British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth was expected to sail from Portsmouth for training however the Royal Navy has now confirmed that this is being delayed due to personnel testing positive for COVID-19.
It is learned that some crew from HMS Queen Elizabeth have tested positive for COVID during routine preparation for sailing. It is understood that the vessel is expected to sail once the status of the rest of the crew has been confirmed.
The vessel was due to sail for exercises including Exercise Joint Warrior off the Scottish coast. The ship is also due to be joined by US Marine Corps F-35Bs. It also means that this will be the “most aircraft on a Royal Navy carrier since HMS Hermes“.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)