HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)

On 25 July 2007 Defence Secretary Des Browne announced the order for two new carriers.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6914788.stm |title=MOD confirms carrier order |website=BBC News |date=25 July 2007 |access-date=11 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111182004/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6914788.stm |archive-date=11 January 2009 |url-status=live}} At the time of approval the first carrier was expected to enter service in July 2015 and the budget was £4.085 billion for two ships.{{cite web |url=http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1011/hc04/0489/0489_i.pdf |title=Ministry of Defence Major Projects Report 2010 HC489-I |website=House of Commons Defence Committee |date=15 October 2010 |page=7 and fig 3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105223335/http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1011/hc04/0489/0489_i.pdf |archive-date=5 November 2013}} The financial crisis led to a political decision in December 2008 to slow production, delaying Queen Elizabeth until May 2016. This added £1.56 billion to the cost. By March 2010 the budget was estimated at £5.9 billion and in November 2013 the contract was renegotiated with a budget of £6.2 billion.{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131106/debtext/131106-0001.htm#13110656000003 |title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 6 November 2013 (pt 0001) |date=6 November 2013 |website=UK Parliament |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213134539/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131106/debtext/131106-0001.htm#13110656000003 |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=live}} The in-service date was further extended to 2020 in the Strategic Defence and Security Review in October 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |title=Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review |website=HM Government |date=19 October 2010 |access-date=19 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222022127/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/%40dg/%40en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |archive-date=22 December 2010}}

Construction of Queen Elizabeth began in 2009. The assembly took place in the Firth of Forth at Rosyth Dockyard from nine blocks built in six UK shipyards: BAE Systems Surface Ships in Glasgow, Babcock at Appledore, Babcock at Rosyth, A&P Tyne in Hebburn, BAE at Portsmouth and Cammell Laird (flight decks) at Birkenhead.{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/01/25/cammell-laird-wins-50m-royal-navy-warship-contract-100252-25676005/ |title=Cammell Laird wins £50m Royal Navy warship contract |access-date=25 January 2010 |date=25 January 2010 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929133734/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/01/25/cammell-laird-wins-50m-royal-navy-warship-contract-100252-25676005/ |archive-date=29 September 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/ConstructionBeginsAtNavysNewCarriersPortsmouthBase.htm |title=Construction begins at Navy's new carriers' Portsmouth base |date=26 February 2010 |website=Ministry of Defence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109194127/http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/tna/%2B/http%3A//www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/ConstructionBeginsAtNavysNewCarriersPortsmouthBase.htm |archive-date=9 November 2016 |access-date=3 March 2010 |url-status=dead }} Two of the lower main blocks, together weighing more than 6,000 tonnes and forming part of the base of the ship, were assembled and joined into one piece on 30 June 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1277-another-giant-piece-of-the-carrier-jigsaw-slots-into-place.aspx |title=Another giant piece of the carrier slots into place |website=Navy News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512142856/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1277-another-giant-piece-of-the-carrier-jigsaw-slots-into-place.aspx |archive-date=12 May 2012}}

On 16 August 2011, the 8,000-tonne Lower Block 03 of Queen Elizabeth left BAE Systems Surface Ships' Govan shipyard in Glasgow on a large ocean-going barge. Travelling {{convert|600|mi}} around the northern coast of Scotland, the block arrived at Rosyth on the evening of 20 August 2011.{{cite web |title=Huge carrier block arrives in Rosyth |website=Navy News |url=http://www.navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/871 |date=22 August 2011 |access-date=29 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407040220/http://www.navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/871 |archive-date=7 April 2012 |url-status=live}}

On 28 October 2012, an 11,000-tonne section of the carrier began a lengthy journey around the south coast of England, avoiding bad weather, from the shipbuilding hall at Govan to the Rosyth dockyard; it arrived on 21 November.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/November/12/121112-QE-Block |title=Gigantic piece of HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives to join the rest of the ship |date=12 November 2012 |website=Royal Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114233503/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/November/12/121112-QE-Block |archive-date=14 November 2012}} The forward island was constructed at BAE Portsmouth and attached on 14 March 2013; the aft island was attached in June 2013. The ski jump was added in November 2013,{{cite news |url=http://content.yudu.com/Library/A2lnzy/201312NavyNewsDec13/resources/8.htm |title=Asset management |newspaper=Navy News |page=8 |date=December 2013 |first=Richard |last=Hargreaves |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103200932/http://content.yudu.com/Library/A2lnzy/201312NavyNewsDec13/resources/8.htm |archive-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=live}} leaving just the lifts and radar to be lifted into place. By September 2013 Queen Elizabeth was 80% complete internally.

The carrier is three times the size of the Invincible-class, and has the ability to carry approximately three times as many aircraft. Despite this, Queen Elizabeth has marginally fewer crew than the Invincible-class. The ship has two superstructures, or islands, one for navigation and ship's operations and the other for flight control and aerial operations. The islands can take on each other's function if one is incapacitated.{{cite web |url=http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/2017/25-09-2017 |title=Tale of two islands |date=25 September 2017 |website=Aircraft Carrier Alliance |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321235633/http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/2017/25-09-2017 |archive-date=21 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}

{{See also|Ships christened by Queen Elizabeth II}}

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth alongside HMS Illustrious.jpg

Queen Elizabeth was christened at Rosyth on 4 July 2014, by Queen Elizabeth II, who said that the warship "marks a new phase in our naval history". Instead of smashing the traditional bottle of champagne on the hull, she used a bottle of whisky from the Bowmore distillery on Islay.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (the Lord High Admiral), Admiral George Zambellas (First Sea Lord), senior naval officers from the United States and France, and by politicians including David Cameron and Gordon Brown (the Prime Minister and his immediate predecessor) and Alex Salmond (the First Minister of Scotland). The official piece of music HMS Queen Elizabeth March, composed by WO2 Bandmaster John Morrish, was performed at the naming ceremony by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland. This piece of music is a competition-winning march chosen by the Carrier Alliance Group, performed and recorded by the Royal Marines Massed Bands.

The ceremony also featured a fly-past by the Red Arrows and a second comprising Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and British Army helicopters. {{HMS|Illustrious|R06|6}} was berthed adjacent to Queen Elizabeth during the ceremony.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28146412 |title=Queen names new Royal Navy aircraft carrier in Rosyth |date=4 July 2014 |access-date=4 July 2014 |website=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704032928/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28146412 |archive-date=4 July 2014 |url-status=live}}

The ship was floated out of dry dock on the morning of 17 July 2014.{{cite web |url=http://aviationweek.com/farnborough-2014/uk-carrier-floated-first-time |title=U.K. Carrier Floated for the First Time |date=17 July 2014 |first=Tony |last=Osborne |website=Aviation Week |access-date=19 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730023852/http://aviationweek.com/farnborough-2014/uk-carrier-floated-first-time |archive-date=30 July 2014 |url-status=live}} Fitting out was completed at the end of 2015 and the crew moved aboard in May 2016.{{citation needed |date=April 2021}}

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) underway during trials with HMS Sutherland (F81) and HMS Iron Duke (F234) on 28 June 2017 (45162784).jpg

Sea trials were planned beginning in March 2017 with delivery expected in May 2017, but technical issues delayed her trials.{{cite web |url=http://www.forces.net/news/tri-service/series-technical-issues-behind-hms-queen-elizabeth-delays |title='Series Of Technical Issues' Behind HMS Queen Elizabeth Delays |first=James |last=Hirst |website=Forces.net |date=31 January 2017 |access-date=3 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403124145/http://www.forces.net/news/tri-service/series-technical-issues-behind-hms-queen-elizabeth-delays |archive-date=3 April 2017 |url-status=live}} Prior to her departure from Rosyth, an extensive survey was carried out of the Firth of Forth by {{HMS|Gleaner|H86|2}} and 42 Regiment, Royal Engineers to gather information on the tides, the depth of the river bed, and the height of the three river crossings (Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing). This was necessary as the most recent data available were 60 years old.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/september/02/160902-gleaner-queen-elizabeth |title=Navy's smallest ship paves way for maiden voyage of its largest |author= |date=2 September 2016 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=2 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905181237/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/september/02/160902-gleaner-queen-elizabeth |archive-date=5 September 2016 |url-status=live}}

Queen Elizabeth sailed on 26 June 2017 to undergo sea trials.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-40402153 |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail from Rosyth for sea trials |work=BBC News |date=27 June 2017 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626061807/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-40402153 |archive-date=26 June 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hms-queen-elizabeth-aircraft-carrier-sea-trials-royal-navy-launch-budget-issues-a7808056.html |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier sets sail for sea trials |last=Osborne |first=Samuel |date=26 June 2017 |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=26 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626114017/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hms-queen-elizabeth-aircraft-carrier-sea-trials-royal-navy-launch-budget-issues-a7808056.html |archive-date=26 June 2017 |url-status=live}} The first stage of the operation was to move the ship from inside the fitting out basin, via one of the access gates, into the Firth of Forth itself, before taking her under the three Forth bridge crossings.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/26/hms-queen-elizabeth-aircraft-carrier-takes-to-the-seas |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier takes to the seas |last=MacAskill |first=Ewan |date=27 June 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707155341/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/26/hms-queen-elizabeth-aircraft-carrier-takes-to-the-seas |archive-date=7 July 2017 |url-status=live}} Once this was accomplished, the ship took to the open sea off the east coast of Scotland to undertake the first set of trials, including handling and speed tests. During this period, Queen Elizabeth was accompanied by a pair of Type 23 frigates, {{HMS|Sutherland|F81|2}} and {{HMS|Iron Duke|F234|2}}, acting as escorts.{{cite web |url=http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-her-first-week-at-sea/ |title=HMS 'Queen Elizabeth': Her first week at sea |date=3 July 2017 |website=Save the Royal Navy |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708132857/http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-her-first-week-at-sea/ |archive-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live}} The first aircraft to land on the ship was a Merlin HM.2 helicopter of 820 Naval Air Squadron on 3 July.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/july/03/170703-young-pilot-makes-history-with-first-deck-landing-on-hms-queen-elizabeth |title=Young pilot makes history with first deck landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth |author= |date=3 July 2017 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706195750/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/july/03/170703-young-pilot-makes-history-with-first-deck-landing-on-hms-queen-elizabeth |archive-date=6 July 2017 |url-status=live}} Queen Elizabeth arrived at her first stopover at Invergordon, where the ship was fuelled and provisioned. At this point inspections of the hull were carried out.{{cite journal |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth-encounters-propeller-shaft-debris-issue-trials/ |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth encounters propeller shaft debris issue on trials |last=Allison |first=George |date=10 July 2017 |journal=UK Defence Journal |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804012456/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth-encounters-propeller-shaft-debris-issue-trials/ |archive-date=4 August 2017 |url-status=live}} This opportunity allowed defect rectification to be carried out prior to the ship returning to sea.

File:FA-18 Super Hornets fly over HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) on 5 August 2017 (170805-N-NO901-279).JPG from USS George H.W. Bush overfly Queen Elizabeth during Exercise Saxon Warrior in 2017]]

On 8 August 2017, Queen Elizabeth diverted from her sea trials to rendezvous with the ships engaged in Exercise 'Saxon Warrior'; this allowed for a photo exercise in company with the American {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|2}} {{USS|George H.W. Bush||6}} and her Carrier Strike Group (CSG), comprising {{USS|Donald Cook||6}}, {{USS|Philippine Sea|CG-58|6}}, {{HMS|Iron Duke|F234|6}}, {{HMS|Westminster|F237|6}} and HNoMS Helge Ingstad.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/august/08/170808-hms-queen-elizabeth-meets-up-with-us-carrier-group |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth meets up with US carrier group off Scottish coast |author= |date=8 August 2017 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809210928/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/august/08/170808-hms-queen-elizabeth-meets-up-with-us-carrier-group |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

Queen Elizabeth was scheduled to return to Rosyth at the end of July for rectification work based on the results of the ship's first sea trials, before putting to sea for a second time to undergo a series of mission system tests, prior to being handed over to the Royal Navy.{{cite journal |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth-undergoing-rectification-work-due-propeller-issues/ |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth undergoing rectification and repair work due to propeller issues |last=Allison |first=George |date=19 July 2017 |journal=UK Defence Journal |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804012630/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth-undergoing-rectification-work-due-propeller-issues/ |archive-date=4 August 2017 |url-status=live}} This plan was abandoned and she instead steered for her home port, Portsmouth.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/august/07/170807-hms-qnzl-on-track-for-first-entry-to-portsmouth |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth on track for first entry to Portsmouth |author= |date=7 August 2017 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809163102/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/august/07/170807-hms-qnzl-on-track-for-first-entry-to-portsmouth |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth sails into her home port of Portsmouth for the first time MOD 45162971.jpg

Queen Elizabeth arrived at HMNB Portsmouth for the first time on 16 August 2017 and berthed at the newly renamed Princess Royal Jetty (formerly Middle Slip Jetty).{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-hampshire-40937149 |title=New aircraft carrier arrives in home port |website=BBC News |date=16 August 2017 |access-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816150320/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-hampshire-40937149 |archive-date=16 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

On 30 October 2017, the ship departed Portsmouth for the first time for the second phase of her sea trials off the south and south-west coasts of England.{{cite web |url=http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth/latest-news/2017/30-10-2017 |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth Returns to Sea |website=Aircraft Carrier Alliance |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509104739/http://www.aircraftcarrieralliance.co.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth/latest-news/2017/30-10-2017 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |url-status=dead}} For part of this second period of sea trials, she was accompanied by the Type 45 destroyer {{HMS|Dragon|D35|2}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/november/03/171103-the-queens-dragon |title=The Queen's Dragon – Destroyer helps new carrier through training |author= |date=3 November 2017 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=6 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005923/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/november/03/171103-the-queens-dragon |archive-date=7 February 2018 |url-status=live}} Queen Elizabeth returned to Portsmouth on 21 November 2017 to prepare for her official commissioning ceremony, which was held on 7 December 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/our-region/portsmouth/watch-hms-queen-elizabeth-arrives-back-in-portsmouth-1-8255675 |title=WATCH: HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives back in Portsmouth |newspaper=The News |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203457/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/our-region/portsmouth/watch-hms-queen-elizabeth-arrives-back-in-portsmouth-1-8255675 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-42256046 |title=HMS 'Queen Elizabeth': Royals attend aircraft carrier ceremony |author= |date=7 December 2017 |website=BBC News |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207051202/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-42256046 |archive-date=7 December 2017 |url-status=live}} Following the ship's commissioning, she underwent a period of defect correction in Portsmouth; one instance was a leak through a seal in one of the propeller shafts, which the Royal Navy stated was not serious enough to keep Queen Elizabeth from her planned programme.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42406138 |title=HMS 'Queen Elizabeth': Leak found on new aircraft carrier |author= |date=19 December 2017 |website=BBC News |access-date=19 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223134815/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42406138 |archive-date=23 February 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-a-large-and-convenient-media-target/ |title=HMS 'Queen Elizabeth' – a large and convenient media target |author= |date=19 December 2017 |website=Save the Royal Navy |access-date=19 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222064854/http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-a-large-and-convenient-media-target/ |archive-date=22 December 2017 |url-status=live}}

On 2 February 2018, Queen Elizabeth sailed from Portsmouth for a second time, for a six-week deployment to undergo the first phases of operational training; initially, the ship was scheduled to head into the Western Approaches to undertake her initial Operational Sea Training (OST) programme. Once complete, Queen Elizabeth was then taken into the North Atlantic for both heavy weather testing and operations to begin helicopter certification, including with Merlin Mk2 and Mk3 and Chinook helicopters. During this deployment, the ship made her first overseas port visit, stopping over in Gibraltar{{cite web |url=http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/whats-ahead-for-hms-queen-elizabeth-sails-for-training-flight-trials-and-gibraltar/ |title=What's ahead for HMS Queen Elizabeth: training, flight trials and Gibraltar |author= |date=30 January 2018 |website=Save the Royal Navy |access-date=2 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202195841/http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/whats-ahead-for-hms-queen-elizabeth-sails-for-training-flight-trials-and-gibraltar/ |archive-date=2 February 2018 |url-status=live}} from 9 to 12 February.{{cite web |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth - Visit to Gibraltar |url=http://www.gibraltarport.com/sites/default/files/localnotices/2018%20LNM%20003%20-%20HMS%20QUEEN%20ELIZABETH%20-%20Visit%20to%20Gibraltar%209.2.18%20-%2012.2.18.pdf |website=Gibraltar Port Authority |access-date=6 February 2018 |date=6 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005903/http://www.gibraltarport.com/sites/default/files/localnotices/2018%20LNM%20003%20-%20HMS%20QUEEN%20ELIZABETH%20-%20Visit%20to%20Gibraltar%209.2.18%20-%2012.2.18.pdf |archive-date=7 February 2018 |url-status=dead}} During this, the ship also began initial amphibious assault trials, with Royal Marines from 42 Commando embarked to simulate an air assault scenario.{{cite journal |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/42-commando-launch-assault-aircraft-carrier-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |title=42 Commando launch 'assault' from aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth |last=Allison |first=George |date=26 February 2018 |journal=UK Defence Journal |access-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228161458/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/42-commando-launch-assault-aircraft-carrier-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |archive-date=28 February 2018 |url-status=live}} Queen Elizabeth was also scheduled to undergo a first replenishment at sea from {{ship|RFA|Tidespring|A136|6}}; although the actual replenishment had to be abandoned due to bad weather, the rendezvous allowed both ships the opportunity to simulate the scenario in detail.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/february/27/180227-double-first-as-hms-queen-elizabeth-and-rfa-tidespring-meet-up-at-sea |title=Double first as HMS Queen Elizabeth and RFA Tidespring meet up at sea |author= |date=27 February 2018 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041320/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/february/27/180227-double-first-as-hms-queen-elizabeth-and-rfa-tidespring-meet-up-at-sea |archive-date=28 February 2018 |url-status=live}} Queen Elizabeth returned to Portsmouth on 27 February 2018, berthing at Princess Royal Jetty.{{cite news |url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/hms-queen-elizabeth-returns-to-portsmouth-after-successful-helicopter-trials-1-8395195 |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth after 'successful' helicopter trials |newspaper=The News |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165325/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/hms-queen-elizabeth-returns-to-portsmouth-after-successful-helicopter-trials-1-8395195 |archive-date=17 June 2018 |url-status=live}} On 2 March 2018 in Portsmouth Harbour, Queen Elizabeth successfully tested her port side Marine Evacuation System (MES), a series of bright orange inflatable escape chutes and rafts.{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=969549250228080645 |date=2 March 2018 |title=One of the reasons that we're currently 'port side to' is to allow our starboard side Marine Evacuation System (MES) to be deployed and tested.}}

Queen Elizabeth departed Portsmouth for a third time on 10 June 2018,{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=1005741899435692033 |date=10 June 2018 |title=Thank you for coming out to see us depart... |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327153045/https://twitter.com/HMSQnlz/status/1005741899435692033 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}} heading to the coasts of Cornwall for a second phase of helicopter flight trials. After the trials were completed, Queen Elizabeth headed for home and performed her first replenishment at sea (RAS) refuelling operation with Tidespring on 21 June 2018 in the English Channel,{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=1009790804674732032 |date=21 June 2018 |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth 🌊 42 Metres 🌊 RFA Tidespring: Capability further increased |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328030241/https://twitter.com/HMSQnlz/status/1009790804674732032 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live}} then returned to Portsmouth on 23 June 2018.{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=1010596420804435968 |date=23 June 2018 |title=Best photo of the day, and probably some of the best ones ever... |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327152939/https://twitter.com/HMSQnlz/status/1010596420804435968 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}}

On return from the initial OST and helicopter certification work, further work was undertaken to prepare the ship for the operation of fixed-wing aircraft, in conjunction with regular maintenance and installation of her final weapons fit.

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08).jpg

Queen Elizabeth{{'}}s first significant deployment took place during autumn 2018, when the ship travelled across the Atlantic to begin flying trials with her fixed-wing aircraft. Although the programme covered a range of areas, including the continued workup of the Commander UK Carrier Strike Group and his staff, embarked for a deployment for the first time, and small-scale exercises to test the ship's ability to land troops in the secondary amphibious role, the primary purpose was the first phase of fixed-wing flying trials involving the F-35B over two separate periods of approximately 3–4 weeks each starting in mid-September, utilising a pair of the instrumented development aircraft from VX-23, the US Navy's air testing unit at NAS Patuxent River. The testing programme saw the first launch of an F-35 from a ski-jump at sea (the F-35B has operated from the US Navy's assault ships, but these are not fitted with ski-jumps), and the first demonstration of the shipborne rolling vertical landing technique.

In addition to the F-35 trials, Queen Elizabeth also began qualifications for types of aircraft operated by the US armed forces, including the V-22 Osprey. As part of the deployment, the ship made her first overseas port visit to New York City in October, in between layovers at Naval Station Norfolk, some operations in the Caribbean possible, to test the ship's hot weather performance, as well as being on hand if needed for any disaster relief operations during the hurricane season. Queen Elizabeth was scheduled to return to the UK in December.{{cite web |url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-sails-for-the-united-states-heres-the-plan/ |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth sails for the United States – here's the plan |author= |date=18 August 2018 |website=Save the Royal Navy |access-date=20 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818220719/https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-queen-elizabeth-sails-for-the-united-states-heres-the-plan/ |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/first-trials-of-f-35-aboard-hms-queen-elizabeth-begin-this-autumn/ |title=First trials of F-35 aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth begin this autumn |date=9 July 2018 |website=Save the Royal Navy |access-date=11 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711122448/https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/first-trials-of-f-35-aboard-hms-queen-elizabeth-begin-this-autumn/ |archive-date=11 July 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-prince-of-wales-formally-named-another-step-towards-renewing-aircraft-carrier-capability/ |title=HMS 'Prince of Wales' formally named – another step towards renewing aircraft carrier capability |author= |date=8 September 2017 |website=Save the Royal Navy |access-date=8 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908202530/http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/hms-prince-of-wales-formally-named-another-step-towards-renewing-aircraft-carrier-capability/ |archive-date=8 September 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/revealed-hms-queen-elizabeth-to-visit-new-york-on-maiden-trip-to-the-usa-1-8470096 |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth to visit New York on maiden trip to the USA |last=Cotterill |first=Tom |date=21 April 2018 |website=The News |access-date=1 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501225359/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/revealed-hms-queen-elizabeth-to-visit-new-york-on-maiden-trip-to-the-usa-1-8470096 |archive-date=1 May 2018 |url-status=live}}

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives at Naval Station Mayport in September 2018.jpg

On 18 August 2018, Queen Elizabeth sailed from Portsmouth on what was termed as "Westlant 18", carrying three Merlin Mk2 helicopters of 820 NAS. Later, on 20 August 2018, three additional Merlin Mk4 helicopters from 845 NAS were embarked to the ship.{{Cite tweet |author=845 Naval Air Squadron |user=845NAS |number=1031461367809826817 |date=20 August 2018 |title=Commando Merlin on deck! @HMSQnlz |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325053723/https://twitter.com/CdrBobBond/status/1031461367809826817 |archive-date=25 March 2019 |url-status=live}} Queen Elizabeth was then met by {{HMS|Monmouth|F235|6}} to form a carrier group.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/august/18/180813-hms-queen-elizabeth-sets-off-for-f-35b-fighter-jet-trials |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth sets off for F-35B fighter jet trials |author= |date=18 August 2018 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820172525/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/august/18/180813-hms-queen-elizabeth-sets-off-for-f-35b-fighter-jet-trials |archive-date=20 August 2018 |url-status=live}} On 3 September 2018, Monmouth{{'}}s Wildcat HMA2 helicopter became the first of its type to land aboard Queen Elizabeth.{{Cite tweet |author=Navy Lookout |user=NavyLookout |number=1036693280464035840 |date=3 September 2018 |title='Blackjack' from 213 Flight, 815 Naval Air Squadron - was the first Wildcat HMA2 Helicopter to land on @HMSQnlz |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328030215/https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1036693280464035840 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |url-status=live}} On 5 September 2018, the two ships arrived at Naval Station Mayport in north-east Florida, for a period of replenishment.{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=1037376570103681025 |date=5 September 2018 |title=Delighted to announce we have safely transited the pond and are proceeding alongside Mayport Florida for our first port call on #Westlant18 |access-date=5 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021211720/https://twitter.com/HMSQnlz/status/1037376570103681025 |archive-date=21 October 2018 |url-status=live}} The ships remained in Florida for eight days before departing for the planned trip northwards to US Naval Station Norfolk.{{Cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/september/17/180917-qnlz-arrives-in-norfolk |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in Norfolk, USA |date=17 September 2018 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=20 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920234806/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/september/17/180917-qnlz-arrives-in-norfolk |archive-date=20 September 2018 |url-status=live}}

During the transit north, she was to undertake an amphibious assault exercise off the coast of South Carolina using its Merlin Mk4 helicopters and Royal Marines of 42 Commando. However, due to the effects of Hurricane Florence, this exercise was cancelled and the group instead sailed south; Monmouth headed to waters off The Bahamas, which acted as a windbreak, while Queen Elizabeth skirted around the south of the hurricane zone. The group eventually arrived at Norfolk on 17 September. During the period alongside at Norfolk, Queen Elizabeth embarked a further 200 personnel of the F-35B Integrated Test Force, to undertake the testing and analysis of the two F-35B aircraft to be used during the initial set of flying trials.

On 25 September 2018, two US-owned F-35B test aircraft, based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, flew out to meet Queen Elizabeth off the New Jersey coast. After refuelling, Commander Gray then achieved the first F-35B take off from Queen Elizabeth using the ski-jump ramp.{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/british-fighter-jets-land-aboard-hms-elizabeth-in-monumental-moment-11511526 |title=British fighter jets land aboard HMS Elizabeth in 'monumental moment' |author= |date=28 September 2018 |website=Sky News |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929194826/https://news.sky.com/story/british-fighter-jets-land-aboard-hms-elizabeth-in-monumental-moment-11511526 |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=live}} During the initial F-35B trials, Queen Elizabeth also began trials for the UK Carrier Group staff when the ship, along with Monmouth, formed a task group with the US Navy destroyer {{USS|Lassen|DDG-82|6}}{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/september/28/180928-first-deck-landing |title=F-35 Lightning jets land on HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time |author= |date=28 September 2018 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020233/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/september/28/180928-first-deck-landing |archive-date=2 October 2018 |url-status=live}} and {{USNS|Supply|T-AOE-6|6}}, a fast combat support ship, which performed RAS with Queen Elizabeth and Monmouth on 1 October 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24M32OR_2ts |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/24M32OR_2ts |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live |title=How does an aircraft carrier refuel at sea? HMS Queen Elizabeth |date=2 October 2018 |author=Royal Navy |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} During October, the first instances of cross-decking took place when a US Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, and a US Marine Corps tiltrotor MV-22B Osprey landed on board.{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/biggest-helicopter-in-the-us-navy-lands-on-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |title=Biggest helicopter in the US Navy lands on HMS Queen Elizabeth |last=Allison |first=George |date=11 October 2018 |website=UK Defence Journal |access-date=14 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322011942/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/biggest-helicopter-in-the-us-navy-lands-on-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |archive-date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mv-22b-lands-on-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |title=MV-22B lands on HMS Queen Elizabeth |last=Allison |first=George |date=11 October 2018 |website=UK Defence Journal |access-date=14 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015002824/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mv-22b-lands-on-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |archive-date=15 October 2018 |url-status=live}} The first shipborne rolling vertical landing (SRVL) by an F-35 was undertaken on 14 October – this was also the first operational demonstration of the technique on a ship at sea, and is planned as the primary method of recovering fixed-wing aircraft aboard the Queen Elizabeth class.{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/what-is-shipborne-rolling-vertical-landing-and-why-is-it-a-good-idea/ |title=What is Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing and why is it a good idea? |last=Allison |first=George |date=16 October 2018 |website=UK Defence Journal |access-date=17 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017203203/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/what-is-shipborne-rolling-vertical-landing-and-why-is-it-a-good-idea/ |archive-date=17 October 2018 |url-status=live}}

On 19 October 2018, Queen Elizabeth arrived in New York City for a planned seven day visit. Kyd remarked "we are the biggest carrier to go in there for about 50 years", as the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are forbidden from making a port of call in New York City.{{cite web |url=https://www.forces.net/news/hms-queen-elizabeths-first-deployment-be-alongside-dutch-warship |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth's First Operational Deployment To Be Alongside Dutch Warship |date=24 October 2018 |website=Forces.net |access-date=24 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024002902/https://www.forces.net/news/hms-queen-elizabeths-first-deployment-be-alongside-dutch-warship |archive-date=24 October 2018 |url-status=dead}} She dropped anchor near Ellis and Liberty Islands in Upper New York Bay.{{Cite web |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/10/19/sailors-stand-at-attention-around-hms-queen-elizabeth-arriving-in-new-york-8056704/ |title=Sailors stand at attention around HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York |first=Martine |last=Berg Olsen |date=19 October 2018 |website=Metro |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020011654/https://metro.co.uk/2018/10/19/sailors-stand-at-attention-around-hms-queen-elizabeth-arriving-in-new-york-8056704/ |archive-date=20 October 2018 |url-status=live}} During the ship's stopover, she played host to a forum hosted by Gavin Williamson, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, on the future of cyber security,{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2018/10/21/royal-navys-biggest-warship-hms-queen-elizabeth-in-new-york-to-sink-cybersecurity-threats/#25833c0f3866 |title=Royal Navy's Biggest Warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, In New York To Sink Cybersecurity Threats |last=Winder |first=Davey |date=21 October 2018 |website=Forbes |access-date=24 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024011947/https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2018/10/21/royal-navys-biggest-warship-hms-queen-elizabeth-in-new-york-to-sink-cybersecurity-threats/#25833c0f3866 |archive-date=24 October 2018 |url-status=live}} as well as an international trade day hosted by Liam Fox, the Secretary of State for International Trade.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-hosts-uk-us-international-trade-day-in-new-york |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth hosts UK-US 'International Trade Day' in NYC |date=22 October 2018 |website=UK Government |access-date=24 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024002917/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-hosts-uk-us-international-trade-day-in-new-york |archive-date=24 October 2018 |url-status=live}} On 19 November 2018, another milestone was met with a F-35B test pilot landing on the ship facing the stern instead of the bow.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/november/19/181119-milestone-landing-qe |title=Another milestone landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth |date=19 November 2018 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122092145/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/november/19/181119-milestone-landing-qe |archive-date=22 November 2018 |url-status=live}}

Following the ship's return from Westlant 18, Queen Elizabeth began a maintenance period in early 2019 that saw the installation of the remainder of the ship's self-defence armament, with two Phalanx CIWS mounts fitted.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/december/10/181210-queen-elizabeth-returns |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth returns from fighter jet trials |author= |date=10 December 2018 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010939/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/december/10/181210-queen-elizabeth-returns |archive-date=18 December 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/aircraft-carrier-hms-queen-elizabeth-begins-having-phalanx-guns-fitted/ |title=Aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth begins having Phalanx guns fitted |last=Allison |first=George |date=17 December 2018 |website=UK Defence Journal |access-date=17 December 2018}} This was followed by the ship's return to Rosyth to allow it to be dry-docked for its first scheduled hull inspection.{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/april/03/190403-hms-queen-elizabeth-returns-rosyth |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Rosyth for planned maintenance |author= |date=3 April 2019 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406200109/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/april/03/190403-hms-queen-elizabeth-returns-rosyth |archive-date=6 April 2019 |url-status=live}} The remaining Phalanx CIWS and four DS30M mounts will be fitted during 2020.

After further fixed-wing aircraft trials in 2019, using British F-35 aircraft over UK waters, followed then by operational testing.{{cite web |url=https://navaltoday.com/2018/11/22/hms-queen-elizabeth-wraps-up-second-round-of-f-35b-trials/ |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth wraps up second round of F-35B trials |author= |date=22 November 2018 |website=Naval Today |access-date=7 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124617/https://navaltoday.com/2018/11/22/hms-queen-elizabeth-wraps-up-second-round-of-f-35b-trials/ |archive-date=9 December 2018 |url-status=live}} Queen Elizabeth was expected to reach initial operational capability by 2020, now with Commodore Stephen Moorhouse in command.{{cite web |url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Delivering-Carrier-Strike.pdf |title=Delivering Carrier Strike |website=National Audit Office |date=16 March 2017 |access-date=20 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831043618/https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Delivering-Carrier-Strike.pdf |archive-date=31 August 2017 |url-status=live}} Gavin Williamson announced that the ship's first deployment will be to the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Pacific region, the last to counter China's territorial claims in the South China Sea.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47192232 |title=Gavin Williamson: Armed Forces have to be prepared to use hard power |date=11 February 2019 |website=BBC News |access-date=11 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211205608/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-47192232 |archive-date=11 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defence-in-global-britain |title=Defence in Global Britain |date=11 February 2019 |website=gov.uk |publisher=UK Ministry of Defence |access-date=11 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211172619/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defence-in-global-britain |archive-date=11 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

On 10 January 2019, Jane's Defence Weekly reported that F-35 aircraft of the United Kingdom would join the F-35Bs of the US Marine Corps in embarking Queen Elizabeth for the ship's first operational cruise in 2021.{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85642/uk-declares-ioc-land-for-f-35-force |title=UK declares IOC Land for F-35 force |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=10 January 2019 |website=Jane's Defence Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110215544/https://www.janes.com/article/85642/uk-declares-ioc-land-for-f-35-force |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=11 January 2019}}

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) underway in the Atlantic Ocean on 17 October 2019 (191017-N-QI061-2210).JPG

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group during Westlant 19.jpg during Exercise Westlant 19.]]

Queen Elizabeth departed for her second WESTLANT cruise on 30 August 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-queen-elizabeth-sails-to-us-for-fighter-jet-trials |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth sails to US for fighter jet trials |date=30 August 2019 |website=GOV.UK}} This deployment was to undertake the second stage of fixed-wing flight testing, and would see the F-35B employed as a full part of the ship's air group, with 617 Squadron due to embark for the first time to operate alongside 17 Squadron, the type's evaluation unit.{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/hms-queen-elizabeth-returns-to-port-early-after-minor-internal-leak/ |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to port early after minor internal leak |last=Allison |first=George |date=10 July 2019 |website=UK Defence Journal |access-date=28 August 2019}} The deployment will also see the first full up operation of the UK Carrier Strike Group, with Queen Elizabeth to be accompanied by {{HMS|Northumberland|F238|6}} and HMS Dragon supported by {{ship|RFA|Tideforce|A139|6}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.forces.net/news/services/navy/hms-northumberland-sets-sail-carrier-strike-group-operations |title=HMS Northumberland Sets Sail For Carrier Strike Group Deployment |author= |date=27 August 2019 |website=Forces Network |access-date=28 August 2019}} On 13 October 2019, F-35Bs from 17 Squadron landed on HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time.{{cite news |author= |title=First UK fighter jets land onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-uk-fighter-jets-land-onboard-hms-queen-elizabeth |work=UK Ministry of Defence |date=13 October 2019 |access-date=14 October 2019}}

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived home in Portsmouth on 4 December 2019. On 16 December 2019, the first-ever F-35B launch in British territorial waters took place, when an aircraft of that model took off from the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth Harbour. The aircraft, registration ZM148 (BK14) safely returned to its base at RAF Marham on the same day. ZM148 (BK14) had developed a fault during Westlant19 and was retained aboard Queen Elizabeth for repair.{{cite news |author= |title=F-35 take-off in Portsmouth Harbour |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/december/17/191217-f35-harbour-take-off |work=Royal Navy |location=Portsmouth |date=17 December 2019 |access-date=10 January 2020}}

HMS Queen Elizabeth departed Portsmouth in January 2020 for flight trials in UK waters for the first time and was joined by British-owned F-35B Lightning aircraft from RAF No. 207 Squadron.{{Cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/january/24/200124-hms-queen-elizabeth-sails-from-portsmouth |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth sails for Lightning jet trials in UK waters |date=24 January 2020 |website=Royal Navy}}{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=1222220464141094912 |date=28 January 2020 |title=Once again, UK waters are roaring deep with the sound of carrier launched British fighter jets... |access-date=2020-07-16}} In June 2020, F-35Bs from 617 Squadron landed on Queen Elizabeth for Operational Sea Training to prepare for Initial Operating Capability (Maritime) by the end of 2020.{{cite news |author= |title=UK'S Operational F-35 Jets Mark First Landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/june/09/20200609-f35-jets-land-on-hms-queen-elizabeth |work=Royal Navy |date=9 June 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020}}{{cite news |author= |title=F-35 Dambusters Squadron Joins HMS Queen Elizabeth For First Time |url=https://www.forces.net/news/f-35-dambusters-squadron-joins-hms-queen-elizabeth-first-time |work=Forces News |date=10 June 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020}}

The summer 2020 period was spent in harbour undergoing preparation work for September, when the ship took part in a major carrier group exercise that was run as part of Exercise Joint Warrior, with the Queen Elizabeth accompanied not just by ships of the Royal Navy, but also an escort from both the US and Dutch navies, as well as two squadrons of F-35Bs- one each from both the RAF and USMC.{{cite news |url=https://www.forces.net/news/uk-led-carrier-strike-group-completes-exercise-joint-warrior |title=UK-Led Carrier Strike Group Completes Exercise Joint Warrior |website=Forces News |date=14 October 2020 |accessdate=4 March 2021}} Following the conclusion of Joint Warrior, the ship returned to port to have the remainder of its equipment fitted, while the joint UK/US air group undertook a further exercise from RAF Marham.

Initial Operating Capability was announced on 4 January 2021,{{Cite web |title=Carrier Strike Group hits important milestone |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/carrier-strike-group-hits-important-milestone |access-date=2021-01-05 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}} and on 27 January, the ship assumed the role of Fleet Flagship of the Royal Navy, taking over from amphibious transport dock {{HMS|Albion|L14|6}}.{{cite news |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth assumes role as new Fleet Flagship |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/january/27/210127-fleet-flagship-handover |access-date=27 January 2021 |website=Royal Navy |date=27 January 2021}}{{Cite news |title=Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth becomes Fleet Flagship |url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-hms-queen-elizabeth-becomes-fleet-flagship-3115200 |access-date=29 January 2021 |date=27 January 2021 |last=Salkeld |first=Millie |newspaper=The News |language=en}}

{{main|United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21}}

File:Carrier Sea Training MOD 45166691.jpg

File:HMS Queen Elizabeth USS America JS Ise.jpg

Between 7 and 21 May, the Carrier Strike Group took part in Exercise Strike Warrior, as part of Exercise Joint Warrior 21-1{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} Once the carrier strike group finished Exercise Strike Warrior, it made its way back to HMNB Portsmouth for final preparations, before finally departing on 23 or 24 May. On 21 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson toured the ship.{{Cite web |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth's deployment 'won't be confrontational' says Boris Johnson |url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/hms-queen-elizabeths-deployment-wont-be-confrontational-say-boris-johnson-during-visit-to-portsmouth-3246126 |access-date=2021-05-22 |website=The News |date=21 May 2021 |language=en}} Queen Elizabeth II visited the ship on 22 May.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-22 |title=UK's Queen Elizabeth visits new aircraft carrier before Asia voyage |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-queen-elizabeth-visits-new-aircraft-carrier-before-asia-voyage-2021-05-22/ |access-date=2021-05-22 |website=Reuters}} Initially the group took part in joint exercises with NATO partners in the Eastern Atlantic, before entering the Mediterranean Sea, where it more conducted exercises with Mediterranean NATO allies, including with the French carrier Charles de Gaulle,{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/april/26/210426-csg21-deployment |title=Carrier Strike Group deployment to visit 40 countries |date=26 April 2021 |website=Royal Navy |accessdate=29 April 2021}} in the dual-carrier exercise named Exercise Gallic Strike{{Cite web |date=2021-06-04 |title=French - British Dual Carrier Exercise Gallic Strike Concludes |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/06/french-british-dual-carrier-exercise-gallic-strike-concludes/ |access-date=2021-06-06 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}} before entering port at Souda Bay for a logistic stop.{{cite news |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/february/9704-hms-queen-elizabeth-british-aircraft-carrier-to-visit-greece-in-june.html |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth British aircraft carrier to visit Greece in June |work=Navy Recognition |date=February 2021 |accessdate=29 April 2021}} A Type 45 destroyer, HMS Defender and HNLMS Evertsen detached from the group to enter the Black Sea{{Cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/july/07/210707-carrier-and-suez-canal |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth passes through Suez Canal as the UK Carrier Strike Group heads east |date=7 July 2021 |website=Royal Navy}} – a visit that was already planned prior to the heightened Russian activity in the region.{{cite news |url=https://www.navylookout.com/more-details-of-the-upcoming-uk-carrier-strike-group-deployment-emerge/ |title=More details of the upcoming UK Carrier Strike Group deployment emerge |website=Navy Lookout |date=15 April 2021 |accessdate=29 April 2021}} On 7 July 2021, the group transited the Suez Canal to enter the Indian Ocean where they conducted joint exercises with the Indian Navy{{Cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/july/28/210728-csg-trains-with-indian-navy |title=Carrier Strike Group sails with Indian Navy in two-day exercises |date=28 July 2021 |website=Royal Navy}} before proceeding past Singapore, without stopping, to enter the disputed South China Sea region to conduct freedom of navigation exercises in the area with the US Navy.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} Subsequently, the group will pay a visit to South Korea and then conduct exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and United States Navy around the islands of Japan.{{cite news |first=Sam |last=LaGrone |url=https://news.usni.org/2021/02/03/carrier-hms-queen-elizabeth-will-drill-with-japanese-in-pacific-during-deployment |title=Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Will Drill with Japanese in Pacific During Deployment |website=USNI News |date=3 February 2021 |accessdate=29 April 2021}}

On 18 June 2021, Queen Elizabeth began combat operations against ISIS, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. F-35B aircraft from 617 Squadron, RAF and US Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) launched strikes from Queen Elizabeth to attack ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-aircraft-hms-queen-elizabeth-b1870378.html |title=British aircraft carrier deployed in first direct action against Isis |first=Kim |last=Sengupta |date=24 June 2021 |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=28 June 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627155507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-aircraft-hms-queen-elizabeth-b1870378.html |archive-date=2021-06-27}}{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2021/06/22/u-k-u-s-f-35bs-launch-anti-isis-strikes-from-hms-queen-elizabeth |title=U.K., U.S. F-35Bs Launch Anti-ISIS Strikes from HMS Queen Elizabeth |first=Sam |last=LaGrone |date=21 June 2021 |website=UNSI News |access-date=28 June 2021}}

An outbreak of COVID-19 was reported on Queen Elizabeth and her escort ships on 14 July 2021. The British Defence Secretary stated that the outbreak was being managed and that all personnel in the Carrier Strike Group had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Mitigation measures were also in place aboard the warships including the use of masks, social distancing and a "Track and Trace system" to monitor personnel movement. The deployment proceeded as planned to Japan.{{Cite news |date=2021-07-14 |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth: Covid outbreak on Navy flagship |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57830617 |access-date=2021-07-31}}

On 26 July 2021, Queen Elizabeth and her escort ships conducted a passage exercise with three ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in the South China Sea. This is the first time that a Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group has conducted military exercises with the RSN.{{Cite news |date=2021-07-27 |title=British carrier strike group conducts passage exercise with Singapore navy |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/british-carrier-strike-group-conducts-passage-exercise-with-singapore-navy |access-date=2021-07-31 |newspaper=The Straits Times |language=en}} On 16 November 2021, one of the carrier's F-35B fighters, ZM152 from 617 Squadron, crashed during operations in the Mediterranean. The pilot was able to eject safely.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59323895 |title=Probe after British F-35 fighter crashes in Mediterranean |work=BBC News |date=17 November 2021}}

In September 2023, the carrier embarked eight F-35B fighters from 617 Squadron, five Merlin helicopters from 820 Squadron and three Wildcat helicopters from 847 Squadron for its "Operation FIREDRAKE" deployment in northern European waters. Of five Merlins deployed, two were in the AEW configuration. The carrier was escorted by {{HMS|Diamond|D34|6}}, {{HMS|Kent|F78|6}} and RFA Tideforce.

{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/2023-carrier-strike-group-deployment-begins/ | title=2023 Carrier Strike Group deployment begins |website=Navy Lookout | date=11 September 2023 }}

On 4 September 2024, a member of Royal Navy personnel died after a Merlin Mk. 4 helicopter ditched in the English Channel near Dorset while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth. The two other crew onboard were taken to hospital.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-05 |title=Royal Navy crew member dies in training exercise |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8d5vlqg74o |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

The two ships of the Queen Elizabeth class are each expected to be capable of carrying over forty aircraft, with a normal maximum load of thirty-six F-35s and four helicopters,{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Adams |title=MoD gives nod for aircraft carriers |newspaper=Financial Times |date=25 July 2007 |access-date=19 September 2013 |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/73075b0c-3ad8-11dc-8f9e-0000779fd2ac.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523101139/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/73075b0c-3ad8-11dc-8f9e-0000779fd2ac.html |archive-date=23 May 2014 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}} but with a theoretical surge capacity of up to 72 aircraft. The 2010 SDSR anticipated the routine peacetime deployment of twelve F-35Bs, but a typical warload will be 24 F-35Bs and some helicopters.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_09_11_2013_p0-615007.xml |title=U.K. Royal Navy Widening Scope of Carrier Use |first=Anthony |last=Osborne |date=11 September 2013 |website=Aviation Week |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116110305/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_09_11_2013_p0-615007.xml |archive-date=16 January 2014 |url-status=dead}} These could be a "Maritime Force Protection" package of nine anti-submarine Merlin HM2 and five Merlin Crowsnest for airborne early warning; alternatively a littoral manoeuvre package could include a mix of Royal Navy Commando Helicopter Force Merlin HC4, Wildcat AH1, RAF Chinooks, and Army Air Corps Apaches. In 2022, it was reported that initially five Merlins will be equipped with Crowsnest, and three of these will normally be assigned to the "high readiness" aircraft carrier.{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/crowsnest-airborne-surveillance-and-control-due-to-achieve-initial-operating-capability-in-2023/ | title=Crowsnest Airborne Surveillance and Control due to achieve Initial Operating Capability in 2023 | Navy Lookout | date=19 December 2022 }}

The hangars are designed for CH-47 Chinook operations without blade folding and for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, whilst the aircraft lifts can accommodate two Chinooks with unfolded blades.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_08_30_2013_p0-611847.xml&p=2 |title=U.K. Builds Fleet of Modernized Chinooks |first=Anthony |last=Osborne |website=Aviation Week |date=30 August 2013 |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116110314/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_08_30_2013_p0-611847.xml&p=2 |archive-date=16 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}

The two ships of the Queen Elizabeth class can each carry up to three passenger transfer boats (PTBs) made by Blyth-based company Alnmaritec.{{cite web |url=http://www.Alnmaritec.co.uk |title=Alnmaritec boat builders |website=Alnmaritec |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315085916/http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/ |archive-date=15 March 2017 |url-status=live}} Each PTB carries 36 passengers and two crew to operate the vessel. The boat is 13.1 m long and davit-launched. To enable the craft to fit into the docking area the navigation and radar masts are fitted with Linak actuators so that they can be lowered automatically from the command console. The enclosed cabin is heated and there is a set of heads forward.{{cite web |url=http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/news |title=News |website=Alnmaritec |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308050840/http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/news |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}

• The first boat is named Swordfish, after the World War II-era Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber.{{cite web |url=http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/component/zoo/item/aln-138-ptb-swordfish-hms-queen-elizabeth-carrier?Itemid=286 |title=ALN 138 'PTB Swordfish - HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier' |website=Alnmaritec |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308051252/http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/component/zoo/item/aln-138-ptb-swordfish-hms-queen-elizabeth-carrier?Itemid=286 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}
• The second PTB is named Buccaneer after the Blackburn Buccaneer maritime strike aircraft.{{cite web |url=http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/component/zoo/item/aln-139-ptb-buccaneer-hms-queen-elizabeth-carrier?Itemid=286 |title=ALN 139 'PTB Buccaneer - HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier' |website=Alnmaritec |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308051900/http://www.alnmaritec.co.uk/component/zoo/item/aln-139-ptb-buccaneer-hms-queen-elizabeth-carrier?Itemid=286 |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live}}
• The third is named Sea Vixen, after the de Havilland Sea Vixen naval fighter.{{Cite tweet |author=HMS Queen Elizabeth |user=HMSQnlz |number=923923901708750848 |date=27 October 2017 |title=Our Personnel Transfer Boat "Sea Vixen" has been stowed in her berth.}}
• The fourth is named Sea Harrier, after the V/STOL British Aerospace Sea Harrier.{{citation needed |date=January 2020}}

Defensive weapons include the Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapons System) for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence, and 30mm Automated Small Calibre Guns (fitted for but not with, and not carried as of 2021.) and initially Miniguns for use against fast attack craft. In 2023, the Minigun was retired from Royal Navy service and replaced by Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns.{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-50-cal-heavy-machine-gun-in-royal-navy-service/ |title=In focus: the 50 cal heavy machine gun in Royal Navy service |publisher=Navy Lookout |date=5 May 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023}} Air defence is provided by the Type 45 destroyers, while frigates provide anti-submarine and other general escort capabilities.

Incorporated into the first two blocks is a sophisticated handling and deployment system for air weapons known as the Highly Mechanised Weapon Handling System (HMWHS), with the aim of achieving a sortie generation rate which is about six times faster than any previous Royal Navy aircraft carrier. The system requires only 50 people and could be operated with as few as 12 in an emergency; it is estimated that 160 would be needed to produce the same efficiency with conventional equipment. The system moves munitions on pallets by means of remotely controlled electric vehicles and lifts.{{cite web |url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/home/blog/assembly-phase-reveals-queen-elizabeth-scale/1011893.article#ixzz2EvWKNiJV |website=The Engineer |title=Assembly phase reveals Queen Elizabeth scale |first=David |last=Downs |date=1 March 2012 |access-date=13 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107025610/http://www.theengineer.co.uk/home/blog/assembly-phase-reveals-queen-elizabeth-scale/1011893.article#ixzz2EvWKNiJV |archive-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=live}}

• City of London{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/june/09/140609-qec-london-bonds |title=Royal Navy and City of London affirm bonds with new aircraft carrier |website=Royal Navy |date=9 June 2014 |access-date=25 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125212020/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/june/09/140609-qec-london-bonds |archive-date=25 November 2015 |url-status=live}}
• Queen Mary 2{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2025-02-10 |title=British carrier and Cunard liner formalise partnership |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-carrier-and-cunard-liner-formalise-partnership/ |access-date=2025-02-10 |language=en-GB}}
• Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity{{Cite web |url=https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/welcomeqnlz |title=Our Affiliate Ship: HMS Queen Elizabeth |website=Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501102209/https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/welcomeqnlz |archive-date=1 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}
• Heart of Midlothian F.C.{{cite web |url=http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/3961 |title=Jambos' ship shape Heart of Midlothian |date=6 November 2014 |website=Hearts FC |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701000424/http://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/3961 |archive-date=1 July 2016 |url-status=dead}}
• Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club{{cite web |url=https://rrecwessex.org.uk/news-from-our-friends-at-hms-queen-elizabeth/ |title=News from our friends at HMS Queen Elizabeth |date=5 April 2020 |website=RREC Wessex Section |accessdate=4 March 2021}}
• Oxford URNU{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/may/10/180510-oxford-urnu-visits-hms-queen-elizabeth |title=Oxford URNU visits HMS Queen Elizabeth |date=10 May 2018 |website=Royal Navy |accessdate=4 March 2021}}
• Sea Cadets London Eastern District{{cite web |url=https://www.sea-cadets.org/articles/2018/07/18417-sea-cadets-on-board-hms-queen-elizabeth |title=Sea Cadets on board HMS Queen Elizabeth |date=16 July 2018 |website=Sea Cadets |accessdate=4 March 2021}}

• Town of Wantage – granted on Monday, 14 October 2019.{{cite web |url=https://wantagetowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Special-Council-mins-14-Oct-19.pdf |title=Special Council Minutes 14 October 2019 |website=Wantage Town Council |access-date=27 January 2021 |via=Freedom of Entry (in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972)}}

• Future of the Royal Navy
• {{HMS|Prince of Wales|R09|6}}

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• {{cite book |last1=Terrill |first1=Chris |author1-link=Chris Terrill |title=How to Build an Aircraft Carrier: The Incredible Story of the Men and Women Who Brought Britain's Biggest Warship to Life |date=2022 |publisher=Penguin UK |location=London |isbn=9780241400104 |url={{GBurl|bSIwEAAAQBAJ}}}}

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{{commons category|HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)}}

• {{Cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/surface-fleet/aircraft-carriers/hms-queen-elizabeth |title=HMS Queen Elizabeth |website=Royal Navy}}

{{Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier}}

{{Royal Navy ships}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Queen Elizabeth}}

Category:Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers

Category:Aircraft carriers of the United Kingdom

Category:2014 ships

Category:Ships built in Scotland