The departure of HMS Illustrious from Portsmouth, making way for the next-generation Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, leads defence news this morning.
HMS Illustrious
The departure of HMS Illustrious from Portsmouth was broadcast on BBC Breakfast this morning, as it makes way for the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier - the biggest carrier ever built for the Royal Navy.
Commissioned in 1982 for the successful campaign to liberate the Falkland Islands, Illustrious took part in a range of operations until 2014, including evacuating Britons from Lebanon in 2006 and delivering humanitarian aid after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines in 2013.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
Over three decades Illustrious set the highest standards for service that the Royal Navy will continue with HMS Queen Elizabeth when she arrives into Portsmouth next year.
Backed by a rising defence budget, our new aircraft carriers will lead a growing Royal Navy as Britain steps up to defend our country and our interests.
Captain Jerry Kyd, former Commanding Officer of HMS Illustrious and current Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, said:
Lusty provided a world-class service to the Royal Navy and we bid her goodbye with fond memories. As she leaves Portsmouth I’m looking forward to the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth, which will ensure that we remain a global maritime power.
Read more here.
Vice Admiral Kulakov
The Daily Mail and The Sun report that HMS Sutherland has kept a 'close watch' on the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov as it moved through British territorial waters.
Commander Trish Kohn, Commanding Officer of HMS Sutherland, said:
This transit is being continually monitored through a coordinated response between the Royal Navy and our NATO partners. The transit of Russian ships from the Mediterranean to their northern ports is not unusual, but the Royal Navy is ready at all times to protect UK territorial waters.
Sergeant Blackman appeal
There is coverage in the Daily Mail and the Times that the Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the case of Sergeant Alexander Blackman, often known as 'Marine A’, back to the Court Martial Appeal Court.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We will continue to co-operate fully with any legal process involving Sergeant Blackman’s case.
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