Latest news with #USSGeorgeWashington
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
US Navy sailor missing at sea for two days, feared dead
A US Navy sailor has fallen overboard during military exercises in the Timor Sea just north of Australia, triggering a massive search. Rescue crews have been operating around the clock in an attempt to locate the man who has been missing since Monday. Australian assets are being contributed to the search and rescue operation led by the US, which has yet to yield any results. The sailor was reported missing from the nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier which is still sailing in the Timor Sea, northwest of Darwin. It remains in the area while more than 40,000 military personnel from 19 countries take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre. This biennial event is Australia's largest military training exercise and has been underway since July 17. It was due to wrap up by August 4 but rescue operations have hampered this as emergency teams continue searching for the lost sailor. Australia's Border Force and Defence Force have supplied a boat and an aircraft to assist the US Navy to find the soldier.
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
US Navy sailor is feared dead after going overboard TWO days ago in Australia's Timor Sea
A US Navy Sailor is suspected to have died after falling overboard in the Timor Sea. Rescue crews have been operating around the clock in an attempt to locate the man who has been missing since Monday. Australian assets are being contributed to the search and rescue operation led by the US, which has yet to yield any results. The sailor was reported missing from the nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier which is still sailing in the Timor Sea, northwest of Darwin. It remains in the area while more than 30,000 military personnel from 19 countries take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre. This biennial event is Australia's largest military training exercise and has been underway since July 17. It was due to wrap up by the end of July but rescue operations have delayed its ending as emergency teams continue searching for the lost sailor. Australia's Border Force and Defence Force have supplied a boat and an aircraft to assist the US Navy to find the soldier.
The Guardian
15 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Search underway for US sailor missing from USS George Washington in sea north of Australia
A search-and-rescue mission is underway in the Timor Sea for a US sailor believed to have gone overboard from the USS George Washington on Monday. The aircraft carrier, and its carrier strike group, are conducting search-and-rescue operations in the sea, after 'reports of a possible sailor overboard' on Monday afternoon, the US Navy said in a statement. The Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force are assisting in the search. The sailor's name or rank, or the circumstances of the incident, has not been disclosed. The USS George Washington was only returned to sea in 2024 after a major overhaul and upgrade. It is forward-deployed in Japan. The USS George Washington - and its carrier strike group - are operating in the Timor Sea as part of Talisman Sabre 25 exercises. Talisman Sabre is a biennial, multinational military exercise led by Australia and the United States. The 2025 iteration involves more than 43,000 military personnel from 19 countries – including India, Indonesia, the UK, and France. Three additional countries – Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam – are observers of the exercises. Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The Timor Sea, a shallow sea of the Indian Ocean, lies northwest of Darwin, between Australia and the island of Timor.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
UK and US aircraft carriers sail through pacific
UK and US aircraft carriers have been pictured steaming through the Pacific in a display of combined military might amid growing tensions with Beijing. As part of its eight-month mission to the Far East, HMS Prince of Wales joined USS George Washington in the Timor Sea on Friday, July 18 in a bid to help reaffirm Britain's Indo-Pacific commitments. The 65,000-tonne leviathan - the biggest warship ever built for Britain - sailed alongside the large US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier during Talisman Sabre 2025. Jaw-dropping images capture the moment the U.S. Navy aircraft, attached to a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, was joined by Britain's vast £3.5billion vessel, while U.S. warplanes also roared overhead. The maritime mission acts as a symbolic show of unity and collaboration amid China's growing military expansion in the Pacific, alongside its significant role in the global commercial shipbuilding market. Marking the first time that nuclear-powered aircrafts from both the UK and the U.S. have operated together in a coordinated maritime formation, it serves as a symbol of allyship between the powerful nations. The maritime juggernaut is currently embarking on an eight-month global deployment under the UK Carrier Strike Group having left home shores in April. As a multinational operation that incorporated 19 nations and more than 35,000 personnel, the Royal Navy ship was also joined by two British ships - the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the tanker RFA Tidespring. Allied ships from Australia (HMAS Sydney ), Norway (HNoMS Roald Amundsen) and Canada (HMCS Ville de Quebec), also sailed alongside the UK ship. As part of the U.S. Navy aircraft, F-35C stealth jets were also seen flying above the U.S.-U.K carrier strike group, while the Prince of Wales carried two dozen F-35B fighter jets. While the Government has not confirmed the precise route of 'Operation Highmast' - the codename for the deployment - the Navy has not ruled out sailing through the contentious 110-mile wide Taiwan Strait. It also comes amid mounting fears that China is planning to launch a full-scale invasion of the island, with Beijing 's military having already drilled huge D-Day style assaults of Taiwan using soldiers, marines, warships and its air force. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to test Britain's defence capabilities, with Royal Navy warships and helicopters shadowing five Russian vessels in UK waters over the first week of July alone. Plymouth- based frigate HMS Iron Duke, Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Tyne and Wildcat aircraft from 815 Naval Air Squadron were dispatched on three separate operations in the North Sea and English Channel between July 1 and July 8. The deployment of HMS Prince of Wales marked the fourth time a European member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Indo-Pacific in 2021. Commodore James Blackmore (pictured), Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said that the exercise on Friday, July 18, serves as a 'real demonstration of the UK and our partners' warfighting capabilities'. Meanwhile, John Healey, the UK's Defence Secretary, said: 'Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. 'We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity.' The Royal Navy said that the exercise was undertaken as a mark of 'allies demonstrating their commitment to the collective security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region'. The U.S. Navy described Talisman Sabre as 'the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States', adding that it helps to 'advance a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners'. They also said that the exercise seeks to 'enhance our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns.' It has been undertaken as part of Operation Highmast, a 2025 mission commanded by Commodore James Blackmore and his staff from aboard HMS Prince of Wales. Between now and December, the mighty fleet will conduct a series of drills and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia. The goal is to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Concerns had previously been raised that the mission could potentially see the naval flotilla clashing with China when it reached the contested waters of the Indo-Pacific, while the Navy also has not ruled out the possibility of sailing through the contentious 110-mile-wide Taiwan Strait. A report released in early July claimed that Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, was gearing up for a potential conflict with Russia by reserving space for ships carrying military supplies. Boudewijn Siemons, chief executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, told the Financial Times that it was planning how to manage if the port was flooded by British and US vehicles and supplies if needed. Meanwhile, China has been rapidly expanding it's navy, building the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy in just four years - with the pace of shipbuilding outstripping even the US. In April, the commander of the British-led carrier strike group insisted the Royal Navy stands ready to defy China - and that it is prepared for any sort of military operation. Ahead of the UK task group's deployment, Commodore Blackmore said: 'I will deliver whatever mission I am ordered to go and do – that's my role. 'My part of the bargain is being ready for all eventualities from a combat capability, from a defence engagement capability, from a partners and allies capability, so I'm ready to exercise whatever the Government or the Ministry of Defence asks me to do.' Adding that the deployment will send a 'powerful message' to allies and potential adversaries, he added: 'It's about supporting key trade routes that exist from the Indo-Pacific region to the UK, and supporting partners and allies in the region, showing that we are there as a capable and credible force should it be required. 'That in a time of crisis, we can come together and fight together and show that we have a capability that we mean business with. 'Working closely with partners from across the globe, Operation Highmast will demonstrate credible deterrence and our support to Nato and the rules-based international order. 'This will reaffirm that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad and reinforce the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific.' The 2021 deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales's sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth - did not traverse the strait. It led to accusations from Tory MPs that Britain was seeking to cosy up to Beijing. Should the strike group again avoid the territory, similar accusations could arise. On April 22 2025, crowds cheered as HMS Royal Prince of Wales departed her home of Portsmouth, alongside her escort ship, HMS Dauntless. Banners and flags were waved by members of the public from the walls and beach of Portsmouth harbour with sailors aboard the 65,000-tonne warship waving back to cheers from the crowds as they passed. In a tribute to the Pope Francis, HMS Prince of Wales's ensign flag on its flight deck was at half-mast as a 'sign of a respect' to the late pontiff, a navy spokesman confirmed.
The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Giant US-UK armada takes to water in ‘Talisman Sabre' show of force with aircraft carriers shrouded by fighter jet fleet
AN IMPOSING US-UK armada has taken to the water as part of the allied Exercise Talisman Sabre war drills. The impervious aircraft carriers and fighter jet fleets are taking part in live-fire exercises in Australia which include 35,000 military personnel from 19 different nations. Advertisement 9 An imposing US-UK armada has taken to the water as part of the allied Exercise Talisman Sabre war drills Credit: SWNS 9 Aircraft carriers USS George Washington (top) and HMS Prince of Wales (bottom) sail in formation with US and UK warships Credit: SWNS 9 35,000 military personnel from 19 different nations took part in the Australian drills Credit: SWNS Australia marked the historic event, the largest war drills in their history , by firing missiles from its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The HIMARS launchers were recently bought from the US and were unleashed today at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland. Elsewhere, a striking display of allied naval might saw the UK and US deploy their USS George Washington and the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carriers. The UK - who sent over 3,000 troops - also used vessels such as HMS Richmond, HMS Dauntless, RFA Fort Victoria, and RFA Argus for the exercise. Advertisement read more in war drills The expansive multinational flotilla was shadowed by warships from Canada, Norway, and Australia as well. The huge fleet were paired up with air operations and joint ground manoeuvres which took place across Australia's Northern Territory and Queensland. Brigadier Nick Wilson told reporters after the drills: "Today was the first time the Australian Army has live-fired our long-range, multi-domain platforms being the HIMARS, so it is a remarkable day." British Defence Secretary John Healey added: "The historic bonds between Britain and Australia run deep, and through AUKUS and exercises like Talisman Sabre we are strengthening these ties for the challenges of tomorrow. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun "Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. "We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity." Britain pledges more support to Ukraine as NATO warships prepare for largest drills since Cold War Talisman Sabre has been a This year saw dozens of other countries take part such as Canada , Fiji, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands and South Korea among others. Advertisement The drills stretched all the way from Darwin to Brisbane as the allies imposed themselves across the Indo-Pacific. The waters are often closely monitored by Chinese surveillance ships. dating back to 2017. Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said he expects China to monitor them again this time around. Advertisement Conroy said: "We'll adjust accordingly. We'll obviously observe their activities and monitor their presence around Australia. "But we'll also adjust how we conduct those exercises." 9 U.S. Navy aircraft and the George Washington Carrier participate in the dual carrier operations Credit: SWNS 9 A US F18 launches from US Aircraft Carrier, USS George Washington Credit: SWNS Advertisement 9 An Australian soldier from the 1st Military Police Battalion is seen participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 Credit: Getty It all comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began a six-day visit to China of his own. He is expected to hold a fourth face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Albanese said despite Chinese surveillance being a concern, he would not raise it as an issue amid the Talisman Sabre operations. Advertisement China has been routinely trying to scare the West through their own military drills in recent weeks. Earlier this month, dramatic footage captured a fleet of Chinese tank boats And China's new giant These developments have raised fears that a Chinese invasion on Taiwan could be imminent. Advertisement Bringing the self-governed province back in line with mainland China has been a goal of president The self-governing nation has been protected by the firepower of ally America for decades. The latest Talisman Sabre drills will give Taiwan further hope of protection from not only the US but also the entire allied fleet. The exercises are also aimed towards striking fear into other Western allies such as North Korea and Russia. Advertisement Russia 's relationship with Europe has drastically worsened as Vladimir Putin continues to defy all warnings and continue with his deadly invasion of Ukraine. But even Vlad, with all his firepower and huge army, faces a serious battle against a unified West due to his lack of aircraft carriers. Russia only boasts a Ukraine and has instead been languishing in the grim Arctic port of Murmansk, in northwestern Russia. Advertisement 9 A terrifying fleet of Chinese tank boats seen charging through the sea near to Taiwan earlier this month Credit: X 9 Vladimir Putin's only rustbucket aircraft carrier is poised to be scrapped after seven years of failed repairs - leaving the despot vulnerable Credit: EPA 9
