HMS Illustrious sails into Rosyth

As twilight approached on Tuesday, HMS Illustrious sailed into the River Forth ahead of the naming ceremony for the new carrier.

HMS Queen Elizabeth will be named by Her Majesty The Queen on July 4 at Rosyth Dockyard where she is currently in build, and the Royal Navy’s helicopter and commando carrier HMS illustrious is playing a key role in the ceremony.

Over the next few days HMS Illustrious will host a number of visiting dignitaries and will provide a suitable naval backdrop for proceedings, remaining in Rosyth until Saturday (July 5).

“This is a milestone moment in the history of the Royal Navy,” said HMS Illustrious’ Commanding Officer, Captain Mike Utley. “And we are proud to play our part in the occasion.

“It is the only time that HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Illustrious – as carrier capability present and future – will sit side-by-side, making this a unique moment.”

HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales will be in service for over 50 years and will provide Britain’s most powerful surface ship for carrier strike operations from 2020 onwards. They will be able to embark a tailored air group of fixed wing and helicopters in order to project maritime power from the sea using the 5th generation Lightning II aircraft. Their huge decks can support a wide range of missions from carrier strike, amphibious support and humanitarian aid or evacuation operations.

Carrier Alliance video of Captain Simon Petitt RN, CO HMS Queen Elizabeth.