Carrier Strike Force Episode 1: A Trip Back To 1960 On HMS Hermes
She was the flagship of the British taskforce to the Falklands, the last of the Centaur-class carriers and is possibly the longest serving warship in the world.
This archive Royal Navy feature documents life onboard the aircraft carrier, which went on to serve with the Indian Navy for 31 years as INS Viraat.
It includes interviews with LAEM (Leading Air Engineering Mechanic) John McCulloch, LAEM 'Scouse' Aitken and LAEM Ken Middleton.
The ship is shown preparing to sail from Portsmouth, as new members of the ship's company arrive, stores are loaded and the catapults tested. The ship sails for a work-up (a period at sea for a new ship or following a lengthy period in port, intended to bring the ship's crew to the highest possible state of efficiency) in the Mediterranean, with Sea Vixen, Scimitar and Gannet aircraft, and Whirlwind helicopters embarking.
The launch, recovery, arming and deck handling of the aircraft is shown in some detail. There are also scenes at HMS Condor (shore establishment), Gibraltar and Malta.
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