In a powerful show of allied military cooperation, United States Marines have operated from the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, launching U.S. F-35B Lightning jets as part of a major international exercise.
The dramatic moment, captured on August 5, shows a USMC Powerline Mechanic from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) conducting final launch checks as the stealth fighter prepared to roar off the deck of the British warship.
The operation saw a mixed line team of engineers from the UK’s 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron working seamlessly alongside US Marine Corps personnel, including Aviation Ordnance Technicians and Powerline Mechanics, to refuel and launch the jets.
The milestone flight was part of a trilateral “multi large-deck” exercise involving the UK, US and Japan during Operation HIGHMAST – the Royal Navy’s flagship deployment of 2025.
Sailing at the centre of a formidable Carrier Strike Group, HMS Prince of Wales is leading an eight-month mission across the Mediterranean, Middle East and Western Pacific, conducting a series of high-level exercises with key allies.
With participation from over a dozen nations, Operation HIGHMAST is designed to bolster international security ties and demonstrate the reach of Britain’s naval power.
The joint drills highlight the growing military integration between the UK, US and Japan, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions remain high amid increased maritime activity.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “This deployment underlines the strength of our alliances and showcases the cutting-edge capabilities of HMS Prince of Wales and her embarked air wing.”
The USMC’s involvement underscores the operational flexibility of the UK’s world-class carriers, capable of deploying fifth-generation stealth aircraft from multiple allied nations.
HMS Prince of Wales continues to operate at full capacity as she heads further east, projecting power, building partnerships, and reinforcing the Royal Navy’s global presence.
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
