Royal Navy: Why HMS Queen Elizabeth is leaving Portsmouth as crowds gather to watch her sail from city

HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed past The Round Tower in Old Portsmouth just after 3.15pm this afternoon (October 21). Crowds clustered on top of The Round Tower and along the Hot Walls to watch the 65,000 tonne carrier depart from the city.

Many families waved at loved ones aboard the warship, with some leaving Portsmouth on their first assignment. The grey weather conditions did not affect HMS Queen Elizabeth’s departure.

The aircraft carrier will be carrying out routine tasking nearby, similar to recent operations. A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is preparing to sail from Portsmouth today (Monday, October 21) for routine sea training and trials. As ever sailing is subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.”

HMS Queen Elizabeth has been at HMNB Portsmouth after returning on September 12, receiving a warm welcome from residents. The ship’s company of the 65,000 tonne carrier previously carried out Operational Sea Training in the English Channel, involving navigation exercises and other drills involving Chinook helicopters.

Operational Sea Training involves preparing sailors and pilots for future operations by carrying out workup exercises. Training packages can involve everything the carrier has at its disposal, including Merlin helicopters and F-35 fighter jets. An open day was held on HMS Queen Elizabeth with potential new recruits exploring the ship and being given a glimpse into what life is like in the Royal Navy.