Tokyo Bay witnessed a powerful display of British naval might on 28 August as HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s flagship, sailed into the Japanese capital at the head of the UK Carrier Strike Group.
Sailors lined the flight deck in the traditional procedure bravo, underscoring the pride and discipline of Britain’s armed forces as they entered Tokyo for the first time in history.
The visit marks the halfway point of the group’s ambitious eight-month mission, Operation HIGHMAST, a deployment spanning from the Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific. The arrival in Tokyo represents the “gold stop” of the journey, symbolising the importance of Britain’s partnership with Japan and its commitment to regional security.
Led by HMS Prince of Wales and joined by ships and aircraft from a dozen allied nations, the task force has already navigated the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, with landmark visits to Singapore and Australia. The mission now pivots fully to Asia, reinforcing the UK’s role as a global maritime power and a reliable ally.
In total, more than 4,500 British personnel are participating in the deployment: 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, nearly 600 Royal Air Force personnel, and around 900 soldiers. Together, they represent not only Britain’s military strength but also the country’s technological innovation and industrial excellence.
CPO Phot Nobby Hall UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025
Operation HIGHMAST is designed to reaffirm the UK’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the freedom of the seas, supporting allies, and protecting international trade routes. By sailing into Tokyo, the Carrier Strike Group demonstrates the collective resolve of Britain and its partners to uphold peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
As HMS Prince of Wales stands proudly in Tokyo Bay, the mission continues to showcase the very best of Britain—its people, its industry, and its unwavering determination to defend shared values on the world stage.
Images: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
