The exhibition, located at the museum in Portsmouth's historic dockyard, focuses on the Royal Navy's vital role in the war and the deployment of over 100 ships and 18,000 personnel.

Using artefacts, models, sound and film footage, the exhibition looks at key events and tells the stories of those involved in defining moments such as the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano, the Exocet missile strike on HMS Sheffield and the landings in San Carlos Bay.

Also attending the exhibition's opening were Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Leach (First Sea Lord 1979-82), the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Adrian Johns CBE ADC.

Opening the exhibition Admiral Band said:

"It is a great honour to be playing a small part in opening the Task Force South exhibition at the Royal Naval Museum. I was touched by the short act of remembrance and it puts very firmly into focus the harsh realities that emanate from hard war fighting, and the fact that there are nearly always casualties.

"The Falklands Conflict was the largest naval deployment since the Second World War and in the harshest of environments that tested not only our military resolve, but also our ability to plan and manage such a massive undertaking to a successful outcome. The challenges were immense."

Matthew Sheldon, Head of Research Collections at the Royal Naval Museum, said:

"The campaign might have been over in just 11 weeks, but it was an immensely complicated operation. It was also intensely fought; 130 naval personnel were killed, 257 were wounded, and six ships were lost. We aim to bring this home to visitors by focusing on the personal experiences of people with differing roles in the War."

Colin White, Director of the Royal Naval Museum, added:

"This war is still in many people's minds. The exhibition will naturally include key events like the sinking of the General Belgrano, and HMS Sheffield and will offer visitors the chance to contribute their own opinions, thoughts and memories."

The exhibition has attracted over £50,000 in sponsorship, including support from defence companies such as BAE Systems, Chemring, and VT Shipbuilding. It will include artefacts loaned by individuals and other collections from all over the country, including P&O and the National Maritime Museum, as well as partner museums, the Royal Marines Museum, the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum. The exhibition is open until 29 February 2008.