Aircraft carrier fleets of the US and UK navies have joined forces to take part in a major 15-day NATO exercise in the North Sea, known as Exercise Strike Warrior. HMS Prince of Wales and USS Harry S. Led by Truman ships, the training, which began on October 14, 2024 and will continue through October 25, is aimed at ensuring readiness for future combat operations.
Apart from the two naval giants, the exercise includes participation of warships from Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Denmark. In addition to HMS Prince of Wales, the British Royal Navy will deploy F-35B Lightning fighters, HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke and an Astute-class submarine, strengthening multinational cooperation in Scottish waters.
US, UK aircraft carriers lead NATO exercises in the North Sea
Aircraft carrier fleets of the navies of the United States and United Kingdom have joined forces to take part in a major 15-day NATO exercise in the North Sea, known as Exercise Strike Warrior. HMS Prince of Wales and USS Harry S. Led by Truman ships, the training, which began on October 14, 2024 and will continue through October 25, is aimed at ensuring readiness for future combat operations.
Apart from the two naval giants, the exercise includes participation of warships from Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Denmark. In addition to HMS Prince of Wales, the British Royal Navy will deploy F-35B Lightning fighters, HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke and an Astute-class submarine, strengthening multinational cooperation in Scottish waters.
Royal Navy Exercise and Readiness Command
The exercise is being coordinated from HMS Prince of Wales, under the command of Commodore James Blackmore, leader of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group. “UK Carrier Strike Group 1* is the battle team that commands the fleet aboard HMS Prince of Wales,” Blackmore said. “I have command of highly capable assets and personnel that provide a powerful capability in all areas from anti-aircraft to cyber.”
According to Blackmore, this exercise is essential to validating your team as a “very high readiness” force, which means being ready to take command of a fleet with only a few days’ notice. “This is all preparation for next year’s exercise, which will see us travel around the world to achieve new objectives,” the commander said.
US and UK lead NATO exercise focusing on naval readiness and international security
By conducting Exercise Strike Warrior, the navies of the US, UK and European allies demonstrate their commitment to collective security and operational readiness. The exercise strengthens relations between the participating countries, and ensures that the forces are prepared to face threats in a range of areas while ensuring stability in the region.
The exercise represents an important milestone in international cooperation and the rapid reaction capabilities of NATO naval forces. As global tensions increase, such training is essential to maintain security and peace on the international stage.
