“We’ve returned from summer leave rested and ready for the next phase of our training,” HMS Queen Elizabeth’s commanding officer Capt Claire Thompson said ahead of the departure.
“Sailing with an embarked battle staff, integration and training is essential whilst relearning the skills required to conduct safe and effective aviation as we ensure that we are prepared to deliver operational activity at the heart of Nato should it be required,” she said.
Capt Thompson added that the deployment was a “key milestone” for both the vessel’s Nato role and its “journey back to the Royal Navy’s ‘very high readiness’ aircraft carrier”.
HMS Queen Elizabeth is set to take the latter role on from its sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, next year.
Annie Hoare was among family members waving off HMS Queen Elizabeth from the shore, as her son Thomas is a Petty Officer Weapons Engineer on board.
She said: “Watching a boat that big and knowing your son is part of this is absolutely an amazing feeling, we are all so proud.”
Her son has been in the Navy since 2018 and sent out on deployments in the past.
Hoare admitted the “information blackouts” could be challenging but she praised the support the Navy provides for those who are missing their loved ones.
“The navy is amazing and really supports families and they have really turned my son into a fine young gentleman,” she said.
