Portsmouth, England – HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, is set to return to Portsmouth today after nine months of repairs. The warship broke down off the Isle of Wight in August 2022 due to a broken propeller shaft, and was taken to the Babcock shipyard in Rosyth, Scotland for repairs.
The repairs included fixing the propeller shaft, as well as a number of other upgrades. The ship has also undergone “significant capability enhancements” to support future tasks and duties.
The Prince of Wales is due to sail into Portsmouth Harbour at 2.30pm today. A welcome ceremony will be held at the dockyard, and the ship will be open to the public for tours.
The return of the Prince of Wales is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy, as it marks the completion of the repairs and the ship’s return to operational status. The warship is now expected to resume its training and operational schedule, and is due to deploy on its first operational mission in 2024.
In a statement, the Royal Navy said: “The return of HMS Prince of Wales to Portsmouth is a significant moment for the Royal Navy. The ship has undergone extensive repairs and upgrades, and is now ready to resume its role as a key part of the UK’s maritime defence. We look forward to welcoming the ship back to Portsmouth and to showing her off to the public.”
The return of the Prince of Wales is also a boost for the local economy in Portsmouth, as the ship’s arrival will generate significant revenue for businesses in the area. The warship is expected to bring in millions of pounds in tourism revenue, and will also create jobs in the local shipbuilding and engineering industries.
The return of the Prince of Wales is a positive development for the Royal Navy and for the UK as a whole. The warship is a powerful symbol of British maritime power, and its return to service will enhance the UK’s ability to project power around the world.
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