HMS Illustrious arrives in Liverpool

HMS Illustrious arrived in Liverpool today, Thursday 14th February 2013. The ship will be alongside for 5 days for a routine visit.

It is a welcome opportunity for Lusty and her ship's company to experience an enjoyable UK run ashore away from her base port of Portsmouth. There will be a number of events taking place on board over the weekend to help promote the image of the Royal Navy amongst prominent local dignitaries and organisations. The ship will also open to members of the public over the weekend, so they can see how the Navy operates.

HMS Illustrious has sailed into Liverpool to officially launch the Battle of the Atlantic 70th anniversary and continue her excellent relationship with the local community.

The last time the huge Helicopter and Commando carrier visited the city was in 2009 for Fly Navy 100, a celebration of 100 years of naval aviation.

This time her visit coincides with the build up among the maritime community to another historic occasion, the Battle of the Atlantic 70th anniversary, in which the Royal Navy is playing its part – along with a number of maritime partners and Liverpool City Council – in a number of commemorative events in May, starting in London, then Derry-Londonderry and culminating in the main BOA 70 focus on Liverpool over the weekend May 24-27.

Meantime, the commanding officer of HMS Illustrious, Captain Martin Connell, and his ships company are looking forward to a packed programme of events while they are in Liverpool – and b est of all, the ship will be open to visitors on both Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th.