Overview
- The Royal Navy declared the HMS Prince of Wales–led Carrier Strike Group at Full Operating Capability in Europe for the first time.
- NATO assumes command of the force as it deploys off Naples following the Falcon Strike drills with Italian F‑35 operations from the carrier.
- The integrated package fields F‑35 fighters, airborne surveillance capability and escort ships configured for carrier strike missions.
- UK ministers John Healey and Yvette Cooper visited the ship in Naples for UK–Italy defense consultations, with the planned at-sea 2+2 shifted to videoconference due to bad weather.
- The group now joins the NATO Neptune Strike exercise in the Mediterranean, featuring carrier air missions, amphibious training and anti‑submarine warfare drills.