Wikipedia

United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21

(Redirected from Exercise Steadfast Defender)

The United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) was a British-led naval force that was deployed on Operation Fortis[1] from May to December 2021. The Carrier Strike Group is seen as the beginning of the British Government's tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region in terms of defence and foreign policy,[2] that had been announced in March through the Integrated Review.[3] It was the first strike group deployment for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and the first operational deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group since 2011. The deployment was the largest single deployment of F-35 fighter aircraft since the programme started in 2006,[4] and the largest fifth-generation fighter carrier air wing in the world at the time.[5] Furthermore, HMS Queen Elizabeth saw the largest number of personnel embarked since she entered service,[6] and the group contained the largest number of Royal Navy maritime helicopters deployed in over 10 years.[7]

United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21
Part of Operation Fortis
HMS Queen Elizabeth a sea from high up
HMS Queen Elizabeth, lead ship of the carrier strike group, departing Portsmouth for Exercise Strike Warrior
TypeCarrier strike group
Commanded byCommodore Stephen Moorhouse
DateMay 2021 – December 2021

Background

edit
 
HMS Queen Elizabeth and her Carrier Strike Group during Exercise Joint Warrior 2020-2

The United Kingdom had been without a wholly-British deployable carrier strike group in almost 40 years;[8] and without a deployable aircraft carrier altogether since 2014, when the final Invincible-class light aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious was decommissioned – three years ahead of the two replacement carriers.[9]

The UK Carrier Strike Group re-formed in February 2015, with Commodore Jerry Kyd appointed as Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group;[10] only the next year however, Commodore Andrew Betton succeeded him as commander,[11] as Kyd became the first sea-going captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth.[12] HMS Queen Elizabeth was commissioned on 7 December 2017,[13] and subsequently began the process of operational sea trials and training – including fixed-wing flying trials off the coast of the US. Subsequently, the UK Carrier Strike Group assembled for the first time in September 2019, when the Type 45 destroyer, HMS Dragon; Type 23 frigate, HMS Northumberland; and the Tide-class replenishment tanker, RFA Tideforce, came together to partake in NATO's Exercise Cutlass Fury, off the coast of Canada.[14] This exercise also marked the first time that British F-35s (from No. 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron of the Royal Air Force) had landed on the Queen Elizabeth's deck.[15] In September 2020, as part of NATO's Exercise Joint Warrior 2020–2, the full carrier strike group of nine surface vessels and accompanying air wing assembled for the first time in the North Sea,[16] under the command of Commodore Steve Moorhouse.[8] While the carrier strike group disbanded and the ships returned to their respective ports, the F-35Bs undertook further exercises from their base at RAF Marham, including partaking in Exercise Crimson Warrior,[17][18] in preparation for the group's initial operating capability which was declared on 4 January 2021.[19]

In 2016 the UK had moved a satellite in its Skynet military communications system eastward to extend coverage to east Asia and the western Pacific Ocean, and opened a ground station in Australia.[20]

Deployment preparations

edit
 
HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in Glen Mallan to embark munitions
 
Merlin Mk2s land onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth; the Crowsnest radar is mounted on the side of the helicopter

HMS Queen Elizabeth departed HMNB Portsmouth on 1 March 2021, in order to conduct a period of working-up before deployment. She operated both in the English Channel and the Irish Sea to prepare the members of the ship's company, alongside this she conducted helicopter exercises with the Royal Air Force and the British Army's Army Air Corps to maintain the aircrew for carrier operations.[21] Once finished, the carrier sailed up the British coast to Loch Long in order to embark munitions at the Northern Ammunition Jetty of Defence Munitions Glen Douglas, which had recently been extended by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation in order to accommodate the vessel.[22] The ship was berthed there for five days between 15 and 20 March, before returning to Portsmouth.[23] During her time in Scotland, the vessel also held a memorial service on board for the Second World War escort carrier HMS Dasher, which suffered a major internal explosion and sank off Ardrossan in March 1943.[21]

In the middle of April, the Royal Navy began the process of administering COVID-19 vaccines to members of the carrier strike group in preparation for the deployment.[24] The Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace announced on 26 April that every sailor within the strike group would have received two vaccines prior to their departure.[25]

USS The Sullivans departed Naval Station Mayport on 19 April, bound for the United Kingdom in order to join the carrier strike group for deployment.[26] Between the 26 and 28 April, the 10 F-35B jets of the United States Marine Corps's Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) that contribute to the air group, arrived at RAF Lakenheath; the pilots that will operate with the strike group had already started a 14-day isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[27] On 2 May, the first F-35B fighters belonging to VMFA-211 flew from RAF Lakenheath, and joined HMS Queen Elizabeth.[28][29]

820 Naval Air Squadron spent the week before departure to Exercise Strike Warrior, on conducting dummy launch trials for the Sting Ray torpedo in Falmouth Bay;[30] before its three Crowsnest airborne surveillance and control (ASaC), and four anti-submarine Merlin Mk2 helicopters embarked on the Queen Elizabeth on 27 April.[31][32] The strike group's four Lynx Wildcat helicopters of 815 Naval Air Squadron left their base at RNAS Yeovilton on 1 May,[33] and embarked on each of the four Royal Navy escorts. No. 617 Squadron RAF and their 8 F-35B fighters started to fly out of RAF Marham and embark on HMS Queen Elizabeth, on 3 May;[34] before the final British aircraft to join the strike group, three Merlin Mk4s from 845 Naval Air Squadron, departed RNAS Yeovilton and joined RFA Fort Victoria later that day.[35]

Exercise Virtual Warrior

edit

During February 2021, the carrier strike group's warfare staff partook in Exercise Virtual Warrior, a command and control exercise which tested how the ship's crew would react in the event of a crisis on the maiden deployment.[36] The exercise picked right back up from when the group disbanded the previous autumn, and took place at the Maritime Warfare School, at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, utilising the base's combined simulation training suite.[37][38]

Exercise Strike Warrior

edit
 
HMS Prince of Wales (front) and HMS Queen Elizabeth meet at sea for the first time

The strike group departed from their respective ports on 1 May:[39] HMS Diamond, HMS Defender,[40] HMS Kent, and HMS Queen Elizabeth[41] from HMNB Portsmouth;[42] HMS Richmond from HMNB Devonport;[43] RFA Fort Victoria, and an Astute class submarine from HMNB Clyde; and RFA Tidespring from Portland Harbour. The vessels then made their way to Scotland to partake in the final exercise before their deployment – the maritime element of NATO's UK-led Exercise Joint Warrior 2021–1, known as Exercise Strike Warrior, which saw the carrier strike group building on and enhancing the scenarios that were tested in the previously held Exercise Virtual Warrior. Taking place between 8 and 19 May,[34][44] a total of 31 ships, 3 submarines, 150 aircraft, and 13,400 personnel from 10 nations took part in the exercise.[45] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, port visits were restricted to only those needed for operational and logistical reasons, and all personnel were required to isolate for 14 days before embarking onto their respective ships.[46] The over 150 aircraft that were involved in the exercise were based at RAF Lossiemouth, HMS Gannet, and Stornoway Airport.[47] The exercise saw two MV-22B Osprey from the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 stationed on board the USS Iwo Jima land on HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time,[34] along with the first launch of a Crowsnest radar-equipped Merlin helicopter from a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier,[48] and the first Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missiles being fired from a British F-35 fighter – the first missile firings from a British jet at sea for 15 years.[49] Nearing the end of Exercise Strike Warrior the Carrier Strike Group met up with the vessels of Exercise Ragnar Viking that had been taking place off the Norwegian coast, which included the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the Royal Navy's Littoral Response Group (North), along with the FS Normandie, HDMS Esbern Snare, and HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen; the 15 vessels together conducted a show of force Photo Exercise (PHOTEX).[50]

Final departure

edit
 
Queen Elizabeth II speaks to members of HMS Queen Elizabeth's company on 22 May, a few hours prior to their departure

Upon the culmination of Exercise Strike Warrior, the ships of the Carrier Strike Group each returned to port in order to embark the necessary fuel and stores.[51] On the 19 May, on her way back to port, HMS Queen Elizabeth met up with her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales, which is currently undertaking Fleet Operational Sea Training, and sailed together for the first time before taking part in a PHOTEX, and finally parting ways.[49] Originally, the Queen Elizabeth was scheduled to anchor in The Solent in order to maintain a COVID-secure state, however due to forecasted heavy winds, she instead docked alongside at HMNB Portsmouth with personnel remaining on board.[52][53] On 21 May 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited HMS Queen Elizabeth in order to tour the ship and speak to the crew before their departure;[54] followed by Queen Elizabeth II the next day, who also received a tour and spent time talking to crew members.[55][56]

HNLMS Evertsen departed from Nieuwe Haven Naval Base in the Netherlands, on 22 May; along with HMS Defender and HMS Kent, which both sailed from Devonport also on 22 May.[57][58] HMS Queen Elizabeth was originally planned to depart Portsmouth on 23 May, however in order to avoid the strong winds that had been forecasted,[59] she instead left port in the evening of the 22 May,[60][61] along with USS The Sullivans.[62] On 23 May, HMS Diamond, RFA Fort Victoria, and RFA Tidespring departed from Devonport, Portland, and Loch Striven respectively;[63] The final ship, HMS Richmond, left Portsmouth on 24 May.[64] Once the Carrier Strike Group departed from the UK, operational command of the group passed from the Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, over to the Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Ben Key.[33]

Deployment

edit

The plan for the 28 week deployment was for the carrier strike group cover 26,000 nautical miles, and conduct over 70 engagements in 40 different countries.[65]

On 1 May 2021, it was announced that the documentary film maker Chris Terrill will be onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth for the duration of the deployment, in order to produce a documentary series for the BBC in succession to his two previous series about life on the carrier.[6]

Exercise Steadfast Defender and Exercise Atlantic Trident

edit
 
Queen Elizabeth and Charles de Gaulle underway in the Mediterranean Sea, 3 June 2021.

Initially after leaving Portsmouth on the 22 May,[54] the group straight away entered into another major NATO exercise – Exercise Steadfast Defender. Between 20 and 28 May in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal, the maritime element of the exercise included 18 vessels from 11 different nations, and was directed from the newly raised Joint Force Command Norfolk based on board the USS Mount Whitney.[34] The exercise included the carrier strike group and the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, along with both Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and 2.[66]

Concurrently, the embarked aircraft of 617 Squadron took part in Exercise Atlantic Trident 2021 over the south west French coast. The exercise ran from 17 to 28 May, with the Armee de l'Air, United States Air Force, and Royal Air Force all taking part in the French-led exercise, which was directed from Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.[67]

June–December

edit
 
HMS Queen Elizabeth alongside USS America and JS Ise on 24 August 2021.

After finishing Exercise Steadfast Defender, the strike group made its first port visit in Gibraltar. After leaving port, the group entered the Mediterranean, where it undertook further exercises with Mediterranean NATO allies, including operating with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle,[68][69] before arriving at Souda Bay in Crete for a logistic stop.[70] Prior to this however, HMS Defender, HMS Kent, and HNLMS Evertsen[71] detached from the group and entered the Black Sea[72] – a visit that was already planned prior to the heightened Russian activity in the region.[73] Whilst in the Mediterranean, the strike group joined Operation Shader in the fight against Daesh;[74] before continuing on through the Suez Canal and stopping at the British military port in Duqm. However, HMS Diamond was forced to remain in European waters having suffered a serious engine defect.[75] After the stopover at Duqm, the group proceeded across the Arabian Sea to conduct exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean,[76] before calling for a brief stop at the British naval facility in Singapore. It entered the disputed South China Sea region to conduct freedom of navigation exercises in the area.[77] Whilst there, the strike group tracked Chinese submarines and used its anti-submarine assets to hold them off, allowing HMS Queen Elizabeth to steer clear.[78] As of 3 September 2021 it was reported that Diamond had completed repairs, undertaken in Taranto, Italy and had put to sea to re-join the strike group.[79]

Subsequently, the group took part in Exercise Bersama Gold 21 with the Royal Australian Navy,[80] Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements;[73] before paying a visit to South Korea and then conducting exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and United States Navy around the islands of Japan.[81] Whilst in the Indo-Pacific region HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, the Royal Navy's newly established permanent presence in the region, met up with the strike group, having just arrived in the area.[82]

In October, the strike group began its journey home - on 20 October, The Sullivans detached to begin its return to its home base of Mayport. On 16 November, one of the carrier's F-35B fighters, from 617 Squadron, crashed during operations in the Mediterranean. The pilot was able to eject safely.[83] Early reports suggest some of "the covers and engine blanks" had not been removed before takeoff.[84] Regular flying operations continued following the crash, with a multilateral cross-decking exercise that saw Italian aircraft operating from the Italian Navy flagship Cavour land, refuel and launch from the deck of Queen Elizabeth, and US aircraft operate from the Italian ship.[85] The strike group finally returned to the United Kingdom at the beginning of December.[71]

Composition

edit
Composition of Carrier Strike Group 21
Aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth-class HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)
Destroyers Type 45
(anti-air warfare) 		HMS Defender (D36)
HMS Diamond (D34)
Arleigh Burke-class
(multi-role) 		USS The Sullivans (DDG-68)
Frigates Type 23
(anti-submarine warfare) 		HMS Richmond (F239)
HMS Kent (F78)
De Zeven Provinciën-class
(air-defence & command) 		HNLMS Evertsen (F805)
Auxiliaries Tide-class
(fast fleet tanker) 		RFA Tidespring (A136)
RFA Tidesurge (A138)[86]
(Mediterranean return only)
Fort Victoria-class
(replenishment oiler) 		RFA Fort Victoria (A387)
Submarine Astute-class
(fleet-submarine) 		HMS Astute (S119)[87]
Composition of carrier air wing[88]
Fighter No. 617 Squadron RAF 8 × F-35B Lightning
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 10 × F-35B Lightning
Airborne surveillance and control 820 Naval Air Squadron 3 × Merlin Mk2 Crowsnest
Anti-submarine 4 × Merlin Mk2 ASW
Troop transport/logistics 845 Naval Air Squadron
attached to RFA Fort Victoria 		3 × Merlin Mk4
Other aircraft[89]
Force protection 815 Naval Air Squadron
attached to Royal Navy escorts 		4 × Wildcat

Alongside the major units mentioned, the group also consist of a number of personnel drawn from other units, including:

Carrier air wing

edit

820 Naval Air Squadron

edit

820 Naval Air Squadron (820 NAS) of the Royal Navy, composed of around 190 personnel[91] and seven Merlin Mk2 (including 3 equipped with Crowsnest radar), provide airborne surveillance and control, and airborne anti-submarine capabilities.[31] The anti-submarine aircraft can either be equipped with depth-charges or Sting Ray torpedoes, in order to protect the strike group from both submarines and threats above the water;[92] whilst the Crowsnest-equipped aircraft provide long-range, early-warning capability[93] and can also be used to direct F-35B fighters on to their _target.[92]

VMFA-211

edit

Ten of the air wing's eighteen fighters were from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) of the United States Marine Corps,[94] nicknamed the "Wake Island Avengers".[95] The strike group was the single largest deployment of the F-35 fighter since the beginning of the programme in 2006, and was also the first time the USMC has deployed a full F-35 squadron of 10 aircraft;[4] USMC squadrons had 16 aircraft until reforms by General David Berger that are intended to transition the USMC to a lighter, more agile force.[96] Lieutenant Colonel Andrew D'Ambrogi, the commanding officer of VMFA-211, said that the deployment was a chance to experiment with the downsized squadron and ensure that it is capable enough to meet the output that is required to execute the mission.[4] The US contingent included 180 U.S. Marines to maintain and handle the aircraft on the flight deck and a team of 18 United States Navy ordnance specialists who handled the ordnance required by the Marine Corps fighters, as that is not a Marine activity and policy does not allow for another country to do so.[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ "British and Omani forces train to win on Exercise Khanjar Oman". British Army. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021. [...] will also support the strategic effect of Operation Fortis, the deployment of the UK's Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
  2. ^ "Carrier Strike Group 21: HMS Queen Elizabeth Sets Sail". Forces News. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  3. ^ "Global Britain in a competitive age" (PDF). Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d Shelbourne, Mallory (29 April 2021). "Blended U.S. Marine, U.K. Royal Air Force Air Wing Aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth Will be Largest F-35 Deployment to Date". USNI News. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  5. ^ "Marine Corps F-35B fighters prepare for Indo-Pacific deployment aboard Royal Navy carrier". Stars and Stripes. 28 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  6. ^ a b "The UK Carrier Strike Group sets sail". 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  7. ^ "Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, Twitter Post, 5 May 2021". Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  8. ^ a b "UK Has a Deployable Carrier Strike Group for the First Time in Decades". The Maritime Executive. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  9. ^ "HMS Illustrious takes final bow". Ministry of Defence. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  10. ^ "Royal Navy Senior Appointments" (PDF). p. 219. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  11. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth makes an early appearance at its home port". Defense News. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  12. ^ McLaughlin, Mark (24 May 2016). "Hi, Hi Captain: First leader of Royal Navy super carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth takes command for first time". Daily Record. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  13. ^ "Queen to commission namesake aircraft carrier in three weeks, Defence Secretary announces on flight-deck". Royal Navy. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Westlant 19 offers first look at a UK Carrier Strike Group". Naval Technology. 24 September 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  15. ^ "First UK fighter jets land onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth". Ministry of Defence. 13 October 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  16. ^ "Royal Navy's New Carrier Strike Group Assembles For First Time". Forces News. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  17. ^ "Largest RAF exercise in the UK for many years begins". Royal Air Force. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  18. ^ "Largest RAF exercise in a decade concludes". Edinburgh Live. 6 November 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  19. ^ "Carrier Strike Group hits important milestone". Ministry of Defence. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  20. ^ MacLennan, Leah (16 May 2016). "Skynet satellite ground station opens in Adelaide to aid UK military communications". Australia: ABC News. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  21. ^ a b "HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives on the Clyde to embark munitions". Navy Lookout. 15 March 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  22. ^ McCartney, Scott (18 March 2021). "Supercarrier HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Scotland to dock at Loch Long". The Scotsman. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  23. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth: Stunning aerial footage of £3 billion warship visiting Glen Mallan". The Herald. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  24. ^ "Royal Navy begins vaccinating sailors joining HMS Queen Elizabeth's carrier strike group". The News. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Defence Secretary offers Covid-19 jab commitment for HMS Queen Elizabeth sailors". South Wales Argus. Press Association. 26 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  26. ^ "USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) Deploys in Support of British Carrier Task Group 21". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  27. ^ "USMC F-35Bs Have Landed At RAF Lakenheath For Upcoming HMS Queen Elizabeth's Indo-Pacific Deployment". The Aviationist. 28 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  28. ^ "Six VMFA-211 F-35Bs Join CSG-21 (Image 8 of 21)". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. 2 May 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  29. ^ LaGrone, Sam (3 May 2021). "Marine F-35Bs Land Aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth for Strike Warrior Exercise, Deployment". USNI News. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  30. ^ "Torpedoes away as helicopter crews ready for carrier mission". 26 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  31. ^ a b Ferguson, Emma (28 April 2021). "Culdrose 820 squadron leave Helston for role on HMS Queen Elizabeth". Falmouth Packet. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  32. ^ "'Proud moment' for Cornish Navy crew as they embark on year-long deployment". ITV News West Country. 28 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  33. ^ a b "Carrier Strike Group prepares for final test ahead of global deployment". 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  34. ^ a b c d "Photo essay – exercise Strike Warrior". Navy Lookout. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  35. ^ "845 Naval Air Squadroon, Twitter post, 3 May 2021". Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  36. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth prepares for maiden mission with digital workout". Royal Navy. 8 February 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  37. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth undergoes Virtual Warrior assessment". Naval Technology. 9 February 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  38. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth Prepares For Maiden Mission With 'Digital Workout'". Forces News. 8 February 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  39. ^ George, David (29 April 2021). "Royal Navy 'back on the global stage' as Carrier Strike Group prepares to sail from Portsmouth". The News. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  40. ^ "Watch: HMS Defender and HMS Diamond leave Portsmouth ready for Indo-Pacific deployment". The Telegraph. 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  41. ^ Mohan-Hickson, Matthew (1 May 2021). "HMS Queen Elizabeth: When is Royal Navy flagship leaving, best places to see her leave in Portsmouth, other ships also departing and traffic - latest updates". The News. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  42. ^ "Portsmouth Harbour Shipping Movements – Saturday 01 May 2021". Royal Navy. p. 1. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  43. ^ "Plymouth Harbour Shipping Movements – Saturday 01 May 2021". Royal Navy. p. 1. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  44. ^ Bickerton, James (30 April 2021). "Back off, Vlad! UK to stage mega-drills as TEN nations team up in defiance of Putin's plot". Daily Express. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  45. ^ "Over 13,000 military personnel in international exercises next month". The Lochside Press. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  46. ^ Fraser, Alasdair (30 April 2021). "NATO allies prepare to stage one of the biggest military exercises of its kind in Europe off the Highland coast". The Northern Times. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  47. ^ McKenzie, Jamie (29 April 2021). "Scotland to host part of Strike Warrior military exercise involving 31 warships and 150 aircraft". The Scotsman. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  48. ^ "Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth launches helicopters' first sorties at sea ahead of international exercise". The News. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  49. ^ a b "Carriers sail together as HMS Queen Elizabeth and Carrier Strike Group complete final exercise". Royal Navy. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  50. ^ "Royal Navy and US task groups gather in impressive show of naval power". Royal Navy. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  51. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth Back In Portsmouth Ahead Of Carrier Strike Group Deployment". Forces News. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  52. ^ "Unscheduled stop brings HMS Queen Elizabeth back home to Portsmouth". Planet Radio. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  53. ^ "Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth with proud relatives of crew among welcoming crowds". The News. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  54. ^ a b "Prime minister Boris Johnson due to visit Portsmouth to see HMS Queen Elizabeth". The News. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  55. ^ "Queen visits Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth after Prince Harry's bombshell interview". Evening Standard. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  56. ^ "UK's Queen Elizabeth visits new aircraft carrier before Asia voyage". Reuters. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  57. ^ "Plymouth Harbour Shipping Movements – 22 May 2021".
  58. ^ "Zr.Ms. Evertsen haalt banden aan op reis naar Japan" (in Dutch). Netherlands Ministry of Defence. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  59. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth To Deploy Early Over Bad Weather". Forces News. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  60. ^ "Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail after royal visit". Press Association. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  61. ^ "@HMNBPortsmouth Twitter Post, 22 May 2021". Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  62. ^ "UK Carrier Strike Group heads on historic deployment after royal visit". Royal Navy. 22 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  63. ^ Marine Traffic
  64. ^ "Portsmouth Daily Movements – 24 May 2021". Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  65. ^ "Deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth and Carrier Strike Group will 'fly flag for Global Britain'". Sky News. 26 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  66. ^ "NATO's Steadfast Defender Exercise Highlights Allied Deterrence as Russian Aggression Grows". USNI News. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  67. ^ "UK, US and French airforces take part in exercise 'Atlantic Trident'". Airforce Technology. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  68. ^ "UK's 'HMS Queen Elizabeth' to form powerful armada with French nuclear-powered carrier". The National News. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  69. ^ "Carrier Strike Group deployment to visit 40 countries". Royal Navy. 26 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  70. ^ "HMS Queen Elizabeth British aircraft carrier to visit Greece in June". Navy Recognition. February 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  71. ^ a b "Zr.Ms. Evertsen haalt banden aan op reis naar Japan" (in Dutch). Netherlands Ministry of Defence. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  72. ^ Ripley, Tim (18 April 2021). "British warships head for Black Sea as Russian troops mass on Ukrainian border". The Times. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  73. ^ a b "More details of the upcoming UK Carrier Strike Group deployment emerge". Navy Lookout. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  74. ^ "F-35B jets to join the fight against Daesh from the Carrier Strike Group". Ministry of Defence. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  75. ^ "HMS Diamond suffers serious defect during Carrier Strike Group deployment". Navy Lookout. 13 July 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  76. ^ Manish Kumar Jha (26 April 2021). "UK Carrier Strike Group To Sail India To Boost Military Alliances In Indian Ocean". Business World. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  77. ^ Bradley, Charlie (26 April 2021). "South China Sea: HMS Queen Elizabeth facing 'high risk of incidents' with Beijing's ships". Daily Express. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  78. ^ Haynes, Deborah (5 November 2021). "Britain tracked Chinese submarines and was ready to intercept jets in South China Sea, officers reveal". Sky News. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  79. ^ Allison, George (2021-09-03). "HMS Diamond to rejoin Carrier Strike Group after repairs". Retrieved 2021-10-09.
  80. ^ Tillett, Andrew (11 February 2021). "Australian navy to join UK carrier in regional show of strength". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  81. ^ LaGrone, Sam (3 February 2021). "Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Will Drill with Japanese in Pacific During Deployment". USNI News. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  82. ^ "UK Carrier Strike Group 2021: Who's Joining HMS Queen Elizabeth On Deployment?". Forces News. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  83. ^ "Probe after British F-35 fighter crashes in Mediterranean". BBC News. 17 November 2021.
  84. ^ Allison, George (24 November 2021). "Carrier F-35 crash potentially caused by 'rain cover' being left on". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  85. ^ Cenciotti, David (22 November 2021). "Italian Air Force F-35B Lands On Italian Navy Aircraft Carrier For The First Time". The Aviationist. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  86. ^ ""This evening RFATidespring departed CSG21 & we welcomed RFATidesurge to CSG21."". Commander UK Carrier Strike Group - Twitter. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  87. ^ "HMS Astute inbound to Faslane today welcome home last of the CSG21 vessels to return". Navy Lookout. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  88. ^ Allison, George (28 April 2021). "British Carrier Strike Group to sail through South China Sea". UK Defence Journal. George Allison. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  89. ^ "A sunny send off from 815 Naval Air Squadron today at RNAS Yeovilton". Facebook. RNAS Yeovilton. 1 May 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  90. ^ "Aircraft handlers pass out – and joint Queen Elizabeth straight away". 3 May 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  91. ^ "Merlin squadron commanding officer speaks of Carrier Strike Group pride". Royal Navy. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  92. ^ a b "Merlin helicopters drop torpedoes in Falmouth Bay". UK Defence Journal. 26 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  93. ^ "Merlin helicopters arrive on HMS Queen Elizabeth ahead of landmark deployment". 27 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  94. ^ "US Marine Corps F-35s flew over 5,000 miles for a deployment aboard UK aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth". Business Insider. 28 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  95. ^ Ministry of Defence (23 September 2020). "The Dambusters and Wake Island Avengers take to the skies". medium.com. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  96. ^ Reim, Garrett (25 March 2020). "Why the US Marine Corps plans big downsizing, including some F-35s, MV-22s and all tanks". Flight Global. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_Kingdom_Carrier_Strike_Group_21&oldid=1217907206#Exercise_Steadfast_Defender_and_Exercise_Atlantic_Trident"
  NODES
Association 2
ELIZA 67
HOME 6
Intern 3
iOS 1
languages 1
mac 1
Note 1
OOP 2
os 20
Training 3
twitter 4
visual 2