Royal Navy aircraft carrier departs for training
HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth Naval Base at about 18:20 BST on Saturday.
On Saturday, the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth set sail from Portsmouth Naval Base with around 800 sailors, embarking on a three-month training mission around the UK and northern Europe. Commissioned in 2017, the £3.2 billion warship began its first official sailing as NATO's command ship for the Allied Response Force.
The deployment aims to enhance collective security, deterrence, and readiness among the UK and its allies through joint naval operations. HMS Queen Elizabeth's commanding officer, Capt Claire Thompson, emphasized the importance of relearning skills required for safe and effective aviation and ensuring the vessel's readiness to deliver operational activity for NATO if necessary. This marks a significant milestone for the ship's NATO role and its return to Royal Navy standard readiness.
Family members witnessed the carrier's departure, expressing pride in their loved ones' service. Annie Hoare, a family member, described the experience as amazing and praised the Navy's support for families during deployments. The deployment highlights the ship's role as the flagship for the Allied Response Force, following HMS Prince of Wales as the Royal Navy's primary carrier.
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