HMS Illustrious (R06)
HMS Illustrious (R06) was a light aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Navy for 32 years. It was the second of three Invincible-class ships built in the late 1970s and early 1980s . She was also affectionately known to her crew as "Lusty".
Here are some of the highlights of HMS Illustrious:
Second
Falklands War: Illustrious was rushed into service in 1982 to join the conflict in the
Falklands. Though not fully operational at the time, she played a critical role in the war effort.
Post-
Falklands Service: Following the
Falklands War, Illustrious saw action in various operations around the world, including the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, and Lebanon.
Conversion to Helicopter Carrier: After the retirement of its fixed-wing Harrier aircraft in 2010, Illustrious transitioned to operating primarily as a helicopter carrier.
Decommissioning: In 2014, after serving as the oldest ship in the Royal Navy's active fleet, Illustrious was decommissioned. Sadly, despite initial plans to preserve it, the ship was sold for scrap in 2016.
Overall, HMS Illustrious was a vital part of the Royal Navy for many years. Its service history reflects the evolution of British naval power throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st century.