https://www.navylookout.com/mechanic...nato-exercise/
Mechanical issue prevents HMS Queen Elizabeth from sailing on NATO exercise
During last-minute checks ahead of sailing for NATO exercise Steadfast Defender, it has been discovered that HMS Queen Elizabeth has a significant issue with her starboard propeller shaft. The ship will not sail on 4th February as planned and instead, HMS Prince of Wales will be readied to replace her.
The RN has instituted additional checks on the aircraft carrier’s shaft lines as a result of the
painful lessons learned from past experience with HMS Prince of Wales. In the course of an inspection, concerns have arisen around one of the couplings on the starboard shaft.
It should be noted that this is not the same problem that afflicted HMS Prince of Wales. Although the ship remains in class (ie. technically seaworthy), it has been decided as a sensible precaution, to withdraw her from the exercise until the issue can be thoroughly investigated and remedied.
The Fleet Commander said: “
Routine pre-sailing checks yesterday identified an issue with a coupling on HMS Queen Elizabeth’s starboard propeller shaft. As such, the ship will not sail on Sunday. HMS Prince of Wales will take the place of HMS Queen Elizabeth on NATO duties and will set sail for Exercise Steadfast Defender as soon as possible.“