HMS Ark Royal Ship's Programme 2003

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

11th January - Sail from Portsmouth.

13th - 16th January - Ammunition ship at Glen Mallen Armament Depot.

15th January - Embark COMATG Staff, Delta Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines and 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery.

20th January - Transit Straits of Gibraltar.

27th - 30th January - Conduct assault training off Cyprus.

1st February - Suez Canal transit.

9th February - Transit the Straits of Hormuz and enter the Persian Gulf.

10th February - Arrive in the SEAHAWK Exercise Areas off the United Arab Emirates for amphibious training.

2nd March - Royal Marine Band concert in the hangar for the Ship's Company and Embarked Forces.

20th March - Military campaign against Iraq commences.

21st March - Ark Royal's embarked troops land on the Al Faw Peninsula.

11th April - Stand down from Op TELIC duties.

April - Two day visit to Salalah, Oman (50% leave).

29th April - Arrive in Palma, Majorca for an informal visit.

4th May - Embark 800 Naval Air Squadron ground crew.

5th May - Sail from Palma for fixed-wing flying exercises.

14th May - "Ark Royal's Top of the Pops" show (sods opera) in the hangar.

17th May - Portsmouth.

13th - 15th June - Visit to Greenock.

15th - 17th June - Ammunition ship at RNAD Coulport.

22nd June - Portsmouth.

4th July - Families Day at sea.

July - Captain Adrian Nance joins as Commanding Officer.

August - Portsmouth for maintenance and leave period.

September - Portsmouth.

October - Portsmouth.

10th November - Sail from Portsmouth for Shakedown period.

15th - 17th November - Visit to Amsterdam.

19th - 25th November - Visit to North Shields (includes Ship Open to Visitors).

5th December - Portsmouth for Base Assisted Maintenance Period and Christmas leave.