Both carriers have now left the UK to join the growing flotilla of warships and auxiliaries heading for a rendezvous in the Mediterranean.

HMS Ocean sailed from Devonport yesterday to scenes similar to those which sent HMS Ark Royal on her way from Portsmouth last Saturday.

The helicopter carrier is scheduled to take part in amphibious exercises in the Mediterranean as part of a beefed-up Naval Task Group 2003 (NTG03) – a long-planned deployment which is scheduled to send Ark Royal and her escorts into the Asia-Pacific region.

But Ocean’s Commanding Officer, Capt Adrian Johns, echoed the words of the Ark’s Capt Alan Massey when he said that his ship was going to the Med ‘ready for anything’ – including operations against Iraq.

Ark Royal herself has been taking on stores at Glen Mallen in Scotland, but she is now on her way south.

En route to the Med, Capt Massey has sent a personal message to the people of Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and other areas for their support and good wishes.

“As Ark Royal departed from her home port on this major deployment, with a majority of her young ship’s company uncertain of what might lie ahead, I can only say what an absolutely tremendous boost it was for all of us on board to see so many thousands of well-wishers lining all sides of Portsmouth Harbour, including Southsea, and even the isle of Wight.

“It was a spectacular, unique and very emotional sight to behold, and one I have not witnessed in all my years in the Royal navy.

“May I, on behalf of all the officers and ship’s company of Ark Royal, thank you most warmly for this completely overwhelming show of support and solidarity.

“This will act as further inspiration, and strengthen our resolve to undertake whatever tasks we may be required to carry out in the near future.

“Thank you.”

Meanwhile the Type 23 frigate HMS Marlborough, one of the original complement of NTG03, is due to leave Portsmouth today with a special guest on board.

The warship will fly the personal pennant of the Duke of Marlborough to mark his presence on board as she leaves Portsmouth Harbour.

The Duke will stay on the ship overnight before being flown back to his Blenheim Palace home in Oxfordshire by Lynx helicopter tomorrow morning.

The Duke, who has close ties with the frigate, was invited on board by the ship’s Commanding Officer, Capt Mark Anderson.

It will be the first time that the ship has sailed with the Duke’s pennant flying.