Would any of the Cunard Queens be recommissioned in a war?

[Cruise_Princess]

In the unlikely event ( God forbid) of us ever being involved in a full scale war ( The Falklands are on the outskirts again aren't they here?)  Do you think the Government would recommission one of the Cunarders as a troop ship..maybe QM2?  Do you think they are up to the job this time? Or are they just too over the top to be considered for war work?    There is not an awful lot of open deck space now on board these ships.......What do you think?

[RmsAquitania]

I think the QM2 could handle the south atlantic but i think it would be too much for the vista sisters to handle for prolonged periods.

[Matt]

When QE2 was used in the War, Cunard was owned within the UK, if i am not mistaken. Now Cunard is owned by Carnival Corp (Outside of the UK), would they (British Gov't) have any rights to commisssion one of the ships as a troop vessel?

Matt

[Rob Lightbody]

As I understand it, its nothing to do with ownership of the ship, just the flag under which it flies.

I'm sure QM2 could go to war - but she doesn't have the same cargo facilities as the QE2 had, nor the same range when travelling at speed (?), but maybe someone could correct me on this. 
I suspect that her decks could be adapted to take a couple of helicopters though! On the plus side, she doesn't have the aluminium fire hazard that QE2 had.

[Matt]

As I understand it, its nothing to do with ownership of the ship, just the flag under which it flies.

I was wondering this Rob, but i thought the other option seemed more realistic. Thanks for the correction.

[cunardqueen]

By the time the Vista sisters got there, chances are the war would be over....Lets hope its not put to the test.

Isnt this something to do with the STUFT Ships Taken Up From Trade.Wasnt one of the Carnival ships used as a  temp housing block in one of the recent hurricanes. And wasnt  the Cunard Countess called up as well for the Falklands War.

[Peter Mugridge]

I think if there was any requisitioning going on it would probably be a mixture of bulk carriers for cargo and smaller cruise ships than QM2 because they could be more easily hidden - just think of the size of QM2's radar target compared to QE2 and Canberra.

[Chris]

When QE2 was STUFT, Cunard was owned by Trafalgar House Co.

[richc1977]

Can the QM2's gas turbines - which she needs for maximum speed running - be used for prolonged periods, i.e. continuusly?  If not woudl she be quick enough?

The QE2 was just plain fast, she didn't need any fancy combined fuel systems.