By Staff Correspondent
According to a release by the Royal Navy, in Exercise Cold Response, the large-scale Norwegian-led exercise, Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales deploys in her role as NATO’s command ship. The exercise would see around 35,000 troops from 28 nations operate together in the harshest environment.
For the first time in Cold Response, the Prince of Wales is responsible for leading NATO’s Maritime High Readiness Force, an international task group for dealing with major global events.
Showcasing how a unified multilateral force would defend Europe and Norway’s northern flank from a modern adversary, The Prince of Wales will head a powerful maritime task force alongside aircraft and land forces, including Royal Marine Commandos.
A protective ring of steel made up of nuclear-powered attack submarine, aircraft, warships, and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary replenishment vessel would be around the aircraft carrier, who, together, would defend the Prince of Wales against threats below, above and on the waves throughout her high north deployment.
Along with a challenge the ship’s company is relishing, this would be the first time for the new Queen Elizabeth-class carriers to operate in the Arctic.
The most senior sea-going staff in the Royal Navy – Commander UK Strike Force would be aboard the carrier and headed by Rear Admiral Mike Utley, who will lead a sizeable task force as part of a galvanized NATO effort for peace and stability in Europe.
