Filenews 28 June 2021
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy, will dock at Limassol port in the coming days to participate in a wide range of activities, in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus.
According to a statement from the British High Commission, HMS Queen Elizabeth is leading a fleet of nine ships (United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) on a 26,000-mile journey across the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and East Asia.
Having departed Portsmouth on 22 May, the fleet makes its second stop in Cyprus, after leaving the Sicilian port of Italy. In Cypriot waters he will be accompanied by a Dutch frigate (HNLMS Evertsen) and an American warship (USS The Sullivans).
On this maiden operational voyage, HMS Queen Elizabeth is leading the fleet, in an operation that incorporates the UK Government's vision of a Global Britain, a leading western alliance state and an active and reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, the statement adds.
"The attitude in Limassol is indicative of the continuing importance of Cyprus in the region, as well as the breadth and depth of the UK-Cyprus bilateral relationship," it noted.
The fleet's stay at Limassol port, the announcement continues, is also an important opportunity to highlight and develop the strong and dynamic UK-Cyprus defence alliance, and is added to last year's mission of the Royal Navy, led by HMS Albion, which participated in the 7th annual NEMECIS crisis management exercise, while offering an on-site training program to the National Guard and other partners on the island.
The fleet will host representatives of the Government, the F.B.I. and the defence and security sector, who will have the opportunity to learn more about fifth-generation stealth fighters, and to chat with some of the 1600 crew members.
In addition, the fleet will participate in joint exercises with the British Forces in Cyprus, while fleet personnel will have the opportunity to train within the British Bases and take part in sports and other recreational activities during their stay ashore.
According to the High Commission, Captain Angus Essenhai, Commander of HMS Queen Elizabeth, said that "the security of the Eastern Mediterranean is crucial to the security of the whole of Europe, which is why UKCSG has been working with our partners in the region in recent weeks."
"After a period full of operational activities, it is with great pleasure that we arrive in Limassol for a five-day visit with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy," he added.
He noted that many of his sailors are participating in a mission for the first time and are excited "to explore this beautiful country with its long history and rich culture".
In addition, the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Stephen Lilly, expressed his enthusiasm for HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Limassol as part of the UKSCG mission in the region.
"The arrival of this state-of-the-art aircraft carrier is the latest sign of Britain's ever-growing defence cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. It is also proof of our commitment to peace and stability in the vital eastern Mediterranean region," he added.
Finally, General Rob Thompson, Commander and Chief of the British Forces in Cyprus said the fleet's visit underlines the importance of close defence and security cooperation between Cyprus and the UK.
"We provide a wealth of educational opportunities and, together with our Cypriot partners, will refuel the Royal Navy's largest and most capable ship," he said, adding that "this mission demonstrates the UK's commitment to ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean."
ffenews/CYPE
