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2022-09-24 04:52:34 By : Mr. martin ku

She is filling the void left by her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales

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HMS Queen Elizabeth has arrived at the world's largest naval station while completing her US deployment. Earlier in the week, it was confirmed on Twitter that the Royal Navy's flagship had arrived in Virginia at Naval Station Norfolk, with those onboard receiving a "warm welcome" from the US Fleet Forces Command.

The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier departed Portsmouth earlier this month, filling the void left by her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales. The latter was forced to return to Portsmouth after a coupling on its starboard propeller shaft broke.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is being accompanied on her US deployment by submarine-hunting frigate HMS Richmond. After the US commitments, she will return to Europe to take part in operations in the Baltic and Mediterranean with Nato partners.

READ MORE: Engineers spotted inspecting damaged propeller shaft of broken down HMS Prince of Wales in Gosport

Alongside HMS Lancaster, HMS Queen Elizabeth was of course sponsored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Those onboard the vessel paid tribute to the late monarch following her death while on US deployment.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Ian Feasey, said: "Throughout her life and the 70 years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II dedicated herself to the selfless service of the Nation and Commonwealth. She was our exemplar of duty, self-sacrifice and loyalty, which all those who serve in the Royal Navy attempt to emulate.

"As the Fleet Flagship we were blessed to have a special relationship with her as our Lady Sponsor. The thoughts and prayers of my ship’s company are with the members of the Royal family at this time of deep personal sadness as the nation mourns."

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