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HMS Queen Elizabeth Makes First US Visit

How the aircraft carrier marked its arrival in the United States

HMS Queen Elizabeth has successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean and reached the United States for the first time.

The aircraft carrier's arrival in Mayport, Florida was celebrated by a rendition of the national anthem by the Royal Marines Band Service.

The future flagship vessel of the Royal Navy left Portsmouth last month to begin flight trials in the US.

It will also be joined by HMS Monmouth during the trials.

HMS Queen Elizabeth will soon welcome the arrival of a number of F-35B fighter jets as it continues its flight trials, known as West Lant 18, in America.

The trials will see two F-35 test jets conduct 500 take offs and landings from the £3bn pound carrier while she's at sea.

A US Marine Corps Major will join three British test pilots in conducting the first deck landings onboard the ship.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to be fully operational in her Carrier Strike role from 2021.

Captain Jerry Kyd: "You only have to look at history to realise that conflict and war, sadly, is only a moment away - and we have to be prepared."

The F-35B fighter jets are the most advanced in the British military with a top speed of 1,200 mph and a price tag of £190 million each.

The aircraft arrived at their Marham home for the first time earlier this year.

Rather than the traditional catapult launch, the F-35B will take off from HMS Queen Elizabeth via a ski jump ramp due to the jet's short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability.

The carrier will also be joined by Commando Merlin Mark 4 helicopters during the trials.

Last week, the second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, declared its operations room ready for ‘flashing up’.