The deployment follows five months of operations in the Indo-Pacific and a transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron will train with Italian, US, and Greek forces in both day and night scenarios.
Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, said: “It is fantastic to be back in the Mediterranean after a hugely successful period in the Indo-Pacific and a transit of the Red Sea. The upcoming exercises with NATO allies will be a real demonstration of the warfighting readiness of the UK Carrier Strike Group.”
He added: “The eight-month deployment covers over 26,000 nautical miles and engages with 40 nations, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading European power delivering fifth-generation aircraft and carrier capabilities assigned as a primary contribution to NATO.”
Italian frigate ITS Luigi Rizzo has joined the UK Carrier Strike Group, alongside Norwegian and British warships, bringing the total force to around 4,000 personnel. HMS Prince of Wales recently stopped in Souda Bay, Crete, where Captain Will Blackett handed over command to Captain Ben Power.
Meanwhile, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has been conducting anti-submarine warfare exercises with the Greek Navy. Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless also visited Souda Bay, where the crew held a remembrance service at the Commonwealth Graves.
