The Final Voyage: HMS Eagle’s Last Departure from Portsmouth Harbour
In August 1972, the renowned aircraft carrier HMS Eagle embarked on her final journey, leaving Portsmouth Harbour for the last time. This marked the end of an era for a vessel that had served the Royal Navy with distinction for over two decades.
HMS Eagle was officially decommissioned in January 1972, concluding a storied career that spanned 20 years and 4 months. After her decommissioning, the ship underwent a meticulous process of stripping down. Reusable equipment, including critical radar and missile systems, was removed, ensuring that valuable components would be repurposed for future naval projects.
Once stripped of her operational assets, HMS Eagle was towed to Devonport. There, she was placed in reserve and moored in the River Tamar’s Hamoaze, a stretch known for its historical significance and naval heritage. This location would become her final resting place, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in naval history.
HMS Eagle’s departure from Portsmouth Harbour was not just the end of her service but also a poignant reminder of the evolution of naval warfare and the changing face of maritime power. As she sailed away, the ship carried with her the legacy of a remarkable era of naval prowess.
