One of the most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK, HMS Prince of Wales, is passing the Clyde coast this lunchtime.
The HMS Prince of Wales (R09) has been based at Glen Mallan in Loch Long, Scotland, during the past week after leaving her home port of Portsmouth on Friday, August 2.
She was spotted passing Skelmorlie at 12.15pm today on her way down the channel.
The 65,000 tonne warship's flight deck is 70 metres wide and 280 metres long – enough space for three football pitches – and she holds 45 days’ worth of food in stores.
She has a crew complement (minimum crew) of around 700, increasing to around 1,600 with aircraft onboard.
HMS Prince of Wales’ size and scope can embark 36 F-35B and four Merlin Helicopters, and forms part of the Royal Navy's two-strong fleet of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
A Royal Navy spokesperson previously said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is preparing for sailing to Glen Mallan in Scotland for ammunitioning ahead of future operations."
The Royal Navy website states that the giant military vessel will be able to meet the widest range of tasks around the world, including humanitarian relief, saving lives across the seven seas high intensity warfighting and fighting terrorism."
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