The compartments
are part of the dry storage areas for the catering teams and will be
used to train the ship’s company in damage control including fire-fighting,
flood and medical emergencies. Over the longer-term the catering teams
will also use these compartments to train their people in using stores
equipment, such as the portable electric transporters and lifts.
Allan Smith, the lead of this area of the ship, said: “This is
a very proud day for everyone in the Alliance. There have been hundreds
of people in every conceivable trade working on these compartments –
from the time they were a part of Lower Block 03 being built in Glasgow
to the fit-out and commissioning phases here in Rosyth.
“Compartments would normally be handed over after sea trials,
so to achieve this at such an early stage, to the high quality and specification
required by the Royal Navy, is a very significant milestone for the
team.”
Lieutenant Commander John Ball, of the ship’s company, said: “Having
the capability to start our damage control training on-board the ship
so early is extremely exciting and will save us a vast amount of time.
It will help us accelerate our learning opportunities and go some way
to make sure our people are ready to operate the ship ahead of sea trials.
“While we could undertake similar training on-board other ships,
there’s nothing like training on the actual vessel you’ll
sail on as we learn the specialist techniques required to operate such
a large and complex warship.”
Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Philip Dunne, said: “The
UK’s new aircraft carriers are impressive feats of engineering,
brought to life by the best of British shipbuilding skills. This latest
milestone marks the demonstrable progress being made in the progressive
handover of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH to the Royal Navy crew, allowing them
to conduct vital training before taking this state-of-the-art vessel
to sea.
“The carriers, supported by our £178 billion investment
in equipment for our Armed Forces, will spearhead Britain’s sea
power for the next five decades, protecting UK interests both at home
and abroad.”
The carriers will be the centrepiece of Britain’s maritime capability.
Each 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier will provide the armed forces with
a four acre military operating base, which can be deployed worldwide.
The vessels will be versatile enough to be used for operations ranging
from supporting war efforts to providing humanitarian aid and disaster
relief.
HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and HMS PRINCE OF WALES are being delivered by the
Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a unique partnering relationship between
BAE Systems, Thales UK, Babcock and the Ministry of Defence. A national
endeavour, at its peak the programme directly employed 10,000 people
across six build yards. While manufacturing and commissioning is now
solely focussed in Rosyth, the skilled and diverse workforce is sourced
from across the country, including many from BAE Systems in Glasgow
and Frimley. |
