What are HMS Prince of Wales and other Carrier Strike Group ships doing now? Deployment reaches critical stage
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The Royal Navy flagship has reached a critical stage of her major eight-month deployment.
HMS Prince of Wales is continuing to take charge of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) and Operation Highmast. The UKCSG is a multinational formation of naval and aerial assets, tasked with operating at their highest point and pushing personnel to their limits.
Around 2,500 Royal Navy personnel are part of the group alongside Royal Marines and 592 RAF pilots, with Army soldiers taking part in various exercises. A huge 35,000 personnel operation, Exercise Talisman Sabre, took place off the coast of Australia in July.
Following a double replenishment at sea drill in the Philippine Sea, the UKCSG has split and ships have sailed to different locations. Here is where they all are now and what they’re doing.
HMS Prince of Wales - HMS Dauntless - HNoMS Roald Amundsen
The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, and the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen, are currently at the Yokosuka Naval Base for mid-deployment maintenance. They were all involved in operations with the American carrier USS George Washington, JS Kaga, and other vessels - completing various tactical and manoeuvre drills.
Various diplomatic visits have been planned, with the Pacific Future Forum being hosted on board. This week, sailors will be honouring the sacrifices of British soldiers and prisoners of war on Victory Over Japan Day (August 15). Military pipers will be performing on the flight deck, with a short service of remembrance being hosted alongside a minute’s silence.
Defence secretary John Healey MP said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today. The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died. Our UK Armed Forces today continue the legacy of the Greatest Generation – protecting the peace they secured through their courage and commitment across the world.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin added: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month. The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces. The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War – in NATO, the Commonwealth and in the Far East – still keep us safe today.”
HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring
The Type 23 frigate and Royal Fleet Auxiliary have briefly detached from the UKCSH and headed for South Korea. Yonhap News Agency reports they are anchored at a naval base in the city of Busan, with training drills alongside military personnel planned.
ESPS Mendez Nunez
The Spanish frigate has left the UKCSG and has been replaced by the Australian warship HMAS Brisbane. In a thank you gesture, Strike Group Commander Commodore James Blackmore said: “To the the Captain and crew of the Spanish ship Mendez Nunez, on behalf of the Royal Navy and UKCSG, I offer my sincere thanks for your professionalism, partnership, and camaraderie at sea.
“It has been a privilege to sail and operate together on Operation Highmast. We part as friends and trusted allies. I wish you fair winds, until we meet again.”