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Aircraft Carrier

HMS Queen Elizabeth

HMS Queen Elizabeth is a massive aircraft carrier that serves as the flagship for the British Royal Navy today.

United Kingdom Introduced 2017 Aircraft Carrier AllianceRole: Power projection and air operations

Specifications

Length
919 feet
Top Speed
29 miles per hour
Flight Deck Size
3 acres
Crew Capacity
1,600 people
The HMS Queen Elizabeth of United Kingdom

History

The HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy. It was named after a famous queen and represents the future of British naval power. The ship was built in several pieces in different parts of the country and then put together in Scotland. It was launched in 2014 and officially started serving the military in 2017. The deck of this ship is three acres wide, which is about the size of three football fields. It is designed to carry many F-35 fighter jets that can take off and land vertically. This allows the ship to project power all over the world without needing a local airfield nearby. It carries a large crew of sailors and airmen who live and work at sea for months at a time. The ship is a floating base that can travel thousands of miles to help protect British interests across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

International maritime security operations

Combat Medals & Awards

1939-1945 Star, Campaign medal, United Kingdom medal
Campaign medal

1939-1945 Star

1943

A British campaign medal given for operational service during the opening and middle years of World War II.

Africa Star, Campaign medal, United Kingdom medal
Campaign medal

Africa Star

1943

A World War II campaign star given for operational service across North Africa between 1940 and 1943.

Distinguished Conduct Medal, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal
Valor decoration

Distinguished Conduct Medal

1854

This medal recognized junior soldiers and non-commissioned officers who showed great bravery during combat on the battlefield.

Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished service decoration, United Kingdom medal
Distinguished service decoration

Distinguished Service Order

1886

A British military decoration awarded to officers for meritorious or distinguished service under fire.

France and Germany Star, Campaign medal, United Kingdom medal
Campaign medal

France and Germany Star

1945

A campaign star awarded to Allied personnel who fought in Northwest Europe during the final drive against Germany.

George Medal, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal
Valor decoration

George Medal

1940

This award recognizes outstanding courage and bravery shown by everyday civilians and military members outside direct enemy combat.

Italy Star, Campaign medal, United Kingdom medal
Campaign medal

Italy Star

1945

A campaign star recognizing British and Commonwealth armed forces who served during the tough campaigns in Italy.

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Distinguished service decoration, United Kingdom medal
Distinguished service decoration

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath

1815

A high British knighthood given to top military commanders and civil leaders for outstanding service to the nation.

Member of the Order of the British Empire, Distinguished service decoration, United Kingdom medal
Distinguished service decoration

Member of the Order of the British Empire

1917

A royal award recognizing notable service, hands-on leadership, or dedication to duty in military or civil life.

Mentioned in Despatches, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal
Valor decoration

Mentioned in Despatches

1919

An official honor recognizing soldiers who showed gallant or distinguished action described in commander reports.

Military Cross, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal
Valor decoration

Military Cross

1914

A British military decoration awarded to officers for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations on land.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Distinguished service decoration, United Kingdom medal
Distinguished service decoration

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

1917

A distinguished British order recognizing individuals who played a major role in public life or military duty.

Olympic Gold Medal (1924), Merit decoration, United Kingdom medal
Merit decoration

Olympic Gold Medal (1924)

1924

A premier international sports decoration awarded to the top championship finisher at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games.

South Atlantic Medal, Campaign medal, United Kingdom medal
Campaign medal

South Atlantic Medal

1982

A British campaign medal awarded for military service during the 1982 conflict in the Falkland Islands.

Victoria Cross, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal
Valor decoration

Victoria Cross

1856

The highest military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

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