HMS Prince of Wales sets sail from Tokyo (Picture: Royal Navy)
HMS Prince of Wales’s departure from Japan’s capital as part of Carrier Strike Group 25 drew crowds who gathered on bridges and viewpoints to watch the 65,000-tonne carrier set sail.
While HMS Prince of Wales led the way in Tokyo, HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring visited Busan in South Korea, and HMS Dauntless stopped in Yokosuka.
“Our visit to Japan will go down as an Op Highmast highlight for HMS Prince of Wales, and likely a career highlight for so many of our sailors,” Captain Will Blackett, Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, said.
“We’ve been incredibly welcomed, and we’ve explored the whole country. From deep sea fishing, to climbing Mount Fuji, travelling to visit shrines in Kyoto, to watching sumo wrestling in Tokyo,” Capt Blackett said.
“On top of that, our defence engagement programme has been intense… as the host platform for Pacific Future Forum, and in various tours and events, we had the opportunity to show off the ship to the Japanese people,” he continued.
The visit coincided with Defence Secretary John Healey’s talks with his counterpart General Nakatani.
HMS Prince of Wales hosted the Pacific Future Forum while in Tokyo as part of the CSG25 Indo-Pacific deployment (Picture: Royal Navy)Pacific Future Forum in Tokyo
HMS Prince of Wales hosted the Pacific Future Forum, bringing together political, military, diplomatic, industrial, and academic leaders from the UK, US, and Japan.
The summit focused on shared security challenges, technology, and trade.
The ship also staged a Defence and Security Industry Day and welcomed members of the public on board.
Sailors explore Japan
For the crew, the visit included adventurous training and time ashore. Sailors climbed Mount Fuji, travelled to shrines in Kyoto, went deep-sea fishing, and experienced sumo wrestling in Tokyo.
Capt Blackett said the stop had allowed the ship to receive maintenance and stores, but “most importantly the team are rested and ready to go for the next phase of the deployment”.
A military band welcomed HMS Prince of Wales to Tokyo (Picture: Royal Navy)On to Suez then home
The deployment, known as Operation Highmast, involves around 4,500 British military personnel across the Royal Navy, RAF, and Army.
After departing Tokyo, HMS Prince of Wales will continue leading the task group towards the Suez Canal on its homeward leg, operating with F-35B jets, helicopters, and escorts including HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring.
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