The Last Commission:

Norfolk

8-21 August 1978

The major task once we were out into the Atlantic Ocean was to recover the fixed wing aircraft from the NAS at Cecil Fields and at Jacksonville. As with the humans, not all the aircraft wanted to leave Florida and as the ship headed north a number were left behind, but they joined us later in the week – unlike a handful of humans. For the new few days flying was frustrated by very little wind and by mechanical problems on the flight deck and in the world of condensers and evaporators. Again we were subjected to water rationing as demand far exceeded supply. However by the time we reached the Norfolk Exercise Areas some flying was possible and the air world took full advantage of this opportunity.

 On Friday 11^th August, the new FOCAS, Rear Admiral P. G. M. Herbert OBE embarked and flew his flag in HMS ARK ROYAL for the first time. By Sunday 13^th it was time for a mini CAG to disembark to the American NAS Oceana and a number of Phantoms and Buccaneers went ahead to warn the locals of Norfolk of our arrival. The reason for the mini CAG was so that the aircrew of both Squadrons could continue with their flying programme during the visit to Norfolk, Virginia.

After what seemed a few days at sea, which allowed us to find our sea legs again after the long break at Mayport, we were soon heading back to the shelter of land and to the largest naval base in the world at Norfolk. As we approached the main base of the United States Atlantic Fleet on Monday 14^th, there were numerous gun salutes before we finally secured alongside under the shadow of our host ship the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS NIMITZ.

The main purpose of the visit was for final briefing and discussions for the forthcoming major NATO Exercise Northern Wedding and the run in period Exercise Common Effort. As this only involved a small number of people, the remainder were able to appreciate the great American hospitality, continue diplomacy in the field of sport, and generally have a good last fling on American soil.

Detours with their varied attractions were once again to the fore with Washington DC and New York being very popular and many took advantage of these trips if we could be spared. For others the historical tours of Williamsburg and Jamestown were a must. Despite the fact that Virginia Beach was 20 miles away, it attracted a lot of attention especially during the evenings. For the less adventurous and those short of money, there were on the vast base many facilities available for sport and recreation as well as the PX where many last minute rabbits were sought.

Throughout the week official receptions took their toll and the Royal Marine Band was in great demand at these and other functions.

On Saturday, 19^th August a rare event took place, “Clear Lower Deck”, when we all assembled in the Upper Hangar to be addressed by the Captain. Rumours were at a peak as to what it was about and as it turned out few of them were correct. The Captain told us what lay ahead during the next few months and quoshed all the rumours that were going around the ship and Plymouth too.

During the visit to Norfolk all departments were busy ensuring that they were ready for the next period at sea, and by our departure day, Monday 21^st August all necessary preparations had been made. ARK ROYAL was the last of the British warships and RFA’s that had been visiting Norfolk to leave and as we waited our turn to be escorted from our berth, each one of us was probably thinking of the last few months. The Royal Marine Band on the flight deck competed with the Band of the Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet on the jetty and one large banner held by the Americans indicated the feelings of some of the US Navy. The sign read HSL-32 SAYS “KEEP THE ARK  AFLOAT THE RAIN MAY BE COMING”.

We finally slipped and proceeded during midforenoon with the tune ‘Sailing’ drifting in the air to bid our last farewell to America, leaving behind many happy memories. We also knew that we had done our duty as the largest and smartest British warship in America, and Rear Admiral Herbert was pleased with our behaviour

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