HMS Queen Elizabeth. Credit: Dave Jenkins – InfoGibraltar.

HMS Queen Elizabeth, an aircraft carrier developed for the British Royal Navy, has completed the first stages of operational sea training.

Over the last few weeks, the capabilities of the ship were tested with simulated fires, floods and its response to battle damage.

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The aircraft carrier also conducted warfare training and mission rehearsals.

During the training exercise, Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters landed and took off from the ship’s four-and-half-acre flight deck.

Since late last month, HMS Queen Elizabeth has been at sea to carry out training exercises.

HMS Queen Elizabeth second in command Commander Charlie Guy said: “This is the first Basic Sea Training period for a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier.

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“It is a chance for us to put to the test everything we have learnt over the last two years and show our FOST assessors we are ready for anything.”

The successful completion of the training exercise is expected to further the plans of its maiden operational deployment next year.

It also enables the next step of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s programme, which involves deploying operational F35 Lightning jets on the aircraft carrier.

The ship is expected to return to its naval base in Portsmouth to procure essential stores and kit necessary to operate the jets at sea.

During this procurement, engineers and equipment from 617 Squadron will also join the carrier.

According to the Royal Navy, all appropriate measures have been undertaken to ensure the safety of the crew amid the Covid-19 crisis.

The next stage will involve more qualifying training for UK F35 Lightning fighter jet crews.