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More than 2,000 families and friends waited for their loved ones at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this morning. The 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier returned from a three-month deployment to the USA, visiting locations such as Virginia, Florida and Washington.
The £3 billion warship carried out flight trials with the US Marine Corps and F-35B stealth fighter jets. The carrier returned to Portsmouth Naval Base where about 2,600 people waited at the jetty, many waving flags and holding banners as they welcomed the crew home.
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Commanding Officer Captain Richard Hewitt said: “It’s great to be back after a hugely-successful deployment. During the past three and a half months we have pushed the boundaries of naval aviation, worked hand in hand with our US partners and ensured the continued advancement of Queen Elizabeth class aviation.
“I am immensely proud of all on board who have been nothing short of brilliant. My particular thanks go to all those who have supported us from home.” Visitors travelled from as far as Scotland, Wales, and parts of the north of England to welcome home their loved ones.
Here are 34 pictures from HMS Prince of Wales’ return home.
17. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
Commanding Officer Captain Richard Hewitt OBE with his children Oliver, 10 and William, eight. Photo: Habibur Rahman
18. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Naval personnel are greeted by family and friends following the return of the United Kingdom's biggest warship, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, following a three months deployment, on December 11, 2023 in Portsmouth, Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images
19. PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Petty Officer Nicholas Baker hugs his daughter Amelia-Rose following the return of the United Kingdom's biggest warship, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, following a three months deployment, on December 11, 2023 in Portsmouth, England. HMS Prince of Wales recently finished sea and air trials in the eastern United States, enhancing the capabilities of UK's aircraft carriers, especially in launching and landing F-35s under challenging weather conditions. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Petty Officer Nicholas Baker hugs his daughter Amelia-Rose following the return of the United Kingdom's biggest warship, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, following a three months deployment, on December 11, 2023. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images
20. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
Able Seaman Lucy Phillips is greeted by new family member Heidi, aged nine weeks, following the arrival of the United Kingdom's biggest warship, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, following a three months deployment, on December 11, 2023. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images. Photo: Leon Neal