At the beginning of last week, the Royal Navy announced that its aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales had completed its stopover in Japan, where it served as the venue for high-level meetings between defense officials and industry representatives, before beginning its return journey to the United Kingdom after several months of deployment. It was also revealed that the institution’s flagship had already rendezvoused at sea with the ships forming its Strike Group under Operation Highmast, and that, as part of its farewell, it took part in exercises with its F-35B fighters and Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft.
Expanding on the details, the Royal Navy further reported that the carrier’s departure coincided almost exactly with its escorts leaving their respective ports in Asia to begin the journey back to Europe together. Specifically, the British destroyer HMS Dauntless and the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen set sail from the port of Yokosuka, Japan; while the frigate HMS Richmond and the replenishment ship RFA Tidespring departed from the city of Busan, South Korea’s second largest.
Regarding the carrier’s stay in the Japanese capital, Captain Will Blackett, commanding officer of HMS Prince of Wales, stated: “Our visit to Japan will be remembered as a highlight of HMS Prince of Wales’ Operation Highmast, and likely a milestone in the careers of many of our sailors (…) Moreover, our Defence Engagement program has been intense, as the host platform of the Pacific Future Forum, and through various tours and events we had the opportunity to showcase the ship to the Japanese people.”
It was also reported that during its time in Japan, both HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless underwent extensive maintenance and replenishment work aimed at ensuring they could undertake the return journey without major issues. As with the carrier, it was also highlighted that the Type 45 destroyer served as the venue for a reception ceremony and meetings between British representatives and local Japanese officials, in line with the growing defense ties between the two nations.
Finally, looking ahead, the British carrier and its Strike Group are scheduled to make a stopover in India to conduct exercises and continue London’s diplomatic outreach with its Indo-Pacific partners. According to the set timelines, this should take place between late September and October, after which the force will head toward the Suez Canal and ultimately to the United Kingdom. By November, HMS Prince of Wales is expected to achieve Full Operational Capability certification, following more than 200 days of deployment.
*Image credits: Royal Navy
You may also like: Integrated mast installed on HMS Venturer, first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates