HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Portsmouth from the US in October.
HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Portsmouth from the US in October.
QE-class aircraft carriers

She's coming home: HMS Queen Elizabeth to return to Portsmouth

HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Portsmouth from the US in October.
HMS Queen Elizabeth returning to Portsmouth from the US in October.

Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth is set to return to Portsmouth after deploying to northern Europe waters alongside allies.

The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier is due to arrive back at her Hampshire base at about 18:15 on Thursday after departing in mid-November to lead a Carrier Strike Group on Operation Achillean.

The mission falls under the banner of the Joint Expeditionary Force – a 10-nation military alliance committed to maintaining the security of northern Europe.

HMS Queen Elizabeth conducted F-35B fighter jet flying operations in the North Sea during the deployment and visited the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

To reach the city, the ship had to navigate through one of the narrowest harbour entries in her lifetime so far.

The Carrier Strike Group hosted several defence engagements while in Oslo.

HMS Queen Elizabeth's crew also got to enjoy the Scandinavian scenery and even take part in some cold water therapy.

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