HMS Ark Royal was a British aircraft carrier that served in the Royal Navy. The ship was commissioned in 1955 and was notable for its role in various military operations during the Cold War. It was designed to carry and launch fixed-wing aircraft, including the de Havilland Sea Vixen and Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer. The carrier was decommissioned in 1979 after more than two decades of service. Throughout its operational life, HMS Ark Royal was involved in numerous exercises and deployments, showcasing the capabilities of the Royal Navy and contributing to maritime security during a pivotal era in history.