The UK’s biggest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, sets sail from Portsmouth naval base for sea trials.
The Royal Navy’s largest warship set off from Portsmouth today to embark on a training mission to the USA for three months. Crowds gathered at The Round Tower to see her depart at 1.25pm.
The aircraft carrier, which recently returned to sea after nine months of repairs, is set to take part in training with F-35 fighter jets off the east coast of the US as part of the Westlant 23 deployment.
The £3.2bn aircraft carrier made her triumphant return home on August 4 after months of repairs in Rosyth, Scotland. She is now setting off on her longest ever deployment. Commanding Officer Captain Richard Hewitt said: “We are all excited for the longest deployment of HMS Prince of Wales.
F-35 Lightning stealth fighters will make landings on the 65,000 tonne vessel while she sails in a variety of conditions. The extensive series of trials will be conducted with UK-firm W Autonomous Systems – testing if drones can supply naval vessels while at sea.