![]() ![]() There can be no accusations of any sinister intent as the transit was publicised in a Tweet from the ship and Richmond’s AIS was activated allowing her progress to be monitored by all. Only a single frigate of the CSG made this journey but it was clearly a signal to China that the Strait must remain an international waterway open to everyone. Having previously been deployed on operations to support the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes, HMS Richmond made a direct transit through the Taiwan Strait. ![]() Wildcat helicopter from HMS Kent conducts cross-decking flight with HNLMS Evertsen 30th September (Photo: Sgt. HMNZS Aotearoa & HMS Queen Elizabeth off the coast of Guam (Photo: Royal New Zealand Navy). The ships later accompanied the group through the South China Sea en route to participate in exercise Bersama Gold 21. HMNZS Te Kaha has just had a major upgrade and HMNZS Aotearoa’s is on her first operational deployment to the South East Asia region. HMS Queen Elizabeth and the CSG units sailed from Guam on 27th September and conducted their first exercises with the Royal New Zealand Navy. 845NAS and 1700NAS engineers change the rotor head on a Merlin Mk4 onboard RFA Fort Victoria while alongside in Guam. On the 23rd of September Captain Angus Essenhigh handed over command of the flagship to Captain Ian Feasey. HMS Queen Elizabeth alongside in Guam for the second time. While in Guam, personnel were able to get ashore for well-deserved rest and relaxation. This second visit to the island was because the time spent in Yokosuka, Japan was curtailed by COVID restrictions confining crews to ships. Having gone as far east as planned, the group began its westward journey home, including participation in three major exercises during this period.Īfter more than 120 days spent at sea since leaving Portsmouth in May, units of the CSG arrived in Guam for a period of mid deployment maintenance and rest on 13th September ahead of the next phase of the deployment. This photo and video essay cover the activities of the UK Carrier Strike Group in September and October.
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