Frigates secure seas for HMS Queen Elizabeth

Two Royal Navy frigates have joined HMS Queen Elizabeth to secure the seas as she embarks on her maiden sea trials.

HMS Sutherland and HMS Iron Duke are travelling with HMS Queen Elizabeth as she conducts vital system tests off the coasts of Scotland.

The Royal Navy’s largest ever warship left Rosyth with 700 sailors and 200 industry contractors on board.

The frigates have now joined the 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, along with Merlin Mk2 helicopters of the Fleet Air Arm, to guard the seas as the trials begin.

The trials are designed to test the carrier’s engines and propulsion systems, as well as her ability to produce fresh water, cope with sewage, feed the crew and supply electricity for those on board.

Commander Andrew Canale, the commanding officer of HMS Sutherland, said: “It is a huge honour for us all in HMS Sutherland to be the first ship to escort HMS Queen Elizabeth on her maiden sea voyage. This is a new chapter in the history of the Royal Navy in which our aircraft carriers will have the ability to project power globally for the next 50 years. Everyone in HMS Sutherland is proud to be involved in this historic occasion. For me and all my ship’s company, seeing her on the ocean waves for the first time is a sight we will never forget.”

Lieutenant Dominic Rotherham, the flight observer of HMS Sutherland’s embarked Merlin Mk2 flight crew, said: “Today we were tasked with securing the seas around HMS Queen Elizabeth to make sure she is safe to conduct her sea trials. As an observer in the Fleet Air Arm, seeing her from the air for the first time brought home to me the scale of the future flagship and the power she will represent overseas. It is a privilege to fly from HMS Sutherland’s flight deck, but I’m also excited to one day operate from HMS Queen Elizabeth.”