The Royal Navy carrier strike group (CSG) is currently making a port call in Yokozuka, Japan after large scale exercises conducted in the Philippine Sea and off Japan along with US Navy and JMSDF vessels.
Royal Navy press release
The Royal Navy has completed a major show of allied strength in the Indo-Pacific during nine days working with the United States and Japan in the Northern Philippine Sea.
Britain’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales – at the head of the UK Carrier Strike Group’s Operation Highmast global deployment – operated closely with three other allied task forces whilst exercising cutting-edge fifth-generation aircraft.
In this major statement of allied cooperation, an F-35B jet from Prince of Wales landed on Japanese Ship Kaga – the first such landing on a Japanese ship – during the drills.
It was part of a large-scale exercise that brought together four battle groups, with USS George Washington’s Carrier Strike Group Five, USMC Amphibious Ready Group centred on USS America, Japan’s Kaga Battle Group, and the multinational UK Carrier Strike Group all involved.
The three-nation workout ended with the UK’s flagship and her escorting destroyer HMS Dauntless putting into Yokosuka Naval Base today, beginning a three-week visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.
In all 11 ships and 23 aircraft were involved from the UK, USA, Japan, Australia, Spain and Norway as allies underscored multinational cooperation, demonstrated world-class military capabilities and, ultimately, proved they can operate seamlessly together as they continued to forge deeper and lasting bonds.
“Bringing together the large deck forces from the UK, Japan, and US, as well as escort vessels from Spain, Norway, and Australia, in such close-range showcases the strength and inter-changeability of our combined task groups.
Operating together during the many evolutions over the past few weeks demonstrates the enhanced interoperability and the commitment of our partners and allies to the Indo-Pacific region.”
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group
UK CSG conducting large scale exercise off the coast of Japan with US and JMSDF vessels. Credit: Royal Navy
“It was a real privilege to land the first UK F-35B on JS Kaga. It truly demonstrated the ease with which the UK and Japan can operate together in the Indo-Pacific region, now and in the future.” Lt Cdr Dan Latham, 809 Naval Air Squadron.
The nine days saw large-scale fifth-generation training serials included tactical intercepts, the first UK fighter jet maritime strike serial and basic fighting manoeuvres (better known as ‘dog fights’). The whole period culminated in the multi-national jets working in close formation together with a fly-past over HMS Prince of Wales.
Personnel from all nations took part in exchanges to build better understanding of ways of operating, while the exercises focused on anti-submarine warfare drills and flying operations, including landing other nations’ aircraft on deck.
Lieutenant Commander Dan Latham, 809 Naval Air Squadron said: “It was a real privilege and the highlight of my embarkation so far to land the first UK F35B on JS Kaga.
“Although the hard work to enable this evolution had taken months to prepare, on the day itself all force elements integrated seamlessly. It truly demonstrated the ease with which the UK and Japan can operate together in the Indo-Pacific region, now and in the future.”
US and UK F-35B landing on HMS Prince of Wales after conducting flying operations as part of multi-large deck exercise. Credit: Royal Navy
Among those in action were the Merlin helicopters of Commando Helicopter Force’s 845 Naval Air Squadron.
Lieutenant Rob Callaway, 845 Naval Air Squadron, said: “Flying to the Kaga was a great experience.
“It was my first time flying to a Japanese vessel and they were incredibly professional and welcoming. I am looking forward to working with them again in the future.”
The carrier group is using the next couple of weeks for mid-deployment maintenance and to allow personnel to enjoy down time before the Highmast mission resumes.
HMS Prince of Wales will visit Tokyo from late August to early September, with a wide programme of events planned, including the Pacific Future Forum that will bring together defence, security, and industry leaders to discuss shared security challenges, from future technology to economic security.
There will also be a Defence and Security Industry Day that will showcase British defence capabilities and innovation.
Meanwhile, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond and Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring are visiting Busan in the Republic of Korea.
AloJapan.com