Italy - May 11, 2025 Ionian Sea – Two of Europe’s most powerful naval forces joined for a week-long military exercise as the Royal Navy’s global mission reached a key point in the Mediterranean. The Italian carrier strike group, centered on their flagship ITS Cavour, teamed up with the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales, based in Portsmouth. Together, they formed a force of 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets, 19 helicopters, ten patrol aircraft, and 8,000 personnel. F-35B Lightning jets from both nations flew missions day and night over the Mediterranean. Warships and submarines worked together on critical training exercises, including anti-submarine warfare tactics in the waters between Taranto and Sicily. Prince of Wales carried 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, both actively engaged in the training, which was called Med Strike. ITS Cavour serves as the flagship of the Italian Navy and supports fixed-wing and helicopter operations, command and control, and heavy transport. The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is currently on Op HIGHMAST, a multinational mission to the Indo-Pacific. The deployment supports security in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific, while also promoting British trade and industry.