HMS Queen Elizabeth: Who is the captain of the Royal Navy carrier?

Over the next few months the carrier will head up the east coast towards New York, before heading back to her home port of Portsmouth in time for Christmas.

The commander of HMS Queen Elizabeth, Captain Jerry Kyd, has previously said that being in charge of the carrier is the pinnacle of his career.

But who is Captain Kyd? Here's all you need to know about him:

- Born in 1967, he was taught at King's School in Macclesfield and later went to the University of Southampton.

- He first joined the Royal Navy in 1985 and was given command of HMS Monmouth in 2004.

- In 2009 Jerry Kyd was promoted to captain and later became commanding officer of HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious.

- He was also the commanding officer of Britannia Royal Naval College between 2012 and 2014.

- In 2014 he was first made commanding officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's biggest ever warship. 

- Speaking about the role to The News last year, he said: '˜For any naval sea officer, command of a warship, whatever its size, from minehunter to carrier, is a very special thing indeed.

'˜To be an integral part of this journey and the team delivering this strategic capability is probably the most challenging thing I have done outside live operations, and I am leaning on every element of my experience.'