The QE2's longest-serving chief engineer John Chillingworth was on June 8 marking 40 years since he took up the position, beside the ship in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Chillingworth in the engine control room. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Chillingworth joined Cunard in Southampton and the QE2 as an engineer cadet at 19, then a junior officer. Chris Whiteoak / The National
On June 8, John marked 40 years of service on the QE2 and he continues to develop the ship as a tourist attraction. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 now is a retired British passenger ship but has been converted into a floating hotel and museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The special relationship room is a recent addition opened by Princess Anne, who visited Dubai in March. The small museum is dedicated to intrigue surrounding a bomb hoax that caused mild panic on board the luxury ocean liner in 1972. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 was the flagship of Britain's merchant navy and was considered by some to be the greatest ship in history. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The QE2 was deployed as a troop carrier to the Falklands in 1982 as Britain briefly went to war with Argentina over its sovereignty. Photo: John Chillingworth
Chief engineer Mr Chillingworth pictured during the Falklands War in 1982. Photo: John Chillingworth
Mr Chillingworth served on board the QE2 at sea for 20 years. Photo: John Chillingworth
Part of the QE2, which is now moored in Dubai, serves as a heritage museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
QE2 chief engineer John Chillingworth - in pictures
