The Indian Navy's INS Viraat set out on its last journey on Sunday, from Kochi to Mumbai where it will be decommissioned. The Navy's website describes the the world's oldest carrier as a Centaur class vessel, which served the Royal Navy as HMS Hermes and was transferred to India in 1987.
Officials said the vessel will be decommissioned towards the end of 2016 and that the Andhra Pradesh state government has expressed interest in using it for tourism, The Times of India reported.
According to The New Indian Express, Viraat has had 2,250 sailing days and has circumnavigated the globe almost 27 times. Its name means "giant" in Sanskrit. When fully operational, Viraat had a staff of 1,500 on board. The vessel was used during Operation Jupiter in 1989 in Sri Lanka and participated in the blockade during Operation Vijay in 1999.
INS Viraat has also participated in international joint exercises including Malabar (with the US Navy), Varuna (French Navy), and Naseem-Al-Bahar (Oman Navy).
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!