Overview

• The UK Carrier Strike Group linked up with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer carrier JS Kaga on August 4 to start weeklong combined F-35B flight operations in the Philippine Sea.
• Exercises feature short-takeoff and vertical-landing training alongside cross-deck landings and take-offs between HMS Prince of Wales and JS Kaga.
• US Marine Corps F-35B squadrons from USS America have joined the drills to strengthen operational integration with Royal Navy and JMSDF forces.
• Royal Norwegian and Spanish Navy frigates attached to the UK task group are also participating in the multilateral carrier exercises.
• After the drills conclude around August 12, elements of the UK task group will split with some ships and aircraft proceeding to South Korea and HMS Prince of Wales moving on to Japanese port visits.