HMS Illustrious Completes Her Visit to Liverpool, UK

HMS Illustrious Completes Her Visit to Liverpool, UK

After a five-day visit, HMS Illustrious leaves Liverpool today – for possibly the last time – after kindling interest in impending Battle of the Atlantic commemorations.

The 23,000-ton helicopter carrier has been berthed at the Cruise Liner Terminal on Liverpool’s waterfront since Valentine’s Day.

Her visit to the great Mersey city has been used to re-affirm the Royal Navy’s long-standing links with the area – and help to launch forthcoming Battle of the Atlantic 70th anniversary events.

Liverpool will be the focal point of those events over five days in May (24-28) with services of thanksgiving, parades, demonstrations, flying displays and a gathering of around two dozen warships from around the world.

And the evidence from Lusty’s visit suggests the people of Liverpool are certainly ready to commemorate. In large numbers.

On Saturday and Sunday the carrier threw her ‘doors’ open to the public. Almost 6,000 people passed across the gangway on both of the days.

 “Large queues built up on the waterfront to board the ship – reflecting the huge levels interest and the enduring love affair that Liverpool has with its Royal Navy,” said Cdr Rob Taylor, who’s head of the carrier’s weapon engineering department.

The Portsmouth-based warship has also hosted a number of events to promote careers in engineering and wider events targeted at young people to enthuse them in science and technology.

On Friday, 253 engineering students from a range of local schools, colleges and universities including Wirral Met College, Kirkham Grammar School, KGV Southport, Southport College and Liverpool University were treated to a four-hour engineering symposium which looked at a wide range of applications for engineering skills.

Almost half of Lusty’s crew of over 650 are engineers and many of them were on hand to demonstrate some of the ship’s technology in action and promote careers in the engineering sector.

Other visitors from Wirral College were more interested in naval cuts… Trainee barbers, led by tutor Denise Billing then set to work on some of the ship’s company.

Taking the Royal Navy’s regulations on haircuts as a rough guide, the budding team of Nicky Clarkes set about the task of grooming the ship’s company in a rather makeshift salon.

In just over two and a half hours they had attended to the locks of over 35 of the ship’s company. The students – all reassuringly nearing graduation – delivered a broad range of ladies’ and gents’ hair cuts under the supervision and guidance of college lecturers.

Disappointingly, the take-up for highlights, curling and hair extensions was low. Supporting salon staff were made up from Lusty’s crew.

Another highlight (hairdressing pun intended…) of the visit was an after-dinner performance to more than 160 local dignitaries by rising singing star 22-year-old Danielle Thomas from Waterloo, Liverpool.

She performed a set piece in the ship’s enormous hangar, which was followed by a performance by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland.

Danielle said:

 “I had an amazing time. Everyone was amazing, very welcoming. I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to sing onboard.”

At 4pm today HMS Illustrious heads back to sea to practise her key skills as the nation’s high-readiness helicopter carrier.

 “It is with a considerable tinge of sadness that we leave Liverpool for what might be the last time. We have all been made to feel incredibly welcome and Liverpool has lived up to its reputation as one of the friendliest, most vibrant and welcoming places for a ship such to visit,” said Capt Martin Connell, Illustrious’ Commanding Officer.

“I know that the forthcoming Battle of the Atlantic commemorations will further tighten the bonds between the Royal Navy and this great city and I am sure that the ships attending will be afforded the same great welcome we have had.”

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Naval Today Staff, February 18, 2013; Image: Royal Navy