HMS Queen Elizabeth to be redeployed to US aviation exercises

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Stephen Emerson

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HMS Queen Elizabeth seems likely to participate in what The Royal Navy describe as landmark aviation trials in US waters.

In doing so the Portsmouth moored vessel will replace the stricken HMS Prince of Wales which requires mechanical repairs.

Though currently scheduled for deployment to the Baltic and Mediterranean HMS Queen Elizabeth, sister ship of HMS Prince of Wales, is likely to be reposted to the naval exercises in the US. Those 'aviation trials' will involve Stealth fighter jets, Royal Canadian Navy, US Navy and the US Marine Corps vessels.

HMS Prince of Wales was to be the Royal Navy's representative however she developed mechanical failings on a propeller which forced a return to berth at Portsmouth Naval Base. From there the aircraft carrier will be taken to a dry dock for repairs.

Steve Henaghen, deputy naval regional commander Wales & Western England told the BBC: "Unfortunately these things happen.

"She will be going in for some repairs and that's going to be up in Scotland. It should be a relatively short period, but who knows once you open up the can and see what's what."

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.