HMS Ark Royal was an Invincible-class aircraft carrier and a former Royal Navy flagship, launched for the first time in 1981.
She carried the Harrier Jump Jet aircraft, as well as helicopters and was equipped with a steep ski-jump ramp for the jet take-off.
Ark Royal was decommissioned in March 2011, even though originally she was due to be retired in 2016.
Sadly she was sold for scrap to a Turkey for ship recycling in May 2013.
Here is a look into the archives showing the history of HMS Ark Royal.
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13. HMS Ark Royal former Royal Navy flagship
Sailors marching onboard HMS Ark Royal 11th March 2011. Picture: Steve Reid. Photo: The News archive
14. HMS Ark Royal former Royal Navy flagship
HMS Ark Royal sets sail for home for the final time. After being alongside in Hamburg for five days she will now set sail for Portsmouth and return home for the final time before being put out of service at the end of the year. Picture: LA(PHOT) Abbie Gadd RN. Photo: The News archive
15. HMS Ark Royal former Royal Navy flagship
HMS Ark Royal has just completed her final voyage prior to her decommissioning, visiting Glen Mallen, Newcastle and Hamburg. She entered Portsmouth for the final time on the morning of 3rd December 2010. The ‘Mighty Ark’ left Portsmouth in early November and sailed through the Irish Sea to Glen Mallen, on the River Clyde, where the magazines were emptied of their ordnance. Picture: LA(PHOT) Abbie Gadd Photo: The News archive
16. HMS Ark Royal former Royal Navy flagship
HMS Ark Royal GR9 Harriers from 800 Naval Air Squadron and 1(F) Squadron Royal Air Force launched off the deck for the last time. They had embarked 5 days previously prior to ARK ROYAL paying a visit to Newcastle, the place of her birth. This will be the last time that the deck of the ship will see fast jets, as she is to be decommissioned. Picture: Petty Officer Airman (Photographer) Ray Jones. Photo: The News archive