The UK’s Carrier Strike Group has completed its passage through the Suez Canal, marking the start of its long journey home after an eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast.
Led by the fleet flagship HMS Prince of Wales, the group has operated across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans, working alongside allies from 10 nations in one of the Royal Navy’s most ambitious global missions in recent years.
The deployment saw UK and US F-35B Lightning jets flying side by side from the carrier’s deck, conducting joint operations and exercises with partner navies across the region. Supporting the mission were HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring, providing escort and vital logistics throughout the journey.
The fleet’s unsung hero
Among the standout contributors has been RFA Tidespring, one of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s key replenishment tankers. Having accompanied the Carrier Strike Group from the very start, Tidespring has been responsible for keeping the fleet moving, refuelling ships from multiple nations, including those of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, without the need for frequent port stops.
Since leaving the UK in April, the ship has carried out 79 replenishments at sea, averaging three per week, and has delivered an extraordinary 30,120 cubic metres of diesel and 4,200 cubic metres of aviation fuel. That’s enough to fill 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools or top up the tanks of half a million cars.
As the Royal Fleet Auxiliary celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, Tidespring’s performance has been hailed as a testament to its endurance and professionalism. The vessel has already sailed 36,358 nautical miles, more than one and a half times around the world, with another 13,000 miles to go before returning home by Christmas.
Final leg home
Along the way, the Carrier Strike Group has made port calls in Cape Town, Duqm, Singapore, Darwin, Busan, Goa, and Mombasa, strengthening defence ties and cooperation across regions.
With the Suez Canal now behind them, HMS Prince of Wales and her escorts will transit the Mediterranean before finally returning to UK waters for Christmas.
The Royal Navy said Operation Highmast had demonstrated Britain’s ability to project power globally, sustain complex maritime operations, and work seamlessly with international partners across multiple oceans, a clear signal of the UK’s enduring commitment to global security and freedom of navigation.
