10 March 2011 Last updated at 15:38

In pictures: HMS Ark Royal through the years

Aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has been a familiar sight in its home base of Portsmouth since being commissioned in 1985.

The carrier clocked up 621,551 nautical miles during its career. At 211.4 metres (693 ft) long, it is the largest of the Royal Navy's three aircraft carriers.

The current Ark Royal is the fifth to bear the name. The first was built for Sir Walter Raleigh and fought the Spanish Armada. The fourth (above) was commissioned in 1955 as a 43,000-tonne armoured Fleet Carrier.

HMS Ark Royal played a significant role in the Balkans and Gulf conflicts in the 1990s and Operation Telic, the invasion of southern Iraq in 2003.

In 2001, a major refit allowed HMS Ark Royal to take on board the navy's new anti-submarine Merlin helicopters, as well as be able to operate Seakings, Sea Harriers and RAF Harriers.

After a 22-year military career, Prince Andrew chose Ark Royal as the final naval ship from which he would fly in 2001.

The ship was commissioned by the Queen Mother in 1985. In 2001 she went back on board following the vessel's refit.

HMS Ark Royal sailed through the Thames Barrier to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War in 2007.

The carrier sailed into Portsmouth for the final time in December 2010 after it was announced it would be decommissioned as part of the Government's defence review.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight

In pictures: HMS Ark Royal through the years

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