The UK's largest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, has departed Portsmouth Naval Base in Hampshire to lead the Carrier Strike Group on a deployment to the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Crowds lined the shore on Sunday as the aircraft carrier sailed out of the harbour to begin the second phase of Operation Firecrest, which will focus on operational readiness, training, and bolstering Nato interoperability.
Stealth fighters and escort vessels
The Royal Navy confirmed that stealth fighter jets would once again take to the skies over the High North. The flagship carrier set off with an air group made up of fifth-generation F-35 jets, Merlin Mk4 Commando and Mk2 Anti-submarine helicopters, Wildcat helicopters and Malloy drones, according to the Royal Navy.
The vessel is flanked by Type-45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, and more than 1,200 British personnel have been deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group, working closely with allies including Norway, Denmark and Germany.
Nato role and security commitments
The Royal Navy stated that the deployment of the flagship aircraft carrier alongside Nato allies "is a powerful shield for the nation, ensuring that the critical energy, trade, and communication links we all rely on every day in the region remain secure".
Armed forces minister Louise Sandher-Jones said: "The deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales and her air wing to the High North and the North Atlantic, operating under Nato leadership, is a clear demonstration of the UK's commitment to the alliance and contribution to the enduring security and stability of the North Atlantic."
Leadership and upcoming events
HMS Prince of Wales will be accompanied by HMS Dauntless and the staff of UK Carrier Strike Group, under the command of Commodore Richard Hewitt. He said: "I am delighted to return to the Arctic and North Atlantic as we build on the successes of the first phase of Operation Firecrest."
As part of the deployment, HMS Prince of Wales will host gatherings of military and political leaders in Oslo, including the Atlantic Future Forum and the International Sea Power Conference, which will unite defence chiefs, industry figures and policymakers to deliberate on the future of Euro-Atlantic security.
Earlier this year, former Royal Navy chief Lord West of Spithead said: "The bottom line is the Navy's in a more parlous state than at any stage in the 60 years I've been on the active list. It's too small, it's not been looked after properly, there's been insufficient (funds) spent on it, and I'm afraid it doesn't deliver what the nation needs."
Phase 2 of Operation Firecrest centres on "maintaining operational readiness, strengthening interoperability and ensuring the Carrier Strike Group are prepared to respond to the challenges of an increasingly important region", according to the Royal Navy.
