Britain’s premier naval deployment of 2025 ends this weekend as the ships, jets and helicopters of the UK Carrier Strike Group returns home.
Families and well-wishers are expected to gather at air and naval bases from the Lizard Peninsula to Norfolk to greet more than 2,000 military personnel – sailors, soldiers, aviators, Royal Marines, and civilians – back from their eight-month mission to the Indo-Pacific.
The Strike Group has been led by the nation’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales, which sails into Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon accompanied by two of her escorts: destroyer HMS Dauntless and Norwegian frigate Roald Amundsen.
A third escort, frigate HMS Richmond, is returning to Plymouth, while the force’s aircraft have already flown – or are flying – home to their respective air bases: F-35B Lightning stealth fighters to RAF Marham in Norfolk, Merlin helicopters to RNAS Culdrose near Helston and RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, and Wildcat helicopters to Yeovilton as well.
Tanker RFA Tideforce, which supported the final month of the deployment, is returning to Portland, while her sister ship RFA Tidespring, which provided fuel for the force through three-quarters of the Highmast mission, remains deployed. In addition, Norway’s Maud performed tanker duties during the opening weeks.
The arrivals end the UK Carrier Strike Group’s 2025 mission, codenamed Operation Highmast, which took the force as far east as Japan and Australia.
The strike group returns having been declared fully operational – and ready to assume NATO duties.
“It has been a privilege to lead the nearly 4,000 soldiers, sailors, aviators, and marines who have sailed over 40,000 nautical miles as part of the Strike Group, working with over 30 nations en route,” said Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group.
“Last week the Defence Secretary announced that the UK Carrier Strike Group had reached full operating capability. That is a testament to the hard work both on Operation Highmast and of those who have served before us to reach this milestone.
“The Strike Group has come home stronger for NATO than it departed, and I am incredibly proud of all those who have taken part in Operation Highmast.”
Led by HMS Prince of Wales, the Carrier Strike Group has comprised a core defensive ring of steel, provided by HMS Dauntless (air defense), HMS Richmond, and KNM Roald Amundsen (anti-submarine and surface defense).
HMS Richmond’s Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander James Callender said he “could not be prouder” of his shipmates for all they had achieved.
“Whether it be supporting UN Security Council resolutions in the Yellow Sea or hosting dignitaries and VIPs for high level engagement, Richmond has continued to deliver in spades.
“We are now looking forward to the joy of homecoming and being reunited with the family and friends whose support has helped make this deployment possible.”