The first passage of HMS Queen Elizabeth through the Suez Canal is taking place.
HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Carrier Strike Group are entering phase two of their global deployment.
Phase 2 of our #CSG21 deployment has begun! 🎉
— HMS Queen Elizabeth🇬🇧 (@HMSQNLZ) July 6, 2021
A hazy day as we pass through the Suez Canal 🇪🇬, next the Red Sea and then onto the Indian Ocean. #GlobalBritain @UKinEgypt 🇬🇧🌍 pic.twitter.com/50g0EitNnj
HMS Queen Elizabeth and her F-35 jets recently joined the fight against Islamic State, with the jets carrying out the very first combat missions ever flown from HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Through our exercises and operations with #NATO over the past six weeks, the Carrier Strike Group has demonstrated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic region remains the UK’s foremost commitment. #CSG21
— Commander UK Carrier Strike Group (@smrmoorhouse) July 6, 2021
Here’s what we’ve achieved: pic.twitter.com/JMY4z5o2CI
What is the UK Carrier Strike Group doing?
HMS Queen Elizabeth is the deployed flag ship for Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21), a deployment that will see the ship and her escorts sail to the Asia-Pacific and back.
The Carrier Strike Group includes ships from the United States Navy, the Dutch Navy, and Marines from the US Marine Corps. As well as British frigates, destroyers, a submarine, two RFA supply ships and air assets from 617 Sqn, 820 NAS, 815 NAS and 845 NAS.

CSG21 will see the ship along with the Strike Group work with over 40 countries from around the world. The Strike Group will operate and exercise with other countries Navies and Air Forces during the 7 month deployment.