'Unique challenge' faces RAF crew on HMS Queen Elizabeth as Royal Navy carrier arrives in Gibraltar

A Royal Navy aircraft carrier has arrived in Gibraltar during tasking with Nato allies and RAF personnel.

HMS Queen Elizabeth made her way to the British Overseas Territory this weekend. The public rushed to grab open day tickets to explore the 65,000 tonne warship, which were scooped up within hours.

Commander British Forces, Commodore Tim Davey, told GBC News: “Given Gibraltar’s longstanding and close relationship with the Royal Navy, the event provides a fitting occasion to strengthen community connections, celebrate shared history, and showcase the Navy’s role in supporting national security and prosperity both today and in the future."

It has been a busy period of operations for the £3.2bn warship. HMS Queen Elizabeth recently completed a five day port visit to Belfast. She was the first aircraft carrier to make such a diplomatic engagement in 61 years.

Royal Navy sailors are set to undergo a series of complex exercises for the rest of the year and at the beginning of 2027. HMS Queen Elizabeth will soon take on the duties of flagship from her sister vessel HMS Prince of Wales, who is currently undertaking the second phase of Operation Firecrest with the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG).

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The former is currently on standby to serve as flagship of Nato’s leading high readiness naval force, and has been assigned as the alliance’s strategic command platform. Among the ship’s company are various air crew from 27 Squadron based at RAF Odiham.

A contingent of Chinook helicopters are on the carrier’s flightdeck for a series of drills as part of Exercise Hathi Pol. One of the RAF air crew in a social media video said engineers from 27 Squadron face a “unique challenge keeping the aircraft ready for operations in a demanding environment”.

“With limited space, salt air and no home base comforts, every inspection, repair and decision matters. Working side by side with the Royal Navy, our engineers adapt, overcome and keep the Chinook ready to fly, delivering capability wherever the mission takes us.”