There has been an Ark Royal in British fleet since 1587. But now its final incarnation has been decommissioned there will be no longer any ship bearing this illustrious name.

Discovery Channel joins the crew of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal on her final, poignant voyage.

With exclusive access to all areas of the ship we follow her as flagship of a multinational task force as it heads across the Atlantic.

For many of the crew it will be their first and perhaps last experience of life at sea, testing their ability to live and work in cramped, pressurised conditions.

The fleet first heads to Halifax to celebrate the Canadian Navy centenary – including a confidential Royal visit – before they continue down the Eastern Seaboard to the Mayport, New York, timed to coincide with Fleet Week – the American celebration of the US Navy.

Then they continue their voyage to drop-off the Marines of 42 Commando in North Carolina for training with the US Marine Corp in advance of deployment to Afghanistan.

Finally, the Ark Royal will head back to the UK as she prepares to go out of service.

NEXT: VIEW MEET THE CREW