MILITARY
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s eerste inzet
September 10, 2021 - Britain’s Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group (CSG21) is deep into the Pacific leg of its 28-week maiden deployment.
Joining HMS Queen Elizabeth are destroyers HMS Diamond and Defender; frigates HMS Richmond and Kent; HMS Artful -- an Astute Class Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSN); and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships RFA Fort Victoria and RFA Tidespring.
More than 30 aircraft will also embark across the task group, including eight F-35B jets from 617 Squadron, the “Dambusters,” and 10 F-35Bs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, known as the “Wake Island Avengers.” Royal Marines from 42 Commando have also deployed with the carrier.
Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen and American Arleigh Burke destroyer USS The Sullivans have also joined the strike group.
Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander of CSG21, said, “it is the most significant deployment of its kind for a quarter of a century, it is a visible demonstration of the Royal Navy’s resurgence after decades of contraction.”
“As our nation redefines its place in the world post-Brexit, it is the natural embodiment of the Government’s ‘Global Britain’ agenda. And against a backdrop of growing instability and competition, it reflects the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to global security.”
In total, units from the group will visit more than 40 countries and undertake over 70 engagements, visits, air exercises and operations.