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Daily Mail
2 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Giant US-UK armada takes to water in ‘Talisman Sabre' show of force with aircraft carriers shrouded by fighter jet fleet
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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. read more in war drills SEA OF STEEL Watch as huge fleet of terrifying new Chinese 'tank boats' takes to water 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. "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 major biennial joint exercise ever since it was first announced in 2005 between the US and Australia. This year saw dozens of other countries take part such as Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands and South Korea among others. 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. Beijing has kept a watchful eye over any naval exercises off the Australian coast during the last four Talisman Sabre exercises dating back to 2017. Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said he expects China to monitor them again this time around. 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 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. 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 charging through the sea in tight formation near Taiwan. And China's new giant "sea monster" warplane was spotted for the first time in the Bohai Sea. These developments have raised fears that a Chinese invasion on Taiwan could be imminent. Bringing the self-governed province back in line with mainland China has been a goal of president Xi Jinping's for a long time and recent military activity has shown that China is ready to take it back by force. 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. 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 single rustbucket carrier - but even that is poised to be scrapped after seven years of failed repairs. Putin's 'Ship of Shame' has played no role in the war against Ukraine and has instead been languishing in the grim Arctic port of Murmansk, in northwestern Russia. 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
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Britain and America's show of strength to China: UK and US aircraft carriers steam through Pacific in display of combined military might amid mounting tensions with Beijing
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, 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'. 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' 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' 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. The ship's company on the aircraft carrier appeared in high spirits as they waved to the crowds gathered in Portsmouth in April 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. Pictured: Royal Navy sailors ahead of HMS Prince of Wales setting sail '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.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US and NATO Ally Flex Aircraft Carrier Muscles in Pacific
Aircraft carriers deployed by the United States and the United Kingdom conducted joint operations during a war game amid concerns over China's increasing presence in the Pacific. The operations-which took place in the Timor Sea, north of Australia, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025-followed China's simultaneous deployment of a pair of aircraft carriers in the western Pacific in June, in a move seen as challenging U.S. naval dominance. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment via email. The American aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, is one of the U.S. naval vessels based in Japan. Prior to its deployment near Australia, the nuclear-powered warship patrolled the South China Sea, where China is involved in territorial disputes with regional countries. Meanwhile, HMSPrince of Wales, a British aircraft carrier, has been leading a naval strike group on an eight-month mission since April. It is scheduled to visit Japan later this summer. The deployment of the Prince of Walesmarked the fourth time a European North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Indo-Pacific since 2021, supporting efforts to keep China in check while the U.S. remains preoccupied with tensions in the Middle East. The USS George Washington, accompanied by the cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the destroyer USS Shoup, participated in dual aircraft carrier operations with the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Timor Sea on Friday, according to photos released by the U.S. Navy. The Prince of Wales was joined by two British ships-the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the tanker RFA Tidespring-alongside the Australian destroyer HMASSydney, the Norwegian frigate HNoMSRoald Amundsen, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Québec. In addition to naval vessels sailing in formation, U.S. Navy aircraft were seen flying over the joint U.S.-U.K. carrier strike group. The aircraft, including F-35C stealth fighter jets, were assigned to the Carrier Air Wing 5, which was deployed aboard the USSGeorge Washington. The Prince of Wales also carried up to two dozen F-35B fighter jets, which are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings on ships without full-length runways, while the F-35C-one of their sister variants-is specifically designed for operations from aircraft carriers. The Royal Navy said this powerful demonstration of naval power brought together advanced capabilities and carrier aviation, describing the formation as a "mighty allied naval force." The U.S. also deployed the amphibious assault ship USS America, which operates F-35B aircraft, for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. According to U.S. Navy photos, the warship was seen conducting flight operations in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia, on Wednesday. The U.S. Navy said in a photo caption on Friday: "Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and partners, while enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns." The Royal Navy said in a press release on Friday: "As allies demonstrate their commitment to the collective security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy's George Washington Carrier Strike Group joined up with the U.K. Carrier Strike Group for dual carrier operations in the Timor Sea-between the Australian mainland and Timor-Leste and Indonesia." It remains to be seen whether the USS America will join the USSGeorge Washington and the Prince of Wales during the exercise in Australian waters, forming a triple F-35 carrier strike group. Related Articles China Reveals Encounter With Western Aircraft Carrier in Contested WatersMap Shows Where US Aircraft Carriers Are in Indo-PacificUS Allies in Europe Project Aircraft Carrier Power Near ChinaNew US Aircraft Carrier Hit by Significant Delays 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
