BSB riders visit new aircraft carrier in dry dock

MCE British Superbike racers Josh Brookes, Dan Linfoot and Stuart Easton marked Saturday’s Armed Forces Day with a visit to Rosyth Dockyards and the construction of the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth II.

The riders met Chief Petty Officer Carl Vickers, Sensors Group Head for the 65,000 ton ship, for a tour of the site, before crew and workers are set to return the favour with a visit to this weekend’s racing at nearby Knockhill.

The 300m long ship will become the new flagship of the Royal Navy when she enters service, and is set to be officially named in honour of Her Majesty in a formal ceremony next week. Set to enter service in 2020, she will carry 36 of the new F-35 fighter-bombers.

Chief Petty Officer Carl Vickers said: “The crew of the Queen Elizabeth were delighted to invite members of the British Superbike paddock down to see the new Naval Flag ship.  QNLZ is the largest and most complex ship ever built for the Royal Navy and is due to be named by Her Majesty the Queen on the 4th July, just after the visit.  The Captain and the ships company are also excited about attending Knockhill circuit on Saturday to take part in a photo shoot, in order to promote Armed Forces Day.  We very much appreciate the support of the British Superbike team and thank them for promoting Armed Forces Day.”