14th May 2025 at 10:21am
The Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless, part of CSG25, has docked in Souda Bay in Crete, alongside the rest of the fleet, in the first run ashore of the deployment.
In a post on X, the ship’s crew said: “There will be meetings to discuss Medstrike and lessons learned,” adding that personnel are due to enjoy some downtime, with the chance to rest and take part in fitness and adventure training.
In recent days, Type 45 destroyer Dauntless has been conducting gunnery training alongside HMS Richmond, as well as taking part in various other serials on Exercise Med Strike, alongside the Italian Navy.
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Twenty-one warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, 10 patrol aircraft and 8,000 personnel were involved in the joint exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.
The exercise was also a test of air defence skills, including fending off aerial drone attacks.
UK and Italian F-35B Lightnings took to the air during Ex Med Strike, with HMS Prince of Wales working closely with the Italian aircraft carrier, ITS Cavour.
Warships and submarines from both the UK and Italy also trained together, practising anti-submarine warfare tactics.
Earlier in the CSG deployment, HMS Dauntless also concluded an air defence exercise, demonstrating how she can help defend the wider task group.
Twelve countries are taking part in the carrier strike group deployment, known as Operation Highmast, which will last eight months and cover more than 30,000 miles.
CSG25 is due to take part in more large-scale exercises with allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan and Australia during this time.
More than 4,500 British military personnel are involved, including almost 600 RAF, 900 soldiers, and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.
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