Latest news with #UKCarrierStrikeGroup
ITV News
05-05-2025
- General
- ITV News
Royal Navy begins week-long training exercise off coast of Italy
The Royal Navy has begun a week-long exercise with its NATO allies off the coast of Italy. HMS Prince of Wales is currently leading the UK Carrier Strike Group on an eight-month mission to the Indo-Pacific. The strike group is made up of warships, aircraft, submarines and fifth generation F-35B Lightning fighter jets. This week's exercise, called Exercise Med Strike, involves two carrier strike groups, 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, ten patrol aircraft and more than 8,000 personnel training together off the coast between Taranto and Sicily. The Italian Navy's Carrier Strike Group will join with the UK to carry out anti-submarine warfare tactics. Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group said: 'It is with great pride that we begin operations in the Mediterranean. I know UK and allied service personnel on the warships and aircraft of the Strike Group stand ready to deliver. 'Working at the heart of a powerful NATO force sends a strong message and shows clearly the phenomenal capabilities that not only the UK possesses but the alliance as a whole.' Alongside the UK and Italy, Canada, France, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye and the United States are also involved in Exercise Med Strike. The whole eight-month deployment, called Operation Highmast, aims to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the "security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with allies and showcase British trade and industry". Between now and December, the Carrier Strike Group will conduct a series of exercises and operations with air, sea and land with allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia. Over the course of the deployment, more than 4,500 British military personnel will be involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Britain's newest & biggest warship HMS Prince of Wales ready to defy furious China and sail through Taiwan Strait
THE ROYAL Navy's biggest warship stands ready to pass through the Taiwan Strait in defiance of China's threats to seize the island. Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales set sail from Portsmouth today to join an eight month deployment to the Indo-Pacific. 8 8 8 8 8 The UK Carrier Strike Group's route through the region is not yet known. But the Navy has not ruled out sailing through the Taiwan Strait as fears of a Chinese invasion grow. This 110 mile-wide stretch of water separates the island nation of Taiwan from mainland China. Taiwan has never been controlled by the Chinese Communist Party's regime in Beijing. But China's President Xi Jinping has repeatedly threatened to annex the island - and has refused to rule out using force to achieve it. Commodore James Blackmore, leader of the strike group, told The Telegraph: 'One of the purposes of being in the region is to hold up international order. 'It's demonstrating our commitment to that and reassuring our partners and allies." China stakes a claim to both Taiwan and much of the South China Sea, with Beijing asserting that the island nation is a breakaway province. But these waters are considered to be "high seas" under international agreements, meaning vessels should be free to pass through. A previous Carrier Strike Group deployment avoided the Taiwan Strait in 2021 to avoid provoking Beijing's wrath. While Taiwan is not a member state of the UN, it exists as a separate country from China with its own democracy, military and currency. Commodore Blackmore added: "That choice of my routing will be taken by a much more senior government level. 'What I can reassure everybody is that I am ready to undertake whatever routing and mission I'm asked to do.' China has ramped up military drills around Taiwan over the past few months in rehearsal of a potential invasion. This has included exercises in March using what appeared to be landing barges for an amphibious assault. The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, so many analysts fear dire consequences for the world economy if China were to invade. Several British government ministers have visited China since last year's general election in a bid to warm relations with Beijing. But many MPs have called for the government to take a tougher line on China due to national security fears and human rights concerns. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin visited China earlier this month to meet with the country's central military commission. Why does China want Taiwan? Bringing Taiwan under Beijing's control is one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's top foreign policy priorities. Following the communist victory in the Chinese civil war, nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, where he would rule for several decades. But despite its official name of the Republic of China, Taiwan has never been part of the Beijing-based People's Republic of China that controls the mainland. The People's Republic views Taiwan as a breakaway province that will one day be reunited with the mainland. But most Taiwanese do not wish to be absorbed into China. Taiwan has a distinct national identity, with its own democratic government and institutions. Most UN member states do not formally recognise Taiwan as a country, in part due to intense pressure from Beijing. Xi Jinping has refused to rule out the use of force to bring the island under China's control. More than 2,000 British military personnel will take part in the strike group deployment. They will work alongside other countries including Norway, Canada and France. "We are one of the few nations that can convene so many international partners, I think that in itself is a demonstration of stepping up,' Commodore Blackmore said. 'Of the 13 nations deploying with me, nine are NATO allies, the other four are NATO partners. 'I think that sends a very, very strong message about our capability and intent and that actually we are willing to take a lead where required as the leading European nation within NATO and our ability to stand not only alongside America, but also where required to step in for the US with the capability.' The 65,000-tonne HMS Prince of Wales is one of the Navy's largest vessels and can hold up to 1,600 military personnel. The £3bn aircraft carrier was formally commissioned in December 2019. 8 8 8
Telegraph
04-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
King makes rare trip to Royal Navy warship at sea
The King recalled his 'formative and fondest memories' of his naval service as he became the first monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea in almost 40 years. His Majesty flew by helicopter to HMS Prince of Wales in the Channel as it prepared for a major deployment to Japan. The King told sailors gathered in the hangar that he took 'immense pride' in all who had brought the vessel to life 'with such indomitable spirit' and spoke of his 'enduring respect' for the Navy. As Prince of Wales, the King served with the Royal Navy from 1971 until 1976, rising to command minesweeper HMS Bronington before returning to royal duties. 'My own time at sea… remains one of the most formative, and fondest, experiences of my life,' the King said, adding that he could still 'vividly recall' his first deck landings on HMS Hermes, moments which left 'an indelible impression'. To mark the visit, Buckingham Palace released black and white photographs of the monarch, then Prince Charles, in 1977, when he flew in a Buccaneer jet to HMS Ark Royal. The King first visited HMS Prince of Wales in June 2016, while it was under construction at Rosyth Dockyard. He accompanied the Queen when she officially named the vessel the following September and again when it was formally commissioned in 2019. On Tuesday, the monarch was shown around the 65,000-tonne ship before watching as F-35B fighter jets carried out landing exercises on the deck of the Portsmouth-based carrier. He visited in his role as the Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, the first reigning monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea since Elizabeth II made the short trip from Rosyth to Leith on minehunter HMS Brocklesby in 1988. The trip came during the closing stages of crew's intensive training before setting sail for Japan in April on a mission to deepen the UK's defence partnerships and promote security and stability. The King told personnel gathered in the hangar: 'As you prepare to set sail as the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, building on the success of HMS Queen Elizabeth's inaugural deployment in 2021, I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty. 'I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest.' The monarch arrived from Sandringham by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and was joined aboard by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of the Royal Air Force. Capt Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales's commanding officer, said: 'It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today. I was able to show him first hand that HMS Prince of Wales is at high readiness, standing by to deliver for the UK when ordered. 'His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship's company and we look forward to doing him proud in all our endeavours this year.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
King makes rare trip to Royal Navy warship at sea
The King recalled his 'formative and fondest memories' of his naval service as he became the first monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea in almost 40 years. His Majesty flew by helicopter to HMS Prince of Wales in the Channel as it prepared for a major deployment to Japan. The King told sailors gathered in the hangar that he took 'immense pride' in all who had brought the vessel to life 'with such indomitable spirit' and spoke of his 'enduring respect' for the Navy. As Prince of Wales, the King served with the Royal Navy from 1971 until 1976, rising to command minesweeper HMS Bronington before returning to royal duties. 'My own time at sea… remains one of the most formative, and fondest, experiences of my life,' the King said, adding that he could still 'vividly recall' his first deck landings on HMS Hermes, moments which left 'an indelible impression'. To mark the visit, Buckingham Palace released black and white photographs of the monarch, then Prince Charles, in 1977, when he flew in a Buccaneer jet to HMS Ark Royal. The King first visited HMS Prince of Wales in June 2016, while it was under construction at Rosyth Dockyard. He accompanied the Queen when she officially named the vessel the following September and again when it was formally commissioned in 2019. On Tuesday, the monarch was shown around the 65,000-tonne ship before watching as F-35B fighter jets carried out landing exercises on the deck of the Portsmouth-based carrier. He visited in his role as the Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, the first reigning monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea since Elizabeth II made the short trip from Rosyth to Leith on minehunter HMS Brocklesby in 1988. The trip came during the closing stages of crew's intensive training before setting sail for Japan in April on a mission to deepen the UK's defence partnerships and promote security and stability. The King told personnel gathered in the hangar: 'As you prepare to set sail as the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, building on the success of HMS Queen Elizabeth's inaugural deployment in 2021, I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty. 'I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest.' The monarch arrived from Sandringham by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and was joined aboard by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of the Royal Air Force. Capt Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales's commanding officer, said: 'It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today. I was able to show him first hand that HMS Prince of Wales is at high readiness, standing by to deliver for the UK when ordered. 'His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship's company and we look forward to doing him proud in all our endeavours this year.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
King visits Royal Navy flagship ahead of major deployment
The King has visited the Royal Navy's flagship as it prepares for a major deployment to the other side of the world. Charles flew to HMS Prince of Wales in the English Channel, where he spoke to sailors and expressed his 'heartfelt gratitude' for their service. He also watched as F-35B fighter jets carried out landing exercises on the deck of the 65,000-tonne Portsmouth-based carrier. Charles was visiting in his role as the Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers – marking the first time in nearly 40 years that a reigning monarch has visited a Royal Navy warship at sea. His trip came during the closing stages of crew's intensive training before setting sail for Japan on a mission to deepen the UK's defence partnerships and promote security and stability. He told told personnel gathered in the hangar: 'As you prepare to set sail as the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, building on the success of HMS Queen Elizabeth's inaugural deployment in 2021, I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty. 'I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest.' Charles arrived from Sandringham by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and was joined aboard by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, the head of the Royal Navy, and chief of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton. The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Will Blackett, said: 'It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today. 'I was able to show him first hand that HMS Prince of Wales is at high readiness, standing by to deliver for the UK when ordered. 'His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship's company and we look forward to doing him proud in all our endeavours this year.' Able Seaman Marc Rutherford, who met the King on the ship's bridge said: 'It was the proudest day of my life since joining the Royal Navy, I'm still in shock, he was funny and I was surprised he would support a team like Burnley – Newcastle would be much better.' The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced in December that the flagship will head the carrier strike group to the Indo-Pacific during which it will become the first of the two Queen Elizabeth class carriers to visit Australia. The £3 billion warship will also take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre, a multi-national exercise hosted by Australia involving 19 nations.
