But here’s the really cool part. While she’s in port, the buzz is all about Carrier Strike Group 25. This is her next major mission, and it’s a huge deal. She’s expected to lead a multinational task force into the Indo-Pacific region later this year.
Why does that matter? Well, it’s a massive flex of naval diplomacy. She’ll be rubbing shoulders (metaphorically) with ships from Japan, the US, and Australia. It’s like the world’s most powerful floating block party, but with jets and missile systems.
What makes this carrier so unique?
Let’s be honest, aircraft carriers are nuts. The Queen Elizabeth is the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy, and she’s got some party tricks. She uses F-35B Lightning II jets that take off and land vertically—like a hovercraft with teeth.
5 Best Aircraft Carriers in the World for 2026, Ranked - 19FortyFive
Think of it as a mobile, floating airport that can appear anywhere in the world within days. It’s less “boat” and more “sovereign territory with a runway.” And she does it all with a crew of about 700 sailors, plus the air crew, which is pretty efficient for a city that travels at 25 knots.
