First woman to take charge of UK aircraft carrier unveiled – 35 years after Navy lifted ban on females

A WOMAN is set to take charge of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier for the first time.

Star commander Claire Thompson will lead HMS Queen Elizabeth and its 680 crew next year.

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A pal said she was “honoured and delighted”, adding: “She is absolutely the right person for the role.

“She is a formidable warfare officer, an excellent leader.”

The £3.2billion vessel is the Navy’s most powerful warship but it has been hit by leaks, floods, fires and a faulty propeller shaft.

It is currently in dock for repairs.

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Married Cdr Thompson, from Denmead, Hants, joined the Navy in 2005 and served in wars in Iraq and Libya.

She was made an OBE in 2022 for her command of HMS Montrose.

Her sailors and Royal Marines seized almost £50million of drugs and two deadly cargoes of Iranian missiles.

She will replace Captain Will King in January — 35 years after the Navy lifted its ban on women at sea.

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A spokesperson said: “The next Captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth will be assigned in due course.”

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