Defence Secretary Tours Royal Navy's Biggest Ever Ship

Sir Michael Fallon visited the Royal Navy’s future flagship for the first time at sea today.

The Defence Secretary flew in on a Merlin helicopter, landing on the carrier whilst it continues its sea trials off the coast of Scotland.

During the visit, Sir Michael announced that the UK’s second aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, will be officially named at a ceremony in Rosyth on September 8.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “Our carrier programme is a clear demonstration of British power and commitment to our global standing.

“With two aircraft carriers we will have one available at all times, providing a world-class carrier strike capability.

“They offer a prodigious promise to future generations of our determination to continue fronting up to aggression for years to come.

“The magnificent HMS Queen Elizabeth provides us with power on a scale we have never seen before.

“Protecting us for the next half a century, she will be a highly versatile and potent force, capable of both humanitarian and disaster relief and high-end warfighting.”

HMS Queen Elizabethreturned to sea trials last night following precautionary checks at Invergordon.

The trials are monitoring speed, manoeuvrability, power and propulsion, as well as undertaking weapons trials and additional tests on her levels of readiness.

Last week the Defence Secretary announced the name of the first Type 26 (HMS Glasgow) during a steel cutting ceremony in Govan.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to be handed over to the Royal Navy later this year in Portsmouth.