Carrier Strike Group 25 says sayonara to a Japanese ship as US vessel expected to join
A Japanese vessel has left Carrier Strike Group 25, while a US vessel is expected to take over as the group continues its route back to the UK.
JS Akebono, a Murasame-class destroyer, whose name translates into 'light of daybreak', removed herself from CSG25 in Oman after completing joint drills with the carrier group.
USS Mitscher, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, is expected to join up with CSG25.
"This summer, the CSG25 that livened up Japan, [with] joint training with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force concludes," Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) said in a post on X.
"The Akebono shouts [about] the friendship between Japan, the United Kingdom, and Norway in Oman, 'See you later'."
The post was accompanied by Tokyo's personnel holding up a homemade sign, playing trumpets, and waving goodbye to the Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Prince of Wales.
"CSG25 stole the summer spotlight! Now they are setting off from Oman, wrapping up the joint drills with Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force- leaving energy and friendship behind. See you on the other side of the world!" JMSDF added.
This means that the current make-up of CSG25 is HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Dauntless, HNoMS Roald Amundsen, and RFA Tideforce.
Earlier this month, CSG25 was in India promoting UK industry and strengthening ties between London and New Delhi, as well as training on Exercise Konkan, a regular test of the Commonwealth nationsโ navies.
In Ex Konkan, Indian fighter jets had to target HMS Prince of Wales as the Royal Navy protected the aircraft carrier in a realistic scenario that was played out over the Arabian Sea.
Several F-3Bs acted as the 65,000-tonne carrier's shield, while 12 Indian jets โ including eight Su-30 Flankers and four Jaguars, supported by an Il-78 Mainstay AWACS aircraft โ attempted to breach the defensive screen.
New Delhi's jets launched some simulated strikes at the flagship and her escorts.
These mock dogfights allowed personnel to test their individual skill, weapons systems and sensors.
The CSG25 deployment, also known as Operation Highmast, involves around 4,500 British military personnel, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers, alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.
The deployment highlights the UK's commitment to Indo-Pacific security and the rules-based international order.
For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25, click here.
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