The return to front-line duty of HMS Illustrious has moved a stage closer when she welcomed back hundreds of sailors.

The aircraft carrier has been undergoing a £120 million refit at Babcock’s Rosyth complex in Scotland, but with the arrival of more than 500 of her ship’s company, she is now only weeks from sailing back south to rejoin the Fleet.

The new-look Illustrious has been undergoing significant changes in so that she can operate the new generation GR9 Harrier variant and the Merlin helicopter, and has gained a third mast for an improved communications fit.

Her accommodation spaces have also been upgraded to bring a little more comfort for her ship’s company.

The move back on board by her ship’s company – 550 now call the warship home, although with a full air wing on board the ship has a complement of more than 1,050 – has meant a range of support facilities have been made ready, everything from the checking of 500 fire extinguishers to the provision of 1,700 pairs of overalls, 10,000 rolls of toilet paper for the heads and 2,000 apples for the galley.

Speaking of the refit, LSTD Pete Bray – who has served in Illustrious’ sister Ark Royal – said: “We are all pleased with the quality and standard of the workmanship.

“The mess is well kitted-out and now we have nice carpets and curtains.”

For Cdr Stuart McQuaker, the carrier’s Commanding Officer during refit, moving aboard is an important milestone.

“The ship will begin to develop its heart and soul, its character for the next five years of operations.”

Illustrious is due to return to her home port, Portsmouth, in November and be handed back to the Fleet in February, assuming the role of Fleet Flagship during the summer.

The carrier was the second of the three Invincible-class ships to be launched, in December 1978, being commissioned in June 1982.