HMCS Ville de Quebec (Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy) the approach to KNM Maud. 815 Squadron Wildcat HMA Mk2 fly’s overhead. HMS Dauntless and HMCS Ville de Quebec conducted a RAS (Replenishment at Sea), receiving fuel from Norwegian ship Maud in the Red Sea. Images taken on 28th May 2025.
The Carrier Strike Group is the Royal Navy’s key deployment of 2025. Led by UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales and involving a dozen nations, the eight-month mission – known as Operation Highmast – will take the task group to the western Pacific Rim via the Mediterranean and Middle East with a series of large-scale exercises with Britain’s allies and partners.
The goal is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry.
Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel will be involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.
