New captain takes charge of Illustrious

Captain Connell, who has previously commanded the Type 22 Frigate HMS Chatham whilst she was deployed to the Middle East in support of operations off Iraq, said:

“It is a real honour and privilege to take command of such a famous and distinguished ship.  I look forward to the challenges facing the Ship now we are the UK’s high readiness Helicopter and Commando Carrier. 

"I have no doubt that, if called upon, Illustrious will be ready to support operations anywhere in the world.”  

As a high readiness helicopter and commando carrier, HMS Illustrious is capable of deploying anywhere in the world at short notice as a key component of the Royal Navy’s flexible and versatile Response Force Task Group.  Through her ability to operate with a diverse range of helicopters she can deliver offensive air power over both land and sea from Apache, Merlin and Lynx helicopters.

HMS Illustrious is also an assault operations platform, and can deliver Royal Marines to targets ashore using Chinook and Sea King helicopters. She is capable of deploying with UK helicopters or helicopters from other NATO nations in order to achieve a broad range of missions from maritime security operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

The flexibility of design and the training and skills of those who operate her make HMS Illustrious a truly remarkable ship.  

HMS Illustrious, the fifth ship of the name, was commissioned in 1982.  She has a reputation for getting things done. 

The Ship has participated in several UK and NATO campaigns over the last 15 years, including the first Gulf War and Afghanistan in 2001.  In addition she participated in the evacuation of UK nationals from the Lebanon in 2006. 

During her most recent deployment in 2008, HMS Illustrious operated alongside a diverse range of regional navies in support of global efforts to counter international terrorism and maintain maritime trade security.