UK Secretary of Defense Visit to HMS Prince of Wales

 

Video Source: U.S. MILITARY CENTRAL

UK Secretary of State for Defence visit to COMUKSTRKFOR R09. The UK’s new defence strategy in the Arctic region has been announced in Norway today by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. The UK’s Defence Contribution in the High North outlines plans to protect critical underwater national infrastructure and ensure freedom of navigation through international seas and Exclusive Economic Zones in the Arctic region. The strategy sets out the UK’s commitments to NATO, such as increasing UK training and operations in the area with Allies and international partners. The UK will also invest in research and development to build a sustainable and modernised Defence capability for the region. As part of the new strategy, the UK will maintain a periodic Royal Navy presence in the High North. The strategy also reinforces support to Arctic Allies to preserve the stability and security of the Arctic region. HMS Prince of Wales is on a planned deployment to Norway as the NATO Command Ship 2022. Rear Admiral Utley CB OBE, Commander Strike Forces, as the NATO Maritime Component Commander of the NATO Readiness Force, will use the Aircraft Carrier’s 5Th Generation Command and Control capabilities to command one of the largest Task Forces on exercise in the Arctic Circle since the 1980’s. On invitation of Norwegian Allies to take part in the exercise Cold Response 2022 and escorted by HMS Richmond, HMS Defender and USS Roosevelt and along with her RFA Tidesurge. The HMS Prince of Wales Task Group will operate in the harsh cold weather environment with allies and partners from across NATO, including the ITS Garibaldi and FX Dixmude aircraft carriers.