HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)

One of the most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK, HMS Queen Elizabeth forms part of the Royal Navy‘s two-strong fleet of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Role

HMS Queen Elizabeth is an investment in Britain’s security, prosperity and place in the world. She will provide a conspicuous presence on the global stage, sending a clear message of reassurance to our allies, and of defiance to those who would do us harm.

As well as being a powerful deterrent and symbol of British influence, HMS Queen Elizabeth will replace HMS Ocean as the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship. As the Fleet’s principal ship, she will carry senior naval staff, receive foreign dignitaries, and act as a command and control centre for the entire Royal Navy.

Capability

HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy. This awe-inspiring warship is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.

As well as state-of-the-art weaponry and communications systems, HMS Queen Elizabeth boasts five gyms, a chapel and a medical centre.

The flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth comes in at an enormous four acres, and will be used to launch the fearsome new F35 Joint Strike Fighter fast jet. Four fighter jets can be moved from the hangar to the flight deck in just one minute.

The ship’s two propellers weigh 33 tonnes each. The powerplant behind them generates enough power to run 1,000 family cars.

Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier

Crew

Led by Captain William King OBE, the ship operates with a crew of approximately 700, increasing to the full complement of 1,600 when aircraft are embarked.

Between them, this highly trained crew will have an extraordinary range of skills, including but not limited to:

Delivering airpower
Air traffic control
Hospitality
Aircraft operations
Communications
Maintenance
Patrolling
Diplomatic receptions
Humanitarian assistance

Unit history

1915

Elizabeth the first

The first HMS Queen Elizabeth, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth I, enters service in 1915 at the height of the First World War. She fights in the Dardanelles and supports the Gallipoli campaign.

1918

German surrender

The German fleet hands in its surrender on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth, signalling the end of the Great War.

1948

Decommissioned

Following reconstruction during the interwar period, the original HMS Queen Elizabeth sees action in the Second World War before finally being decommissioned and scrapped in 1948.

2007