In 1959Eagle entered Devonport Dockyard to begin a near-5 year refit. By 1964 the refit was complete andEagle was now the largest most capable aircraft carrier in the Royal Navy. The refit was intended to extend her operational life for another twenty years to the mid 1980s if necessary, andEagle now operated Blackburn Buccaneers, de Havilland Sea Vixens and Fairey Gannets.
