‘We mean business’ – An interview with the Captain leading the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier.
As HMS Prince of Wales prepares to sail at the head of the most significant British naval deployment in a generation, its commanding officer, Captain Will Blackett RN, stands ready to lead his ship and her crew on a mission that spans oceans, alliances, and expectations.
In an interview aboard the carrier, Captain Blackett offered insight into the human and professional reality of leading such a force.
“My job is to… get this incredible machine, these incredible people, ready to support the task and the missions the Commodore’s just described… My job is to get five days’ notice ready to go.”
Though the mission is Operation HIGHMAST—a globe-spanning demonstration of UK sea power—Blackett made clear that readiness transcends any one operation: “The mission I have at the moment is Op Highmast… but my job is to ensure that this fantastic machine, and the people that run her, are ready to deliver.”
As the ship readies for departure, its commanding officer is keenly aware of the emotional complexity that comes with leaving home. “We’re not coming home till just before Christmas,” he said. “My own family are going through the challenges and emotions of what it’s like to be absent eight months at sea.” That separation is one faced by over 1,600 personnel on board and nearly 4,500 across the strike group at its peak.
Earlier this year, HMS Prince of Wales visited Liverpool—a symbolic moment in the preparation phase. “We were in Liverpool… That was part of the preparation. That was meeting families and friends from the northern part of England and from our affiliated city… That was excitement, because we got to show our closest people what we do.”
Now, that pride has become anticipation—and a touch of melancholy. “That’s all now sort of added up to: here we go. We’re about to leave. We’re not coming home till, you know, just before Christmas… That’s a sadness, that’s an anticipation. It’s mixed with: I joined the Navy to do this. I love my job. It’s really exciting.”
Reflecting further, Blackett said, “It’s a jumble of emotion, but I’m looking forward to getting it done.” That mix of excitement and resolve captures the spirit not only of the captain but of the crew he commands.
What lies ahead is nothing short of a global show of strength. Operation HIGHMAST is an eight-month mission spanning the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan and Australia. Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, will direct the deployment from aboard the Prince of Wales. The mission begins with an exercise off the coast of France before progressing through a demanding schedule of international exercises and operations.
The deployment begins with around 2,500 military personnel—roughly 2,100 Britons, 200 Norwegians and a similar number of Canadians and Spanish—rising to over 4,500 during key exercises in the Indo-Pacific. HMS Dauntless, HMS Richmond, RFA Tidespring, Norwegian warships HNoMS Roald Amundsen and HNoMS Maud, and Canada’s HMCS Ville de Québec will accompany HMS Prince of Wales, with additional vessels and partners joining throughout the deployment.
Asked to describe the potency of the carrier strike group, Blackett didn’t hesitate: “This is a potent capability, and we can conduct wide-ranging tasking, from the top-end combat operations all the way through to softer power defence engagement. We are ready to do any of those things.”
At the heart of this capability is the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier itself. “You tell me—how does it feel to stand here on board the largest flight deck we’ve ever operated in this Navy? It’s impressive, isn’t it?” He hopes that impact is felt not only by allies but by potential adversaries too. “That feeling is the feeling I hope to inspire in anyone that comes to meet the ship—whether they come for good or bad reasons.”
And the message is unmistakable. “You see this thing and you realise that we mean business, and we’re capable of doing whatever is required.”
The potency he refers to is not theoretical. Embarked aboard HMS Prince of Wales will be F-35B Lightning strike fighters from 617 Squadron “The Dambusters” and 809 NAS “The Immortals,” Merlin anti-submarine and Commando helicopters, Wildcat helicopters, and uncrewed drones from 700X Naval Air Squadron.
For Blackett, it all comes down to the people. “This ship is a fantastic machine. She’s got amazing equipment, state-of-the-art, fifth-generation kit… But it only works because of the magic that’s brought to it by the people on board.”
As the crew moves through their final days ashore, the focus is on preparation and resilience. “From today until Monday, it’s just getting people rested, home, ready to go.” After that, the eyes of the nation—and many beyond—will turn to the sea.
This is not just a ship leaving port. This is the Royal Navy asserting its place on the world stage, its flagship leading the most ambitious deployment in a generation.
And at the helm is a captain who knows exactly what’s at stake.
“I joined the Navy to do this. I love my job. It’s really exciting… and I’m about to go and do the most high-profile thing the Navy’s done for some time.”
Who is Captain Will Blackett?
A Royal Navy officer since 2001, Blackett has served in a wide variety of operational and leadership roles, from minehunters in the Baltic to warships on global missions. He holds a law degree from Brunel University and is a graduate of Britannia Royal Naval College and the Advanced Command and Staff Course at Shrivenham, where he earned a Commandant’s Commendation.
Throughout his career, Blackett has earned a reputation for calm leadership and operational excellence. He served as Navigating Officer on HMS Daring during its first Gulf deployment, receiving a Fleet Commander’s Commendation. He later helped deliver humanitarian relief in the Philippines, commanded HMS Lancaster through challenging Arctic and Baltic missions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and held senior planning roles within the Ministry of Defence and Navy Command.
Now responsible for over 1,600 personnel aboard Britain’s most advanced warship, Captain Blackett is focused on ensuring the ship and its crew are ready for any scenario—from high-end warfare to humanitarian assistance.
Speaking to me aboard HMS Prince of Wales, he reflected: “My job is to get this incredible machine, these incredible people, ready to support the task and the missions… in support of Operation Highmast. In fact, it’s in support of anything.”
Away from the bridge, Captain Blackett lives in Hampshire with his wife, three children, and two Dalmatians. He spends his downtime enjoying rugby, golf, home brewing, and music. As Britain projects its naval power around the globe, Captain Blackett himself embodies the modern Royal Navy—skilled, steady, and prepared for the world stage.
I wish they wouldn’t try to turn these officers into celebrities, its totally wrong.
Who is they?
The Royal Navy media team… after watching the video, the captain trying to hard to be cool.
No mention of an Astute class submarine in the CSG?
Hopefully just an oversight, but concerning if there genuinely isn’t one.
I think one is confirmed, according the Navy Lookout – not sure which one as of yet, though.
Might just be a coincidence, but Astute sailed from Devonport yesterday I believe. No matter who, there will be a Astute class assigned to this task group.