After completing what was the first visit of a British aircraft carrier to Australian territory since 1997, HMS Prince of Wales set sail for Japan to continue the next phase of Operation Highmast, the United Kingdom Royal Navy’s largest planned deployment of the year. The ship, along with its Strike Group composed of British vessels and international allies, had just participated in the Talisman Sabre exercises organized by Australia, which stood out for the opportunity to operate alongside the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington.
During its official visit to Australia, the British flagship remained docked at HMAS Coonawarra naval base in the city of Darwin, where for six days it hosted various events involving high-level political authorities and efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries’ defense industries. In this regard, it is worth highlighting that the ship hosted activities attended by British Defence Secretary John Healey and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who were joined by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, among other figures.
For Commodore James Blackmore, currently serving as Commander of the HMS Prince of Wales Strike Group: “Darwin has been a fantastic opportunity to strengthen ties with our Australian partners, both ashore and at sea. From high-level engagements and cultural exchanges, to joint military activities during Exercise Talisman Sabre, it’s been truly memorable. As we sail for the next phase of the deployment, we leave with a stronger bond and a stronger Strike Group.”
Looking ahead, the force led by the second of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers is set to enter a new phase of its deployment focused on conducting air operations alongside a Task Group deployed by Japan. The main objective is to train in combined operations involving the stealth fighter F-35. It is worth noting, in this context, that both London and Tokyo operate the same variant of the U.S.-made aircraft capable of launching from ships: the F-35B.
Finally, it is worth highlighting that after a week of exercises focused on the aforementioned goals, the British carrier’s Strike Group will be split into two elements. Although no details have been provided about which ships will form each group, it has been confirmed that the element led by HMS Prince of Wales will head to Japanese territory, while the other will set course for South Korea.
Image credits: Royal Navy
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