Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales has conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with both U.K. and U.S. support vessels as the Carrier Strike Group sails towards Japan.
The aircraft carrier was restocked while under way by both RFA Tidespring and the U.S. Navy’s USNS Wally Schirra during continuous flying operations in the Philippine Sea.
The new focus of the CSG’s eight-month Operation Highmast mission has now shifted to Asia following visits and exercises in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, taking in calls to Singapore and Darwin, Australia.
Following multi-carrier exercises with other strike groups led by JS Kaga and USS George Washington respectively, the U.K. CSG is expected to dock in the Japanese port of Yokosuka later this week.
As per a Royal Navy press statement, while the carrier has regularly been resupplied with fuel, it was the first time since her departure from the U.K. in April that she had received solid stores: food, spares and ammunition.
This was the first time a U.S. Navy T-AKE replenishment vessel had conducted a RAS with an RN Queen Elizabeth-class carrier, and was also the first time HMS Prince of Wales had carried out a double RAS, where two replenishment ships refuel and resupply at the same time.
U.K. CSG Group Logistics chief Commander Mathew Gee commented: “Sustaining any ship at sea is critical in maintaining operational tempo, reach, and readiness without relying on port infrastructure.
“For HMS Prince of Wales to conduct a simultaneous replenishment, with both U.K. and USA support ships, highlights the operational flexibility of the Queen Elizabeth-class and strength of our alliances. Seamless replenishment of fuel, food, and ammunition like this demonstrate the power and importance of logistics.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website