Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is set to formally commission the British Royal Navy’s future flagship Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth on 7 December.
UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the news on-board the aircraft carrier as it underwent sea trials around the south coast of England.
Williamson said: “In a world of intensifying global threats, this magnificent ship will be a leading force fighting to protect the values of the UK and our allies.
“It’s an honour to visit her at sea and to meet such a passionate crew.”
The 65,000t aircraft carrier is slated to return to its home port at Portsmouth Naval Base in a few weeks’ time after completing its final phase of sea trials.
HMS Queen Elizabeth initially began sea trials at the end of October in order to test its readiness and capabilities.
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By GlobalDataThe first phase of sea trials were carried out earlier this year and demonstrated the ship’s platform stability and manoeuvrability.
HMS Queen Elizabeth later sailed into its home port for the first time in August.
The carrier’s sister vessel, HMS Prince of Wales, has been formally named and is currently structurally complete.
Both aircraft carriers are being delivered by collaboration between the industry and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) known as the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.