In the wake of PBS' CARRIER documentary, it's the Royal Navy's turn about their carrier, HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, aka "Lusty."

From the HMS ILLUSTRIOUS website:

Granada TV have now completed filimng a 6 part documentary of life onboard the Strike Carrier HMS Illustrious. The team of three joined the Ship at the end of January, in the middle of her FOST training, prior to her leaving the UK in mid February to lead the Orion deployment to the Indian Ocean and only recently left in Goa, India.

Key activities include the hard work while the ship went through FOST, the preparation and tension of the transit through the straits of Gibraltar, and lots of continuation training Then followed Force Integration with the other ships of the group, more tension with the Suez transit, a number of Exercises with regional Navies with a couple of run ashores to allow the Ship's Company to let off some steam. Throughout, the film crew have been focussing on the concept of the Ship being a small town and have told the story of the deployment through the eyes of a number of characters on board.

The Granada crew of 3 come with a variety of backgrounds. Team Leader, Kate Jackson (not the US actress of the same name), has worked for Granada for a number of years, producing documentaries, lifestyle and celebrity programmes. Director James Rogan is an award winning film maker who already has a string of critically acclaimed projects under his belt. He uses his experience to identify story opportunities on board. Last but not least is cameraman Charlie Laing, who specialises in getting the best shots possible. Always up for a challenge, Charlie filmed a transatlantic RIB trip a few years ago (led by a Naval officer); he is usually to be found on Lusty in a Merlin or filming weapon firings!

Kate Jackson said "This is an amazing experience. We're really excited about the series which will show the extraordinary life that people lead in HMS Illustrious"

Lt Nick Geneux RN, who had been looking after the media team stated: "Having the Granada Team on board has been great fun, but they have worked hard to accurately capture what the Ship has been up to. The whole-ship is really excited about the Series and all eyes will be on the big screen for the first episode on 19th May!"

The programme, called 'Warship' is due to be broadcast on Channel 5, commencing 9:00pm 19 May. Watch this site for more details and as we start to reveal the characters.

RN Navy News article: http://www.navynews.co.uk/view-story.aspx?articleID=180

HMS ILLUSTRIOUS website: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.00h001001001002

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