Britain's biggest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, set sail for the North Atlantic on Sunday, departing Portsmouth Naval Base in Hampshire to lead the UK Carrier Strike Group on a deployment to the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Dozens of people waved and took pictures as the aircraft carrier left the harbour to begin the second phase of Operation Firecrest, which will focus on operational readiness, training and strengthening the NATO military alliance.
Deployment described as 'a powerful shield for the nation'
The Royal Navy said the deployment of Britain's flagship aircraft carrier alongside NATO allies "is a powerful shield for the nation". HMS Prince of Wales will help ensure critical energy, trade and communication links in the region remain secure.
More than 1,200 British personnel are deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group, working closely with allies including Norway, Denmark and Germany on operations designed to test and strengthen NATO interoperability.
Air group includes F-35 jets and drones
HMS Prince of Wales will be joined by HMS Dauntless and the staff of the UK Carrier Strike Group, commanded by 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."
The warship embarked 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. The Royal Navy said stealth fighter jets would be returning to the sky over the High North.
Warship to host military leaders in Oslo
Part of the deployment will see HMS Prince of Wales host gatherings of military and political leaders in Oslo focused on the collective security of northern Europe. The Atlantic Future Forum and the International Sea Power Conference will bring together defence leaders, industry and policymakers to discuss the future of Euro-Atlantic security.
