HMS Queen Elizabeth left Portsmouth for training and other exercises after being berthed for three months.
The most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy, the warship is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.
The ship will prepare for Exercise “Strike Warrior”, a Navy project which will take place off the coast of Scotland in May.
The UK-led war-fighting exercise, including several other NATO navies, will be the final test for the Carrier Strike Group before it undertakes its maiden deployment.
“Protected by a ring of advanced destroyers, frigates, helicopters and submarines, and equipped with fifth generation fighters, HMS Queen Elizabeth is able to strike from the sea at a time and place of our choosing; and with our NATO allies at our side, we will be ready to fight and win in the most demanding circumstances” Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, said.