Update from the Captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth

Captain Feasey of HMS Queen Elizabeth has written to us with an update of recent activity:

As my time as the Captain of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH draws to a close, I wanted to write to express my sincere gratitude for all of the support, generosity and kindness that the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club has shown to the Ship during my 23 months in command. As I reflect on my time, it is all of the people associated with the Ship that I will remember most fondly. From the Ship’s Company and their families, through to you as friends and affiliates, I have greatly enjoyed our interactions and hope that your association with the Ship will remain live and vibrant for many years to come.

Since my last update in February, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH has completed an extensive maintenance period in Portsmouth. It has felt as though that almost no part of the Ship has been left untouched! The result being that we sailed last week in a vastly improved material state. The collaboration between the Ship and our industry partners has been first class and testament to the ever increasing efficiency of the carrier support enterprise. We will now spend a month at sea conducting operational training, in readiness for a deployment with the UK Carrier Strike Group later in 2023.

Alongside all of this activity, we have been working hard to give the Ship’s Company some rest and recuperation after a busy start to the year. All of the team managed to achieve a number of weeks Easter leave, spending time with families, as well as finding opportunities to take part in sport and adventurous training. One particular highlight, of which I am very proud, is the success of the Ship’s football team; they have recently reached the final of the Navy Cup and, should they win, will be the first ship’s team to do so in almost 50 years. I would also like to highlight the 5 very junior members of the Ship’s Company who were admitted to the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III in recognition of their duty crewing the Ceremonial Gun Carriage during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. They will be invested into the Order in the next few weeks at a ceremony hosted by The King in the presence of their families. A high honour, recognising the commitment and dedication shown by some of the most junior of sailors in the Naval Service.

Finally, I would like to introduce my successor, Captain Will King OBE Royal Navy. Captain King joins HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH from the Permanent Joint Headquarters in London and will assume command on 5 July 2023. This will be the third appointment where I have handed over to Will, who comes with a wealth of operational experience. I know I am leaving the Flagship in capable hands.

I am bound for the Ministry of Defence, in London, where I hope to maintain the friendships with many of the very kind people that I have met during my time in Command. Thank you once again for your unwavering support, the Ship is honoured to count the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ amongst its extended family.

I D Feasey
Captain Royal Navy