HMS Queen Elizabeth 'Ready To Roam' After Refueling At Sea For First Time

The Royal Navy's £3bn aircraft carrier can now strike out across the Seven Seas after refuelling ‘on the go’ for the first time.

After a dry run earlier in the year, HMS Queen Elizabeth successfully took on fuel in the North Atlantic, receiving ‘amber gold’ from RFA Tidespring, the tanker purpose-built to support the new aircraft carrier on her global operations.

The 65,000-tonne warship practised the manoeuvre – known as replenishment at sea – taking on supplies on both her port (left) and starboard (right) sides.

The two ships were just 42 metres apart, sailing along at 12 knots (14mph/22kmh) as the lines were passed and the fuel hose transferred to hook up with the intake on the carrier.

The carrier’s Navigating Officer Lt Cdr Sam Stephens said: “This is one more significant step forward in our growing capability.

"Knowing that we can be refuelled from a tanker means HMS Queen Elizabeth can roam even further from home.”

Capt Karl Woodfield RFA, Tidespring’s Commanding Officer, said his men and women were filled with “pride and achievement” after the two successful hook-ups with the new carrier.

“The Tide-class have been built to provide worldwide fuel support to the two new UK carriers so this is a significant milestone in bringing both ships into operational service,” he added.

“Our first replenishment – in challenging weather conditions – was a success and marks the start of a very close and enduring relationship between the two ships.”

The tanker is one of four built for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to support HMS Queen Elizabeth and her sister HMS Prince of Wales around the world.

Tiderace is on the verge of entering service, while Tidesurge is being fitted out in Falmouth and Tideforce will soon be delivered by her builders.

As for HMS Queen Elizabeth, she is due to return to Portsmouth shortly for maintenance, leave for her crew and preparations for her maiden voyage across the Atlantic in the early autumn, when the first flying trials with F-35B Lightning stealth fighter/bombers will be conducted.

Pictures: Royal Navy