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The ship, which is the most complex warship ever built in the UK,
will be named with a traditional champagne christening. The
ceremony will be held on July 4th at Rosyth dockyard, in Fife,
where the ship is being assembled.
Thousands are expected to attend the ceremony, among those the crew
and workers who built the vessel. Over 7, 000 jobs were created at
more than 100 different companies across the country in relation to
the building of the aircraft carrier, according to the MoD.
The UK Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond has said “This will
be a proud and historic day, not just for the Royal Navy but for
the entire nation. It is great news that Her Majesty will
officially name the first aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
This occasion will mark a major milestone in regenerating the UK’s
aircraft carrier fleet and its power projection capability.”
HMS Queen Elizabeth will float for the first time in July when the
dock at Rosyth will be flooded. Sea trails will then follow in
2017.
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s sister ship, the Prince of Wales, is
currently being assembled. The total cost of the two ships is
£6.2bn; twice the initial cost of the contract.
photo credit: Alex Grant (alextakesphotos) via
photopin cc]]>
