HMS Queen Elizabeth departure delayed due to COVID outbreak
The scheduled departure of HMS Queen Elizabeth from Portsmouth naval base has been delayed after some of its crew tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
The aircraft carrier has spent much of the year working up towards obtaining its carrier strike initial operating capability, ahead of its first operational deployment in 2021.
Both the US and French navies have had to return vessels to port following outbreaks of the virus while on operations. The UK MoD has installed additional practices to try to ensure that crews minimise the risks of contracting COVID-19 ahead of deployment and test crews
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
