‘Lusty’ sails ’solo’ into port
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The Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, arrived in Gibraltar yesterday morning and made history in the process.
With horns blaring as she sailed in, ‘Lusty’ became the first aircraft carrier to berth at the Rock without the help of tugs. It might sound like an insignificant fact, but this is a truly massive ship. Her crew deliberately understated the manoeuvre, describing it as “a tight fit” and “slightly tricky”. But bringing HMS Illustrious alongside unaided is no mean feat.
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The ship’s captain, Commodore Bob Cooling, was unmistakably proud as he talked to reporters on the flight deck yesterday afternoon.
“Handbrake turns are my stock in trade,” he joked.
There is, of course, a serious underlying reason why the ship docked without tugs. There are ports in the world where assistance is unavailable when it comes to bringing the carrier alongside, so the crew never wastes an opportunity to practice its ship handling skills. Yesterday, the conditions were perfect for just such a run through.
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Lusty and her escort, the destroyer HMS Exeter, will be in Gibraltar for the best part of a week to provide rest and recreation for their respective crews.
The navy flagship was involved in ceremonial duties during the recent Commonwealth events in Malta, including hosting Her Majesty the Queen on board. She also made history there too, becoming the first ship to fire a 21-gun salute inside Valetta harbour.
HMS Illustrious has strong links with Malta. One of the current ship’s predecessors played a vital role in enabling convoys to reach the island during World War II. The Maltese repaid the favour by repairing her after she was hard hit by German aircraft.
Commodore Cooling, who yesterday hosted lunch on board for a number Gibraltar dignitaries including the Governor, described the ceremonial events in Malta as “an amazing and privileged experience.” But it was a tiring experience too, and the crew is now looking forward to a few days ashore in Gibraltar, which is a popular destination for navy personnel.
Commodore Cooling himself has been on the Rock 15 times and clearly enjoys being here.
“How could you not have a good time in Gibraltar?” he said. “You’d have to be a seriously boring person.”
From here, HMS Illustrious will head back to the UK for most of the winter, before sailing back through the Mediterranean next spring en route to India, where she will participate in a range of training exercises with the Indian navy.
Yesterday, local press aside, the ship’s crew of 1000 - average age 23, three quarters of them male - also enjoyed an unusual visit from three young females and a lone male model.
They were posing for a Christmas spread to appear in a UK national newspaper - the Chronicle agreed not to print its name - and provided an entertaining and eye-catching break from normal routine for the crew.
“We are an equal opportunities employer so we want that [male/female] balance,” Commodore Cooling joked.
“They are young, attractive and vibrant and I know my sailors very much enjoyed their presence.”
From The Gibraltar Chronicle - The Independent Daily First Published 1801
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29 November 2005 - HMS Illustrious and HMS Exter expected tomorrow on routine visit
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