The most powerful deployment of UK airpower at sea this century is now embarked HMS Prince of Wales and her carrier group after two days of intense activity at air bases across southern England – and on the deck of the UK flagship.
Since departing her home base of Portsmouth on Tuesday, when thousands of people lined the waterfront to give the carrier an unforgettable send-off, the carrier has been embarking a succession of aircraft off the south coast, ready to begin the 7½-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
A smattering of helicopters – Merlin Mk4s and Wildcats from RNAS Yeovilton – were on deck for the carrier’s departure.
But the bulk of the airpower – more than three dozen aircraft, helicopters, and drones, spearheaded by F-35B Lightnings – has joined the ship at sea (although many of the supporting personnel and engineers, spare parts, tools, etc, embarked in Portsmouth).
Reinforcing the importance of the Operation Highmast deployment – intended to send a powerful message that the UK and its allies stand ready to protect vital trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region and deterring those who seek to undermine global security – the Prime Minister joined the flagship to observe the aircraft arriving and thank crew for their commitment and dedication.
The Prime Minister r hailed the “national endeavor” which had delivered HMS Prince of Wales, her hi-tech systems and machinery, and continued to support the Carrier Strike Group 2025 mission.
He learned from the strike group’s command team of potency and complexity of the air wing which includes:
- 18 F-35B Lightnings from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron RAF which flew aboard from RAF Marham in Norfolk (a further six stealth fighters will join the carrier later in the deployment).
- 16 Merlin (Mk2 anti-submarine and Airborne Surveillance and Control variants to join the troop carrying/utility Mk4s) and Wildcat maritime attack helicopters.
- Numerous Malloy and Puma drone flights which will perform missions as varied as transferring supplies between the task group and from ship to shore to conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
This air power is flown/maintained/operated and choreographed by around 750 personnel, mostly on the carrier, under Captain Colin McGannity, Commander Air Group.
Collectively, in terms of capability, the RN hasn’t sent such a force to sea before.
“It’s taken a huge endeavor to get to this point thanks to thousands of people in squadrons and air bases and supporting staff and industry,” he said.
“It’s a huge privilege to lead this air group, to show what it can do and I’m massively looking forward to it.”