The UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, joined forces with the U.S. Carrier Strike Group 8, centred on USS Harry S. Truman, in the North Sea for Exercise Strike Warrior.
This sailing together was designed to highlight NATO’s unified maritime capabilities, demonstrating readiness to respond to threats in Europe and beyond.
Video shows two of the most powerful ships at sea in European waters. HMS Prince of Wales and the USS Harry S Truman joined forces to deliver a powerful statement of NATO’s ability to project power from the sea. (Video Crown Copyright 2024) pic.twitter.com/1srcBrBG0T
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) October 25, 2024
This deployment of UK and US carrier groups in the North Sea sends a powerful message about the capability and unity of NATO forces. This exercise underscores NATO’s readiness to “deter aggression” and operate effectively in “high-risk environments,” hinting at a clear, if indirect, response to any potential threats close to European waters.
Statements from the US Navy have pressed on the exercise’s role in “responding to threats in high-risk environments” and maintaining NATO’s strength against any regional challenges. By bringing advanced air, sea, and support assets from multiple NATO nations, the exercise reinforces NATO’s commitment to protect its borders and respond decisively to any forces that could disrupt stability in the region.
The presence of both carrier groups, along with NATO’s most advanced aircraft and vessels, underscores a collaborative resolve that aims to act as a strong deterrent against any potential adversaries in the area.
This exercise marks a milestone for HMS Prince of Wales as the group prepares for a global deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
F-35B jets from @HMSPWLS plus F/A-18 Super Hornets and an E/A-18G Growler from the @USSHARRYSTRUMAN participate in the @NATO_MARCOM-led maritime vigilance activity Neptune Strike 24-2. pic.twitter.com/cY28F17la0
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) October 25, 2024
UK F-35B Lightning jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron launched from the British carrier and joined U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets and an E/A-18G Growler from the Truman for coordinated flyovers and live ordnance exercises. “Strike Warrior has delivered a short and intense period of training… testing the group all the way from individual responses to a fire or flood through to complex long-range F-35B missions,” explained Captain John Cromie, Deputy Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group.
Exercise Strike Warrior involves an array of forces, with participation from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, and NATO allies, including Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and Portugal.
Supporting the Carrier Strike Group’s anti-submarine operations, RAF Poseidon P8 maritime patrol aircraft contributed to the group’s defensive strategy, while NATO aircraft aided in protecting against mock aerial threats.
HMS Dauntless, a Portsmouth-based destroyer, led the air defence of the strike group. Commander Ben Dorrington, Dauntless’s Commanding Officer, noted that the exercise subjected his team to a “broad range of threats, including enemy air sorties and anti-ship cruise missiles.” His crew’s training enabled them to respond effectively, honing the ship’s protective capabilities.
Since departing Portsmouth, HMS Prince of Wales has logged 1,500 nautical miles, while its aircraft have conducted 71 sorties, accumulating over 200 flight hours. Reflecting on the progress made during the exercise, Captain Will Blackett of HMS Prince of Wales shared: “We have made huge strides – from improving our ability to deal with emergencies… to accurately delivering live munitions on simulated targets. This ship is amazing – and my people are even better.”
