The Last Commission:

1977 Autumn Deployment

Work Up Phase 1 and Firth of Forth

1-20 September 1977

The time alongside went far too quickly and we sailed again on 1^st September for the real work up to bring us up to a state of operational readiness. Drama soon raised its head for, during our first RAS with the RFA’s LYNESS and OLMEDA, EM(A) Murrey and REM Tomlinson of 892 Squadron decided to go for a swim via a large wave which swept them overboard. The SAR was quickly launched and soon had the two back on board, none the worse for their 9 minutes’ experience

FO R Lotinga [centre]: his first recovery

Following the incident Ark continued its passage towards SW Ireland and up the west coast of  Ireland. The ship experienced a good swell which gave rise to murmurs in the stomachs of the ship’s company. Despite the sea we all managed to overcome our problems and Sunday 4^th September saw the ship at the southern end of the Minches for its day cruise northwards through the Western Isles.

On arrival at the ship’s old hunting grounds of the Moray Firth the fixed wing aircraft were embarked safely throughout the 5^th. The flight deck personnel soon became accustomed to the aircraft on their patch, and launch recovery, duskers, night flying and CASEX became common discussions about the ship as once more she assumed the role of a busy and exiting floating airfield. Throughout this first phase of bringing the air and ground crews up to some form of readiness, the remainder of the ship went about their own business. For the majority on board there was a lot to learn during this first phase of the ship’s work up.

Of course the ship had its continuous stream of visitors and among them were the Branch leaders of two of our smallest groups. The Director of the Naval Education Service, Rear Admiral J. A. Bell CB came on the 6^th September, and Colonel P. F. Baillon had a look at one of his sections, the 55 Carrier Borne Ground Liaison Section, CBGLS; both spent several enjoyable days with us.

The work up appeared to go well and we rounded this phase off with a visit to the Firth of Forth. The ship secured on Thursday 15^th September to No 1 Buoy some 6 miles from Leith of England natives, there was the opportunity of a long weekend with their families. For the remainder there were receptions, visits, tours and of course shopping expeditions to the fine old city of Edinburgh. The only disappointment of the visit was the 5 miles boat ride to get ashore, and our thanks must go to the various boat crews who did their best for us.

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