Royal Navy flagship and head of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group (CSG) HMS Prince of Wales has arrived in Tokyo for an historic port visit.
The aircraft carrier sailed into the Japanese capital this week amid much fanfare as part of a major port stop which will see the warship hosting an international summit, the Pacific Future Forum.
The warship will play host to foreign politicians and dignitaries and will also allow a series of public tours as part of her mission to deepen bonds between the Land of the Rising Sun and the U.K.
Japanese Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani, U.K. Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, and head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins were among the VIPs welcoming the carrier as she arrived in Tokyo.
Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales Captain Will Blackett commented: “After a brief but busy period of planned maintenance in Yokosuka, it’s a huge privilege to bring the Royal Navy fleet flagship into the centre of Tokyo.”
He added: “Before arriving to Japan, we exercised with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force at sea. It has been great to see what we can do together and our commitment to working with our partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Japan has been an incredible place to visit, our sailors have been so welcomed here and have explored all across the country.”
The constituents of the CSG and their crews have just completed a period of maintenance and rest in Yokosuka. After her stint in Tokyo, the carrier will continue her Operation Highmast mission and reunite with her escorts, including HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring, which are currently paying a visit to Busan, South Korea.
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website