Standing ready: HMS Prince of Wales leads task group on Arctic security mission
One of the Royal Navy's most advanced aircraft carriers has departed Scotland, embarking on a voyage to the Atlantic and High North to demonstrate the UK's commitment to the security of this vital region.
After loading up ammunition and taking on supplies over the bank holiday weekend, HMS Prince of Wales left the Glen Mallan jetty in Loch Long, bound for the equally bitter Nordic waters.
She will be joined during the deployment by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and the tanker RFA Tidespring, operating alongside Nato allies and partners of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) as part of Exercise Tamber Shield.
Training for the threat
The fourth iteration of the multinational exercise, played out in the inlets and narrow waters around Bergen in western Norway, will see Wildcat helicopters of 815 Naval Air Squadron, the Archer Class P2000 fast patrol boats, and the Royal Norwegian Navy's Skjold-class missile boats conduct swarm attack drills.
It is all designed to hone the tactical agility required to protect high-value assets from small, fast-manoeuvrable threats in confined waters – a persistent challenge in today's global battle space.
The focus will then switch to the High North and open waters for Exercise Dynamic Mongoose, Nato's premier anti-submarine warfare exercise taking place in Northern Europe that focuses on training allied forces to detect, track, and counter conventional submarines.
This has taken on renewed significance as Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic has increased in recent years.
Collective force
Captain Ben Power, Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, said the flagship "stands ready" to demonstrate the UK's commitment to Nato and the JEF.
"My thanks go to our families who continue to show unwavering support as we deploy for a period away from home waters," he said.
Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan, Commander James Mitchell, added: "As a Type 45 destroyer, HMS Duncan brings world-class air defence capability to the Carrier Strike Group, providing essential protection to HMS Prince of Wales and other high-value units.
"Training alongside our allies in the North Atlantic and High North strengthens our ability to operate as an integrated and resilient force," he said.
Meanwhile, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Captain Terry Barke said: "It is exciting for RFA Tidespring to play another essential role in extending the limits of the Royal Navy and Nato allies, putting training into practice and providing specialist support."
The exercises come amid a pledge from the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, to forge a strong maritime force alongside other northern European navies.
The force's actions are being directed by the staff of Commander UK Carrier Strike Group under Commodore Rich Hewitt.
"This 2026 deployment delivers a clear signal of the UK's steadfast commitment to working with regional partners and securing Europe's northern flank," he said.
"In an increasingly volatile environment, our integration with partner nations is vital to safeguarding our mutual interests."
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