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HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)

HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) is currently on deployment

Carrier Strike Group

Global

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Unit official communications

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About this forum

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 1000 family cars.

Facts & figures

Facts & figures

280 metres

Total length

65,000 tonnes

Total weight

25+ knots

Top speed

 

Our Skills

Our skills

When HMS Queen Elizabeth becomes operational in 2020, her ship’s company will number around 1,600 personnel which is a mix of the ships company and embarked forces including her Air Wing. 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

Our Operations

Current operation

Carrier Strike Group

Global

The Carrier Strike Group is our nation's spearhead. The role of the Carrier Strike Group is to act as a self-contained force that can work independently or as part of wider operations.

Our Base

Our Base

Portsmouth

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Commanding Officer

Captain William King OBE Royal Navy

William joined the Royal Navy in 1999, and has gathered significant operational experience over the years. William was awarded an OBE in the March 2020 Operational honours list, and was recently promoted to Captain in 2022.

HMS Queen Elizabeth's 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.

January 2021 HMS Queen Elizabeth assumed the role of Fleet Flagship as the Royal Navy moves closer to deploying the world’s most technologically advanced carrier strike group.

Unit history

Royal Navy careers

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