HMS
Queen Elizabeth is currently heading across the Atlantic to pick up some of the WESTLANT22 tasking, including acting as the platform for the Atlantic Future Forum, before returning to European waters as part of NATO deterrence activities. She was launched by HM Queen Elizabeth The Second, who also was present for her commissioning, and spoke to personnel aboard prior to sailing for the CSG21 deployment, despite having recently lost her beloved Prince Phillip. Her steadfast dedication to duty is an example to us all. Her Majesty also launched the lead ship of the previous class of RN carriers, HMS
Invincible, in 1980.Those who have met Her Majesty said that they were always impressed by her grasp of the details and the way she did her homework - qualities shared with our new King.
Unfortunately many of the politicians involved in drawing up defence policy and making decisions, and many staff officers, have not been willing to do their homework and have not had much of s sense of duty. Unlike a Monarch who seeks to unite, politicians inevitably divide. Here is an official Royal Navy document that makes it plan that the carriers will have a NATO role, including
gaining and retaining the necessary degree of sea control to ensure Freedom of Manoeuvre.
MARITIME OPERATING CONCEPT - THE MARITIME FORCE CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTEGRATED OPERATING CONCEPT
Under section 5 - Force Level Outputs - page 50
The Maritime Force will be organised around four Force Level Outputs: Homeland and Operational Advantage in the North Atlantic; Persistent Engagement; Carrier Strike; Littoral Strike
Homeland and Operational Advantage in the North Atlantic - page 52
An integrated Maritime Force, with NATO at its heart, protecting our homeland and our allies. Homeland Defence/Warfighting. Includes the attribution of CASD, Carrier Strike, and Littoral Strike capabilities (LRG(N)) to NATO as a pillar of Defence and Deterrence in the Euro Atlantic; seeks a more assertive posture which regains operational advantage.
Key outcomes:
• Protection of strategic interests and CNI, including Maritime Counter Terrorism and Maritime Security in the UK’s TTW and EEZ.
• Ensure freedom of manoeuvre in the North Atlantic.
• Maintain CASD for UK and NATO.
• Lead nation in NATO MARCOM.
Carrier Strike - page 54
The heart of the Maritime Force’s – and NATO’s – warfighting capability Built around the Queen Elizabeth
Class Aircraft Carriers. Carrier Strike: Homeland Defence/Contingency/ Warfighting. Contribute to OANA. Through deployments to strategic locations across the globe, promote UK interests, deter adversaries and prevent conflict.
• Project decisive air power from a protected maritime task group, including gaining and retaining the necessary degree of sea control to ensure Freedom of Manoeuvre.
• Demonstrate Global Britain, with regular deployments openly demonstrating British will to engage and resolve to act.
• Contribute to UK/NATO warfighting capability, as a more lethal and more integrated Maritime Force.
• Enable and execute Special Operations
Asturias56
I commented on
Prince of Wales and her issues on the previous page.