HMS Queen Elizabeth will leave Portsmouth on 5th September at around 1820 for a three-month deployment around the UK and northern Europe in her new role as a NATO command ship.
The carrier has just completed her first major refit since commissioning in 2017. The multi-phase upkeep period began in November 2024 and included significant upgrades to the propulsion system, among other engineering projects. This also included an 8-month spell in dry dock in Rosyth. Before deploying on operations and exercises, the carrier will undergo an intensive programme of training under the Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) organisation, covering aviation and the full range of carrier operations and naval warfare.
HMS Queen Elizabeth assumed the role of Afloat Command Platform for NATO’s Allied Response Force (ARF) (Maritime), in July, the first time either QEC carrier has taken on the task. An embarked battle staff will practise commanding an Allied naval force and integrating ships and aircraft from other NATO nations during a crisis.
Type 45 destroyer, HMS Dauntless, sailed today from Portsmouth and along with HMS Queen Elizabeth, they may participate in Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026, a joint SINKEX with the US Navy to be held off Scotland between 17 and 21 September, AT26
The carrier’s training programme will continue into 2027 and include major NATO exercises. Queen Elizabeth is being prepared to replace HMS Prince of Wales as the UK’s flagship and high-readiness strike carrier in late 2027. HMS Prince of Wales will deploy this Autumn on the second phase of FIRECREST, also operating in the North Atlantic Area. The deployment also comes as plans develop for a Hybrid Carrier Air Wing. The Defence Investment Plan announced £240M for the development of new uncrewed aircraft, including jet-powered UAVs intended to operate alongside F-35B Lightning fighters.
Read more here – https://www.navylookout.com/hms-queen-elizabeth-returns-to-operations-on-completion-of-her-first-major-refit/
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