Two carriers are better than one
HMS Prince of Wales setting sail for Westlant 22. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
While the recent problems with HMS Prince of Wales are regrettable, the incident has vindicated the UK's decision to purchase two aircraft carriers.
The UK RN has confirmed that shaft damage to HMS Prince of Wales will likely see the ship need to be dry-docked for repairs, with its sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth set to sail for the US to take on aspects of a planned operations programme.
While the RN does not routinely comment on the status of ships, in a video released on social media on 2 September, RAdm Steve Moorhouse said divers had confirmed significant damage to Prince of Wales's shaft, propeller and some superficial damage to the rudder.
Moorhouse added: 'Our initial assessment has shown that a coupling
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Royal Navy grows Remus 100 fleet with latest arrivals]()
Royal Navy grows Remus 100 fleet with latest arrivals
Three more Remus 100 UUVs have been delivered to the UK RN.
-
![French still considering PANG carrier EMALS fit]()
French still considering PANG carrier EMALS fit
Two EMALS or three — that is the question for the French Navy with its next-generation PANG aircraft carrier.
-
![Foreign Military Sale funding arms Ukrainian patrol boats]()
Foreign Military Sale funding arms Ukrainian patrol boats
Safe Boats International is providing four gun systems for Ukrainian Mark VI patrol boats under an FMS contract modification.
