The Queen expressed her sympathy over the recent deaths of Royal Marines in Afghanistan as she visited the Royal Navy's largest warship.
Her words of support came as she toured HMS Ocean with the Duke of Edinburgh in brilliant summer sunshine.
The royal couple met naval staff of all ranks during their visit and stayed for lunch with the ship's crew, the Plymouth Herald reported.
The Queen and Duke dined on smoke salmon and loin of lamb followed by chocolate tart and poached pear.
In the seat next to her was Petty Officer Andy Clad, who described the experience as the best of his time in the Navy.
He said: "Sitting next to the Queen was the highlight of my career. She symbolises everything that is great about this country. I was nervous but she was so human and put me right at ease - it was awesome.
"She had a great interest and knowledge of military affairs, which is reassuring, and said how she feels for those who have been lost over the past couple of days. She was very in touch and I thought she was brilliant."During the visit, the Queen and Duke toured displays showcasing military equipment and manned by medics, logistics teams, technical engineers, divers, chefs, stores people, Royal Marines in Arctic gear, and tailors.
Able Seaman Robert Robinson, 20, a swimmer of the watch, was dressed entirely in his rescue equipment.
He said: "The Queen said I must be very uncomfortable. I told her that I wasn't as uncomfortable as it looked."
The Queen first visited HMS Ocean in 1998, to officially name the ship at Barrow-in-Furness. She was also on board in 2003 when she presented a new Colour to the Royal Navy.
HMS Ocean is the Royal Navy's largest warship, with a displacement of 20,700 tonnes and was built on the Clyde by Kvaerner Govan.
She was launched on October 11 1995 and was commissioned into the Royal Navy on September 30 1998.
As an amphibious assault helicopter carrier, she is capable of rapid deployment anywhere in the world. Her main role is to carry and deliver up to 500 Marines, supported by 12 medium lift helicopters, six attack helicopters and four landing craft.
"To me personally this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said the ship's commanding officer, Captain Keith Blount, after the visit.
"When the ship happens to be sponsored by the Queen, and as a Plymothian myself, it makes it even more special."
He said that while most ships were named by the Admiral's wife, HMS Ocean was named by the Sovereign.
The Captain added: "We like to think she has a special affection for this ship and to be able to show the ship off to all the families makes the visit even more fantastic."