The 97,000-tonne and 1,092ft Nimitz class USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier was seen off Scotland on Sunday in the latest phase of the war game, ahead of the UK's carrier strike group setting up on the Queen Elizabeth in the coming months.

Exercise Saxon Warrior Commodore Andrew Betton, commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, is embarked with his team for the Exercise Saxon Warrior 2017. The joint maritime exercise will focus how the US and the UK work together during a number of challenging scenarios around the UK coastline. Cmdr Betton said: 'Exercise Saxon Warrior is a large, multinational joint exercise which involves fifteen warships from five different nations, submarines, over 100 aircraft and about 9,000 personnel.' It forms part of the training for those who willis expected to arrive in her new home port within weeks.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth will sail into Portsmouth following extensive preparations at the naval base to accommodate the largest ship in the fleet.

Weather conditions mean the exact date of the carrier's arrival is yet to be confirmed. The window for entry will open on August 17 and the vessel is expected to dock no later than August 22.

The 280-metre (919ft), 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier has been undergoing sea trials since setting sail from Rosyth dockyard in June.

The carrier currently has no planes but flying trials are due to begin next year, with 10 F-35 Lightning II jets and 120 aircrew preparing for the task in the US.

Sir Michael said: 'In just two weeks' time, the most powerful warship ever