A BOURNEMOUTH man has set sail on the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.

Supply Chain Logistician William Crossley, 24, sailed from Portsmouth on the 65,000-tonne leviathan at the end of April having joined the Royal Navy in July 2019.

The Portsmouth based sister of HMS Queen Elizabeth is currently on sea trials off the South Coast of England after receiving a series of upgrades and enhancements throughout 2020.

Still finding his sea legs on his first ship, William said: “It was fantastic when we were leaving Portsmouth as I had my parents watching from Round Tower on Southsea seafront.

“Looking from the ship and seeing everyone waving us off was a hugely proud moment for me and my shipmates.”

Bournemouth Echo: Pictured: Navy Storeman William Crossley on the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales

The former Priestlands School student has already completed his basic training and, before joining HMS Prince of Wales, spent time working in the stores complex at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall.

Now on his first ship, William is a member of the Logistics Department and helps to keep the ship and the 700-strong crew supplied with all the essentials required to operate a modern warship, from printer paper to radars.

In addition to his busy stores role, William is a keen cricketer and is hoping to represent the Royal Navy in a cricket tour of Australia in 2022.

He’s also taking advantage of the education opportunities available in the Royal Navy and is preparing to take an A-Level in Economics.