Portsmouth, United Kingdom – Britain’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales departed from Portsmouth to begin preparations for its next mission.

The aircraft carrier will take on Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, along with Malloy drones, as around 900 crew members prepare the warship for the next stage of operations.

The 65,000-tonne vessel has been stationed at Portsmouth Naval Base since late November, following the completion of an eight-month deployment to the western Indo-Pacific. During that mission, it led the Royal Navy’s main 2025 operation, known as Operation Highmast.

Since returning, the crew has worked alongside base personnel and contractors to clean, service, maintain, and upgrade thousands of onboard systems. In recent days, they have also loaded food, spare parts, and support equipment ahead of departure.

Air support during the initial training phase will come from Merlin helicopters of 820 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose, maritime Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron, and battlefield Wildcats from 847 Naval Air Squadron, both based at RNAS Yeovilton.

“HMS Prince of Wales ship’s company is looking forward to sailing, for the first time since returning from deployment in 2025, with their headquarters and air wing embarked,” said Commander David Mason.

Executive Warrant Officer David Wilson added: “After our time alongside the ship’s company is excited and keen to get back to sea.”

The vessel will now carry out combined training exercises in home waters before heading to Scotland to take on ammunition in preparation for future operations.

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