US and UK join forces in NATO Strike Warrior exercise in North Sea, bringing aircraft carriers together to ensure readiness for future combat operations

Aircraft carriers from the US and UK navies are taking part in a major 15-day NATO exercise called Exercise Strike Warrior together in the North Sea. Led by HMS Prince of Wales and USS Harry S. Truman, the exercise, which will begin on October 14, 2024 and run through October 25, aims to ensure readiness for future combat operations.

Apart from the two naval giants, the exercise includes the participation of warships from Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Denmark. In addition to the British Royal Navy, HMS Prince of Wales, F-35B Lightning fighters, HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke and an Astute-class submarine will strengthen international cooperation in Scottish waters.

US and UK aircraft carriers are leading NATO exercises in the North Sea

Aircraft carriers from the United States and United Kingdom navies are participating in a 15-day NATO exercise in the North Sea. Led by HMS Prince of Wales and USS Harry S. Truman, the exercise, which will begin on October 14, 2024 and run through October 25, aims to ensure readiness for future combat operations.

Apart from the two naval giants, the exercise includes the participation of warships from Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Denmark. In addition to the British Royal Navy, HMS Prince of Wales, F-35B Lightning fighters, HMS Portland, HMS Iron Duke and an Astute-class submarine will strengthen international cooperation in Scottish waters.

Royal Navy Exercise and Readiness Command

The exercise is coordinated from HMS Prince of Wales, under the command of Commodore James Blackmore, head of the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group. “The UK Carrier Strike Group is a 1* battle group that commands the fleet launched from HMS Prince of Wales,” Blackmore said. “I have command of highly capable assets and personnel that provide powerful capabilities in all domains, from anti-aircraft to cyber.”

According to Blackmore, this training is necessary to validate your team as a “highest readiness” force, which means being ready to command the fleet with a few days’ notice. “All of this is in preparation for next year’s training, which will see us traveling around the world to achieve new objectives,” the commander said.

The US and the UK lead NATO exercises that focus on naval readiness and international security

By undertaking Exercise Strike Warrior, the navies of the US, UK and European allies are demonstrating their commitment to collective security and operational readiness. Maneuvers strengthen ties between participating nations, ensure readiness of forces to counter threats in multiple domains, and ensure stability in the region.

The exercise represents a significant milestone in the international cooperation and rapid response capabilities of NATO naval forces. With global tensions on the rise, such training is necessary to maintain security and peace in the international arena.