In a historic first, Belfast Harbour has welcomed HMS Queen Elizabeth, as one of the Royal Navy's largest and most powerful warships continues her planned training around the UK and northern Europe.
The visit marks more than 60 years since an aircraft carrier last sailed into Northern Ireland, a landmark moment for both the crew and the capital.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News at the harbour, which was used to fit out the Titanic, Port Director Michael Robinson spoke of the excitement surrounding the ship's arrival and the capabilities of the UK's ninth-largest port.
"Not every port can take a ship this size, and a lot of planning has gone on with our team, working very closely with the Royal Navy to make sure that the Queen Elizabeth can come along safely," he said.
He added that Belfast has a rich ship-building history, including HMS Belfast, and the Second World War aircraft carriers HMS Eagle and HMS Glorious.
"We're really excited for the future," he continued. "The fact that the Royal Navy are coming here with lots of ships, and this [HMS Queen Elizabeth] as the poster girl, if we can call her that, is a really great accolade for us."
He described it as demonstrating the "immense" relationship between Belfast and the Senior Service.
Landmark Nato role
Earlier this year, the 65,000-tonne warship assumed the role of Nato's command ship for the Allied Response Force – the first time either of the Queen Elizabeth-class ships has had this role.
Over the next couple of months, she and her crew of more than 800 sailors will work alongside allies to enhance collective security, deterrence and readiness on training operations around the UK and northern Europe.
Last month, she conducted her first replenishment at sea (RAS) exercise with RFA Tidespring in two years as part of her three-month deployment.
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