In a formidable show of allied power and cooperation, some of Britain’s most potent naval assets teamed up with a US carrier group in the North Sea this month.
The UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, partnered with the USS Harry S Truman and its Carrier Strike Group 8 (CSG8) in a display underscoring NATO’s collective muscle and ability to project naval power globally.
As part of Exercise Strike Warrior, the UK’s largest warship, HMS Prince of Wales, hosted US Strike Group Commander Rear Admiral Sean Bailey. Together, they watched UK F-35B Lightning jets soar off her flight deck, joining forces with the Truman’s F/A-18 Super Hornets for an impressive flyover above the two carrier groups. This striking aerial display underscored the close military bonds between the two nations, readying them for any potential threats on the global stage.
The UK Carrier Strike Group’s deployment for Exercise Strike Warrior marks one of its final training milestones before a planned deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025. During the exercise, F-35Bs from the UK’s elite 809 Naval Air Squadron conducted live strike missions, dropping Paveway bombs over Cape Wrath in Scotland as part of critical operational readiness drills.
Coordinated by the Royal Navy’s Warfighting Centre in Portsmouth, the exercise also drew in warships from six NATO nations – Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, and the UK – along with British Army and RAF elements. The collaborative effort pushed air and naval power to their limits, testing response strategies across a series of highly challenging scenarios.
The RAF played a vital role in protecting the strike group, deploying Poseidon P8 maritime patrol aircraft to bolster anti-submarine defences. NATO aircraft also joined the fray, supporting the F-35s in fending off simulated “aggressor” planes. In between these large-scale exercises, crews conducted routine training, from fire-fighting drills to replenishment exercises – preparing the Carrier Strike Group to operate effectively across various global scenarios.
“Strike Warrior has provided intensive training for the UK Carrier Strike Group, pushing the team from basic drills through to complex F-35B missions and live weapon deployment in support of ground operations,” said Captain John Cromie, Deputy Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group. “Working with NATO partners throughout the exercise has solidified our tactical approach and our commitment to NATO as a unified force.”
After covering over 1,500 nautical miles since leaving Portsmouth, HMS Prince of Wales has clocked in 71 flight sorties, totaling 210 hours of airborne drills. This included a maiden deployment of 809 Naval Air Squadron, hailed as a “phenomenal success” by Commander Nick Smith. “Nineteen pilots have completed carrier qualifications, and both day and night deck operations are now certified,” Smith remarked. The drills also saw Royal Marines on the ground coordinating live weapon drops, strengthening the strike group’s operational efficiency and showcasing the effectiveness of British commandos.
HMS Dauntless, based in Portsmouth, led the strike group’s air defences, with her Commanding Officer, Commander Ben Dorrington, stating that his team faced “a broad range of threats, from enemy aircraft and cruise missiles to the challenges of electronic warfare.” The high-stakes environment tested Dauntless‘s defensive capabilities to protect the fleet.
The training has benefited all levels, including junior ranks such as Able Seaman Thomas Fobbester, who gained valuable experience in the carrier’s operations room. “This is my first ship and my first time being involved in exercises like this,” he said. “The camaraderie has been fantastic, and working on air defence exercises has been intense and rewarding.”
Exercise Strike Warrior also highlighted the UK’s continued commitment to NATO, particularly as global threats become more complex. HMS Prince of Wales‘ Commanding Officer, Captain Will Blackett, praised the efforts, stating, “We’ve made massive strides – from tackling on-board emergencies to perfecting our tactical defences and deploying live munitions. This ship is incredible – and the team on board is even better.”
Though Strike Warrior wrapped up last weekend, the Carrier Strike Group will continue training in UK waters ahead of its global deployment in 2025, standing ready to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.
Find out more at www.royalnavy.mod.uk
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