HMS Queen Elizabeth had to withdraw from Exercise Steadfast Defender due to the problem with her starboard propeller (Picture: Royal Navy)
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s departure from Portsmouth naval base to travel to Rosyth for repairs has been delayed due to the risk of high winds as she leaves the harbour.
The Royal Navy flagship had been due to leave her home port on Monday evening, but is now expected to set sail on Tuesday morning.
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier will then head to the dockyard on the Firth of Forth to allow any necessary work to be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
* Teething troubles: The problems faced by the crews of the Royal Navy’s two carriers
* Deploying HMS Prince of Wales on Steadfast Defender sends clear signal of UK’s lofty Nato ambitions
* Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group gathers momentum ahead of Exercise Steadfast Defender
The warship’s departure to lead Exercise Steadfast Defender – the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War – was cancelled at the last minute after the problem was spotted during final checks.
HMS Prince of Wales was deployed to take the place of the £3bn fleet flagship on the major exercises.Play Video
Watch: HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Defender after delay
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is preparing for her sailing window to travel to Rosyth in Scotland so any necessary repairs can be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
“As ever, sailing will be subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.”
This setback comes 18 months after her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales broke down off the Isle of Wight as she sailed for the US, having suffered a malfunction with a coupling on her starboard propeller.
On that occasion, HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed in her place and deployed to the US to undertake parts of HMS Prince of Wales’ deployment.
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of March 4, 2024, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.
Ships Underway
Total Battle Force
Deployed
Underway
293 (USS 233, USNS 60)
97 (USS 65, USNS 32)
65 (47 Deployed, 18 Local)
In Japan
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Carter Norris, right, from Westfield, Ind., Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 3rd Class Keith Williams, left, from Robles, Calif., and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Laquiane Smith, from Fredericksburg, Va., move in a group while simulating securing the pier during an Anti-Terrorism Training Team (ATTT) drill alongside USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Feb. 29, 2024. US Navy Photo
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port in Yokosuka. The carrier is set to depart for the East Coast later this year. USS George Washington (CVN-73) will replace Reagan in Japan.
The big deck amphibious warship USS America (LHA-6) returned to Sasebo, Japan, on Monday.
In the South China Sea
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the ‘Blue Blasters’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, approaches the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), March 1, 2024. US Navy Photo
Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is operating in the South China Sea.
The carrier is using older C-2A Greyhounds as a temporary carrier-onboard delivery vehicle while the CMV-22B fleet is grounded following the November crash of an Air Force MV-22B Osprey off the coast of Japan.
Carrier Strike Group 9
Cmdr. Haywood Foard, outgoing commanding officer of the ‘Flying Checkmates’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, gets water tossed at him by VFA-211 Sailors during his change of command ceremony aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), March 1, 2024. US Navy Photo
Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
Carrier Air Wing 11
Sailors conduct flight operations with an MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the ‘Eight Ballers’ of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), Feb. 29, 2024. US Navy Photo
The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
The “Black Knights” of VFA 154 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The “Blue Blasters” of VFA 34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Flying Checkmates” of VFA 211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.
The “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.
Cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Destroyer Squadron 23
Seaman Apprentice Katherine Rotolo, from Mandeville, La., stands lookout watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), March 1, 2024. US Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt.
USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
USS Halsey (DDG-97), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The National Security Cutter USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) is operating on the edge of the South China Sea near Singapore.
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) continues sailing toward Yokosuka, Japan. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903) is underway on its first deployment since the cutter relocated to Hawaii.
In the Mediterranean Sea
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, addresses Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), during an all-hands formation aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5), Souda Bay, Greece, March 1, 2024. US Marine Corps Photo
The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, for a regularly scheduled port visit on Wednesday.
The Pentagon has officially extended the deployment of the ARG and the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Mediterranean Sea amid growing regional turmoil, according to a defense official.
Embarked units include Amphibious Squadron 8, 26th MEU (SOC), Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4 and Beach Master Unit 2. The 26th MEU (SOC), based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., includes Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 22.
Among the many missions Marines are trained in is evacuating civilians from conflict zones. USNI News visited the unit last April during a noncombatant evacuation drill in North Carolina.
In the Red Sea
The flight deck of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on Feb. 28, 2024. US Navy photo
Houthi forces in Yemen continue to attack merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while U.S. naval forces in the region have continued self-defense strikes against Houthi weapons that U.S. Central Command says are a threat to naval and merchant ships.
As of Monday, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was operating in the Red Sea.
Ike deployed on Oct. 14, while several of the carrier’s escorts left on Oct. 13. The carrier transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and transited the Suez Canal on Nov. 4.
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 10 approved a resolution calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebel group to “cease its brazen” attacks in the Red Sea.
Announced on Dec. 18, Operation Prosperity Guardian is a multinational push to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden under the structure of the existing Combined Task Force 153.
Carrier Strike Group 2
A F/A-18E Super Hornet prepared to launch from the flight deck of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on Feb. 24, 2024. US Navy Photo
Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Carrier Air Wing 3
The “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA 32 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
The “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
The “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 – MH-60S – from Naval Station Norfolk.
Cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Destroyer Squadron 22
An officer makes a call from the bridge while standing watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87), during a transit of the Bab al-Mandab, Feb. 13, 2024. US Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 22 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Eisenhower.
USS Gravely (DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
USS Mason (DDG-87), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
U.S. ships are continuing to patrol the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led effort to protect ships moving through the region. Houthi forces say they are targeting ships with connections to the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Israel.
On Friday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a self-defense strike against one Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile that was prepared to launch from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen towards the Red Sea.
Later on Friday, the Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from Yemen into the Red Sea. There was no impact or damage to any vessels.
On Thursday, CENTCOM forces conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch toward the Red Sea.
Earlier that evening, CENTCOM forces shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense.
On Tuesday, U.S. aircraft and a coalition warship shot down five Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Red Sea.
On Monday, CENTCOM forces destroyed three unmanned surface vessels (USV), two mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), and a one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in self-defense. The USV and ASCM weapons were prepared to launch toward, and the UAV was over, the Red Sea.
In the Persian Gulf
U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In the Atlantic
An F-35C Lightning II attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 28, 2024. US Navy Photo
Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) returned to Norfolk, Va., on Saturday.
In addition to these major formations, not shown are others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Seabees, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.
Richard McCooJr., during trials in the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 31, 2024. HII Photo
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding has finished acceptance trials for a new amphibious warship.
The future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29) is back from acceptance trials and will deliver to the Navy within the next few weeks, the company announced in a Monday news release.
“The Ingalls’ Test and Trials team spent several days with the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey running the ship at full power and through steering maneuvers,” the release reads. “The team will now complete final finish work on the San Antonio-class ship in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Navy in weeks ahead.”
McCool is the last LPD-17 Flight I ship in the San Antonio-class line. Ingalls is also currently building the first Flight II ships – the future USS Harrisburg (LPD-30) and the future USS Pittsburgh (LPD-31) – at its yard in Pascagoula, Miss.
McCool‘s delivery comes after the ship experienced an unspecified mechanical problem with its propulsion system during trials last year. A spokeswoman for Ingalls said the problem has been fixed.
“In the case of amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD-29), the ship experienced a technical propulsion issue that delayed sea trials,” Ingalls spokeswoman Kimberly Aguillard said in a statement to USNI News. “The combined team has prevailed and we believe the issue is behind us. The ship performed exceptionally well during trials and we remain dedicated to delivering this important asset to our Navy and Marine Corps partners.”
The amphibious transport dock is part of a class of ships that the Pentagon’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office has put a pause on buying so it can assess the future of the LPD line and any possible cost savings within the platform.
During the floating operation, CSBC carefully planned and coordinated various cooperation matters, including multi-functional heavy-duty truck, CITIC No. 8 floating dock and several tugboats in the port area.
This was supported by tugboats, Marine Corps patrol boats, and divers from the Underwater Operations Group.
CSBC Corporation
The Hong Kong Police Department also dispatched a harbor patrol boat. The shipyard will adjust the power systems such as batteries and main engines and carry out port testing (HAT) in the dry dock before entering the next stage of sea testing (SAT).
“Our company, the Navy and the Chinese Academy of Sciences will complete the inspections and tests one by one under safety and quality requirements to achieve the target of ship delivery,” CSBC noted.
Watch the float of Taiwan’s indigenous submarine Hai Kun here.
HMS Queen Elizabeth had to withdraw from Exercise Steadfast Defender due to the problem with her starboard propeller (Picture: Royal Navy)
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s departure from Portsmouth naval base to travel to Rosyth for repairs has been delayed due to the risk of high winds as she leaves the harbour.
The Royal Navy flagship had been due to leave her home port on Monday evening, but is now expected to set sail on Tuesday morning.
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier will then head to the dockyard on the Firth of Forth to allow any necessary work to be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
* Teething troubles: The problems faced by the crews of the Royal Navy’s two carriers
* Deploying HMS Prince of Wales on Steadfast Defender sends clear signal of UK’s lofty Nato ambitions
* Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group gathers momentum ahead of Exercise Steadfast Defender
The warship’s departure to lead Exercise Steadfast Defender – the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War – was cancelled at the last minute after the problem was spotted during final checks.
HMS Prince of Wales was deployed to take the place of the £3bn fleet flagship on the major exercises.Play Video
Watch: HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Defender after delay
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is preparing for her sailing window to travel to Rosyth in Scotland so any necessary repairs can be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
“As ever, sailing will be subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.”
This setback comes 18 months after her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales broke down off the Isle of Wight as she sailed for the US, having suffered a malfunction with a coupling on her starboard propeller.
On that occasion, HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed in her place and deployed to the US to undertake parts of HMS Prince of Wales’ deployment.
Personnel on HMS Trent pictured after the first of two seizures (Picture: Royal Navy)
UK sailors and Royal Marines have seized £290.66m of drugs in two narcotic busts in the Caribbean Sea.
Personnel on HMS Trent worked alongside the US Coast Guard to recover more than 3,000kg of cocaine and other class-A drugs being smuggled on speedboats in the region.
HMS Trent’s fast sea boats and a US patrol aircraft tracked down and chased a suspected smugglers’ speedboat south of the US Virgin Isles, recovering more than 2,700kg of cocaine and other drugs, with an estimated street value of £220.56m.
It was the offshore patrol vessel’s (OPV) second bust in just three weeks, having seized £70.1m of cocaine as part of a separate operation in January.
One of the abandoned drug boats and its illegal cargo (Picture: Royal Navy)
Royal Marines coxswains and the US Coast Guard (USCG) boarding team took control of a vessel and detained four crew members, who tried to offload their illegal cargo during a high-speed chase.
The OPV’s 60 crew members searched 24 sq miles of ocean for the narcotics, and eventually retrieved almost 900kg of cocaine.
A Royal Marine who took part in the operation, but cannot be named for operational reasons, said: “This was a challenging operation and required us to push the boats to their limit.
“Despite their best efforts to evade us, they finally gave up the chase and we were able to get alongside and enable members of the US Coast Guard to seize the vessel.”
Watch: Royal Navy trains Ukrainian divers in mine detection and neutralisation
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This operation sends a clear message: The Royal Navy remains resolute in its efforts to disrupt and dismantle the operations of drug traffickers across the world.
“We will continue to ensure that those who seek to profit from illegal drugs face the full force of justice.
“I’d like to congratulate the ship’s company for their invaluable work keeping illegal drugs off our streets.”
HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford, said: “The achievements of this ship and her crew in the last nine months have been spectacular, and it is brilliant to see the hard work and dedication of this amazing team paying off.
“The team is rightly proud of their efforts, and those of our USCG colleagues.”
HMS Queen Elizabeth had to withdraw from Exercise Steadfast Defender due to the problem with her starboard propeller (Picture: Royal Navy)
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s departure from Portsmouth naval base to travel to Rosyth for repairs has been delayed due to the risk of high winds as she leaves the harbour.
The Royal Navy flagship had been due to leave her home port on Monday evening, but is now expected to set sail on Tuesday morning.
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier will then head to the dockyard on the Firth of Forth to allow any necessary work to be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
The warship’s departure to lead Exercise Steadfast Defender – the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War – was cancelled at the last minute after the problem was spotted during final checks.
HMS Prince of Wales was deployed to take the place of the £3bn fleet flagship on the major exercises.
Watch: HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Defender after delay
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is preparing for her sailing window to travel to Rosyth in Scotland so any necessary repairs can be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
“As ever, sailing will be subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.”
She was launched by William Cramp and Sons Shipbuilding Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., 22 April 1945: and sponsored by Mrs. Clark Wallace Thompson. The cruiser’s construction was suspended when nearly complete on 24 June 1946; and the hull assigned to the Philadelphia Group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. She was reclassified CL-93 on 4 February 1956; then reclassified to CLG-3 on 23 May 1957; and commissioned at Philadelphia 28 May 1958, Captain J. B. Colwell in command.
