Ark Royal returns to hero's welcome

Captain Tim Ockenden and crew celebrate their arrival

The Ark Royal has docked in Portsmouth after returning from action in the Gulf.

Thousands of people lined the docks on Saturday to greet the 850 servicemen and women, the combined crew of the aircraft carrier and her escort Type 42 destroyer HMS York.

Friends and family waved banners and cheered on the wet and windy dock as they waited for their loved ones' return.

The flag ship was greeted by a flotilla of local ships and a flyover by military aircraft as it sailed into Portsmouth.

When Ark Royal's crew were finally allowed on to dry land to meet their families, Lieutenant Jamie Campbell-Baldwin, 24, from Monmouthshire, hugged his girlfriend, 25-year-old Carolyn Summers, on the jetty.

He said: "Its damn smashing to be back. It's nice to see my family again despite the weather."

Miss Summers, from Exeter, said: "It's lovely to have him home.

"It's been so long and I was so worried about him while he was away. I was stuck to the television."

I am delighted to come here to welcome HMS Ark Royal home from the Gulf, it has been a remarkably successful operation

Geoff Hoon

In pictures: Ark Royal returns

Joyous welcome from families

Lieutenant Alex Norton, 25, drank champagne with an 18-strong group of friends and family who had come to welcome her home.

Smiling despite the rain she said: "It's really nice to be back.

"It's been a long day waiting for the gate to open. I just want to go home now."

The two vessels, together with the supply ship the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria, are the first Royal Navy surface warships to return to the UK from Iraq.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon arrived on board the HMS Ark Royal to welcome troops home.

After meeting members of the 600 crew on board Mr Hoon said: "I do not need to remind you of the tremendous job British armed forces have done in Iraq.

Ark Royal

Weighs 20,000 tonnes and 210 metres in length

Protected by a Phalanx anti-missile system, Goalkeeper defence system and 20mm close-range guns.

Capable of 30 knots

Can carry Sea Harrier FA2 jump jets; RAF Harrier GR7 surface attack planes; Sea King helicopters; Mark 7 Sea Kings; and large Chinook support helicopters.

Closer look at Ark Royal

Life on board during war

"I am delighted to come here to welcome HMS Ark Royal home from the Gulf, it has been a remarkably successful operation."

Mr Hoon said he was keen to get all troops home from Iraq as quickly as possible.

He said: "My commitment to the armed forces is that we will not leave people in Iraq for a day more than necessary."

Sad memories

Rear Admiral David Snelson, commander of UK maritime forces, said: "Although this is a tremendous occasion for Ark Royal, it is important to remember those who are not here and recall the losses the taskforce suffered.

"They will be much in the minds of the ship's company."

Ark Royal commander Captain Alan Massey said: "It was a tough job and I am immensely proud that my crew pulled it off.

"I do not think the public understand what the Navy has achieved."

The Ark Royal sailed out of Portsmouth on 11 January, leading Britain's largest maritime task force since the Falklands War.

During the war on Iraq, Ark Royal operated as a helicopter platform to support Royal Marine Commandos.

She played a pivotal role during the amphibious assault on the Al Faw Peninsula and later provided support to forces ashore.