HMS Prince of Wales departs Portsmouth to prepare for major deployment next year

Crowds have waved their goodbyes to HMS Prince of Wales as she sailed out of Portsmouth to begin preparations for the UK Carrier Strike Group's 2025 deployment to Japan and the Indo-Pacific. 

The carrier was supposed to leave on Monday but was delayed overnight.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said the Royal Navy carrier will undergo trials, munitions loading, and defence engagements as part of the ongoing preparation for next year's deployment. 

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It's the first mission of its kind since sister carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth led a 49,000-mile mission to Japan, South Korea and Singapore back in 2021. 

The UK Carrier Strike Group is built around an aircraft carrier, such as HMS Prince of Wales, and includes British warships, support vessels and jets that form a powerful, flexible force capable of conducting operations across a wide range of scenarios. 

The deployment is expected to be a significant demonstration of the UK's commitment to regional security, defence partnerships, and the rules-based international order in the region. 

Members of the ship's company were seen tending to RAF Chinook helicopters on the flight deck – a versatile, heavy-lift helicopter which is used primarily for troop transport, cargo movement, and logistical support.

With enhanced readiness after an intensive North Sea exercise earlier this year, HMS Prince of Wales stands as one of the most powerful surface warships ever built.

The Queen Elizabeth-class vessel led the UK Carrier Strike Group that took part in Exercise Strike Warrior last month. 

The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier joined forces with one of her US counterparts on the mission, a powerful demonstration of resolve and cooperation in the North Sea.

She was joined by F-35B Lightning jets, frigates, destroyers, submarines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers, and helicopters, as they tested their ability to carry out operations seamlessly together.

This training was a critical milestone for the ship, its air group, and escort vessels as they prepare for the upcoming global deployment.