HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth after fast jet operations in North Sea and Scandinavia
HMS Queen Elizabeth has returned to Portsmouth after three weeks of flying operations alongside her Carrier Strike Group.
The Navy's flagship was joined by a task group made up of warships, F-35B Lightning Jets and Wildcat and Merlin helicopters for the deployment in the North Sea and Scandinavia.
HMS Diamond, HMS Kent, HMS Richmond and RFA Tidesurge provided security for the aircraft carrier as jets and helicopters flew sorties around the clock.
The Carrier Strike Group also stopped in Oslo, Norway's capital, before continuing training in the North Sea on their voyage back to Portsmouth – with more fast jet pilots qualifying to operate from the carrier.
HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Strike Group made up the northern 'arm' of the Royal Navy's Operation Achillean during the deployment.
The operation has also seen HMS Albion lead an amphibious task group on exercises in the Mediterranean.
Commodore Angus Essenhigh, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said Operation Achillean has provided "an excellent opportunity to bring together and exercise the complex array of capabilities that make up the UK Carrier Strike Group".
"With our exceptional people at its core I have been very pleased at what the [Carrier Strike Group] has achieved in a small space of time, often in challenging weather.
"With many new faces across the Strike Group, we have gelled as a team and reset our currency, conducting safe yet rigorous training alongside our bilateral, Jef [Joint Expeditionary Force] and Nato partners."
Whilst deployed with the Carrier Strike Group, HMS Diamond, which returned to the UK earlier this week, provided air defence to the aircraft carrier.
The Type 45 also used her powerful sensors while taking part in exercises with RAF Typhoons and American F-15s and F-35As – testing the Navy air controllers on board.
Commander Mark Sparrow, UK Carrier Strike Group, Commander Air Group, said the deployment allowed "the Carrier Air Wing to continue the development" started on "last year's worldwide deployment".
"In particular, the Lightning Force have generated additional 'carrier qualified' pilots whilst also having operated with Norwegian F-35 in the North Sea," he said.
Submarine hunters HMS Richmond and HMS Kent protected the flagship from threats beneath the waves during the deployment, while tanker RFA Tidesurge provided replenishments.
Royal Marines from 42 Commando and Merlin helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron also took part in an exercise to rescue a downed pilot and equipment from behind enemy lines.
Both helicopter squadrons were also busy, with 825 Naval Air Squadron carrying out winching training for search and rescue sorties, while anti-submarine warfare Merlins from 820 Naval Air Squadron worked with a P8 patrol aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth.
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