HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail for northern Europe deployment

Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth has deployed from Portsmouth to lead a Carrier Strike Group in northern Europe alongside allies.

The aircraft carrier left Portsmouth Naval Base, Hampshire, to take part in Operation Achillean which will include warships, helicopters, and F35-B Lightning fighter jets.

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

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HMS Queen Elizabeth recently returned to Portsmouth from New York where she stood in for the stricken HMS Prince of Wales which broke down off the coast of the Isle of Wight.