Originally Posted by
WE Branch Fanatic
As their home port, yes from time to time. However both carriers are going to be busy in various roles. Not only did the WESTLANT 19 deployment involve normal RN/RAF Pilots operating F-35B from from the deck (and embarked USMC ones) from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth but a range of missions were rehearsed. Three embarked Merlin HM2s did ASW in conjunction with the towed array sonar equipped HMS Northumberland (which also had a Merlin) and proved the ability to do continuous ASW. The embarked Jungly HC4s and the embarked Royal Marines exercised their skills.
Both carriers are now in commission and flying the White Ensign.
There are stories that a RAF/RN F-35B that stayed aboard QNLZ for repair/maintenance after WESTLANT 19 is to be launched for return to Marham whilst the ship is moored in Portsmouth. I've seen video of F-35's performing ski-jump take-offs from shore-based ramps, so do I take it that lack of wind over the deck is not a limiting factor?
https://www.forces.net/news/why-f-35...ueen-elizabeth