Fourteen AV-8Bs from the USMC's VMA-542 embarked aboard HMS Illustrious to participate in Operation Bold Step, an exercise held off the US East Coast in late July 2007.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: BAe Harrier GR Mk.5 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1979

During its time off the US East Coast, Illustrious hosted three visits by a USMC MV-22B Osprey. This was the first time the type had visited a ship from another nation.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell/Boeing V-22 Osprey - СШАUSA - 1989