So I had the honour of being invited aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, rubbing shoulders with Captain Ansari, the Navy’s trailblazer and first-ever Muslim female captain.
I certainly thought a career in the Royal Navy could be for me one day, and with all that ocean action, maybe the Navy's my destiny.
Visiting the HMS Queen Elizabeth was awe-inspiring, especially with its immense power and engineering marvels. There's something truly special about being out at sea on such a massive ship, appreciating the precision and dedication that goes into operating these vessels.
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, is the first of her class and one of the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. The ship was officially launched on July 4, 2014, at Rosyth Dockyard, Scotland.
She has a displacement of around 65,000 tonnes making her the largest and most powerful warship ever constructed for the Royal Navy, and you really feel that as you walk around her, she is 280 metres (919 feet ) in length.
The flight deck is roughly the size of three football fields, and can operate a variety of aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II stealth jets.
She can carry up to 40 aircraft, including helicopters and F-35Bs, with a focus on strike, surveillance, and humanitarian aid missions. She has a core crew of about 700 personnel, and I was lucky enough to meet some of them.
The ship has Two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, and four diesel engines, generating enough power to sustain a small city. With a top speed of 25 knots, the ship is equipped with advanced radar and communication systems for command and control during missions.
HMS Queen Elizabeth plays a significant role in projecting British naval power and conducting international operations, making her a pivotal asset in modern naval warfare.
The choice between a Navy or Army career indeed comes with deep pride and a sense of purpose. Both paths offer unique challenges, a sense of honour, and opportunities to serve in extraordinary ways.
In true Loaded fashion it was waves, warriors, and world-class vibes last week, and a week I will never forget. #beautywithapurpose #GoFarWithCPR
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