft carriers (if they can afford it).
I am pretty sure you'll need them.

Right Brian,

We'll all need the RN's flat tops.

Best,
Mel

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 04-23-2015 12:11

It's good to see that we will have some in the not too distant future.
Rob.

**andron234** · 04-25-2015 08:04

Rumor has it that "HRH Prince of Wales" will go straight into mothballs as we can't afford to run it, It was only built because the British government had signed a "No cancellation contract with the builder" The British government has pulled out of to many contracts to be trusted now, And now for the big one, We won't have any planes for the "HMS Queen Elizabeth" for the first five years after it's commission, due to cost cutting, also if you check the building plans you will find the carrier has been scaled down in size, so it has less planes on board as a result! Oh for a USS Ford Class carrier