Navy chief hails 'monumental' effort to get HMS Prince of Wales to sea
The head of the Royal Navy has thanked all those involved for their "monumental efforts" to get HMS Prince of Wales to sea.
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier departed HMNB Portsmouth to take part in Nato's Exercise Steadfast Defender after being delayed in leaving on Sunday.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Admiral Sir Ben Key sent out a "huge thanks" to "service personnel, dockyard teams and industrial partners".
"She was in the early stages of a maintenance period when the decision was made to sail her," he said.
"Scaffolding that took six weeks to erect was taken down in six days, engines that had been readied for planned overhaul were rapidly rebuilt, and many of the ship's company altered personal plans including leave and holidays.
"The entire process was completed in seven days and will ensure we continue to meet our NATO commitments. A phenomenal effort by all."
HMS Queen Elizabeth had been due to take part in the exercise but was forced to withdraw after an issue with her propellor shaft – with HMS Prince of Wales taking her place.
HMS Prince of Wales will now sail to the North Sea and take part in the exercise off the coast of Norway.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
