HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 was was commissioned as the Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (R63), 17 January 1945. She was sold to the Netherlands on 1 April 1948. In 1955-58 she was rebuilt with an 8° angled flight deck, new elevators, new island, 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and steam catapult. In 1960 HNLMS Karel Doorman was involved with the de-colonization of Western New Guinea, where she delivered twelve Hawker Hunter fighters to the local Dutch defence forces. After a 1964 re-fit, her role was changed to anti-submarine warfare and only ASW aircraft and helicopters were carried. A boiler-room fire in 1968 saw her withdrawn from service with the Royal Netherlands Navy. Boilers from the incomplete HMS Leviathan were used for repairs. She was sold to Argentina in 1969 and renamed ARA Veinticinco de Mayo.
Dutch Aircraft Carrier HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 www.destinationsjourney.com/dutch-aircra... #NavalHistory #HNLMSKarelDoorman #AircraftCarrier #KarelDoorman
