The Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, Begins an Eight-Month Deployment
Posted on Apr 23, 2025 at 11:04 PM
The Royal Navy's flagship ship, HMS Prince of Wales, has embarked on a historic Operation Highmast mission, showcasing the UK's capability to conduct large-scale military operations globally and operate swift jets at sea, following its departure from Portsmouth, a £3 billion aircraft carrier.
Up to 24 of the newest F-35B stealth jets will accompany the carrier, which transports a multinational fleet of warships to 40 countries in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia.
The Mission's Readiness for Operations
Serving for eight months, the 65,000-tonne warship can accommodate 1,600 military personnel. The Plymouth frigate HMS Richmond, the Portsmouth destroyer HMS Dauntless, and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which also includes warships from Canada, Norway, and other NATO countries, will be joined by HMS Prince of Wales.
In particular, the Immortals, the 809 Naval Air Squadron, and the RAF's 617 squadron, also known as the Dambusters, will be
overseas.
Captain Will Blackett, the commanding officer, specifically stated, “We've been practising, practising, practising. Once we sail past the Isle of Wight, we will embark the largest air wing ever embarked on this ship. That is a complicated business.”
According to a Royal Navy spokesman, the ensign on the flight deck of HMS Prince of Wales was at half-mast as a “mark of respect” for the late Pope.
Maritime Training Online courses offer tailored course materials to meet the needs of the group or individual. Learn the skills necessary to be successful in the maritime industry, such as LNG shipping, marine insurance claims, and health and safety in ship operations.
Superior Military Gear
The UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, expressed gratitude to the thousands of armed forces personnel involved in a complex operation, highlighting the country's world-leading capability to deploy a major military force globally.
Additionally, he praised the Royal Navy's formidable capability in protecting British values and sending a powerful message of deterrence.
The fighter jet includes fighter jets, T-150 Malloy and Puma drones, and sixteen Merlin and Wildcat helicopters.
Moreover, the strike group commander, Commodore James Blackmore, acknowledged the possibility of program changes due to global events and Middle East and Ukraine conflicts, stating that agility allows him to undertake additional operations.
Interestingly, Brighton Able Seaman James South shared his joy and fear about his first long deployment away from home. While
Able Seaman Molly Plant Cornwall noted that despite the highest number of people taken away on a deployment, and the close quarters, everyone has a bed.
In closing, the exercises will include 2,500 members of the Royal Navy, nearly 600 members of the RAF, and about 900 members of the British Army. They should all be back home by Christmastime.
Read more news:
