Story perspectives

UK Carrier Strike Group Showcases Power with F-35B Deployment

11/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

HMS Prince of Wales deployed 24 F-35B jets for Exercise Falcon Strike in the Mediterranean after a five-month Indo-Pacific mission.
Jets originate from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron and train with Italian, US, and Greek forces.
Commodore James Blackmore says the exercise demonstrates UK Carrier Strike Group's warfighting readiness.
Approximately 4,000 personnel participate across 26,000 nautical miles.
Captain Ben Power has taken command of the carrier in Crete.

History

Historical Context

In 1941, the British Royal Navy initiated Operation Crusader, a pivotal offensive against Axis forces in North Africa, significantly impacting the Western Desert Campaign. Today, the UK's deployment of HMS Prince of Wales with 24 F-35B jets for Exercise Falcon Strike underscores its commitment to international military collaboration, enhancing readiness alongside Italian, US, and Greek forces in a complex global defense landscape.

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Story summary

HMS Prince of Wales deployed 24 F-35B jets for Exercise Falcon Strike in the Mediterranean after a five-month Indo-Pacific mission.
Jets originate from 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron and train with Italian, US, and Greek forces.
Commodore James Blackmore says the exercise demonstrates UK Carrier Strike Group's warfighting readiness.
Approximately 4,000 personnel participate across 26,000 nautical miles.
Captain Ben Power has taken command of the carrier in Crete.

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