The Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, is preparing to depart on one of its most significant deployments in recent history. The £3 billion aircraft carrier set sail from Portsmouth later today, marking the beginning of an ambitious eight-month mission designed to demonstrate Britain’s military strength and operational capabilities across multiple continents. This deployment, known as Operation Highmast, will see HMS Prince of Wales lead a multi-national Carrier Strike Group (CSG) comprising up to 40 warships, including vessels from Norway, Canada, and other NATO allies.
The CSG’s primary mission involves participating in complex military exercises demonstrating the UK’s ability to operate fast jets at sea, conducting large-scale operations in regions including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia. A key component of this mission will be the embarkation of up to 24 of the latest F-35B stealth fighter jets – a remarkable feat considering the logistical challenges involved. In addition to the fighter jets, the carrier will carry 16 Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, alongside a variety of T-150 Malloy and Puma drones, significantly enhancing its operational versatility.
The deployment’s strategic importance is heightened by ongoing global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the strike group, emphasized the potential for agility, stating that the mission could be adapted to respond to emerging threats or undertake additional operations as required. The Carrier Strike Group will also include key elements from the Royal Air Force (RAF), including the legendary 617 squadron – known as ‘The Dambusters’ – and 809 Naval Air Squadron ‘The Immortals,’ further bolstering its capabilities.
Approximately 2,500 personnel – nearly 600 from the RAF and around 900 from the British Army – will be involved in this ambitious mission. Able Seaman James South expressed his excitement and anticipation, acknowledging the long-distance nature of the deployment and the prospect of experiencing new challenges. Able Seaman Molly Plant highlighted the considerable size of the crew, noting that this deployment represents the largest ever embarked on HMS Prince of Wales. The team is expected to return home in time for Christmas, marking a significant achievement for the Royal Navy and British Armed Forces.
Further enhancing the mission’s significance, HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to receive freedom of the city honour from Bristol, underscoring its connection to key naval communities across the UK. The ship’s journey into Liverpool will also be a momentous occasion, highlighting its importance to maritime history and showcasing its capabilities.
