HMS Ark Royal Ship's Programme 1985

Some dates may be approximate. If you are able to provide more accurate information or to correct an error then please email us.

27th June - Ark Royal's first Commanding Officer, Captain James Weatherall joins.

28th June - The ship sails from Tyneside.

1st July - Enter Portsmouth, berth Middle Slip Jetty. Remainder of Ship's Company joins. Formal acceptance ceremony on the flight deck.

15th July - Sail from Portsmouth for Sea Acceptance Trials.

20th - 21st July - Visit to Torquay.

22nd July - Commence Safety Operational Sea Training (SOST) at Portland.

1st August - SOST complete.

2nd August - Portsmouth for Summer leave

24th - 26th August - Portsmouth Navy Days.

9th - 13th September - Royal Navy Equipment Exhibition.

1st - 25th October - Sea Acceptance Trials.

25th October - Portsmouth.

1st November - Commissioning Ceremony in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

4th November - Sail for continuing sea trials in the Mediterranean.

9th - 14th November - Gibraltar

25th - 28th? November - Marseilles

2nd - 4th December - Souda Bay, Crete.

7th-9th December - Gibraltar

16th December - Portsmouth