HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for Arctic deployment

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 20:31 · Archive

Britain's largest warship HMS Prince of Wales has departed Portsmouth to lead the UK Carrier Strike Group to the Arctic and North Atlantic.

HMS Prince of Wales, Britain's largest warship, departed Portsmouth Naval Base in Hampshire on Sunday to lead the UK Carrier Strike Group on deployment to the Arctic and North Atlantic. The aircraft carrier is commencing the second phase of Operation Firecrest, which focuses on operational readiness, training and strengthening NATO interoperability.

The carrier is accompanied by Type-45 destroyer HMS Dauntless and carries an air group comprising fifth-generation F-35 jets, Merlin Mk4 Commando and Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters, Wildcat helicopters and Malloy drones. Over 1,200 British personnel are deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group, working closely with allies including Norway, Denmark and Germany.

The Royal Navy stated that deployment of the flagship aircraft carrier alongside NATO allies 'is a powerful shield for the nation', ensuring that critical energy, trade and communication links in the region remain secure. Commodore Richard Hewitt, who commands the UK Carrier Strike Group, said he was 'delighted to return to the Arctic and North Atlantic as we build on the successes of the first phase of Operation Firecrest'.

How it is being reported

• Britain’s biggest warship sets sail for the Arctic in latest NATO show of strengthThe deployment marks the second phase of Operation FirecrestThe Independent · 18 Oct, 20:21
• UK's biggest warship sets sail for Arctic to bolster NATO security - 'shield for nation'HMS Prince of Wales embarked with an air group including fifth-generation F-35 Jets.Daily Express · 18 Oct, 20:11
• Britain's biggest warship HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for the North AtlanticThe aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has left Portsmouth Naval Base in Hampshire to lead the UK Carrier Strike Group on deployment to the Arctic and North AtlanticThe Mirror · 18 Oct, 18:43

In this story: HMS Prince of Wales · HMS Dauntless · Portsmouth Naval Base · Arctic · North Atlantic · NATO · Norway · Denmark

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