The Hon. Mrs Jean Weatherall & JMEM Tony "Scouse" McCarthy cut the commissioning cake - 1st November 1985.
Some dates may be approximate. If you are able to provide more accurate information or to correct an error then please email us.
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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
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