-TOKYO, JAPAN — SEPT. 2, 2025: The British Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales departed Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, after a port visit as part of Operation HIGHMAST. Operation HIGHMAST, an eight-month naval mission launched by the UK, will cover more than 26,000 nautical miles, include stops in over 40 countries, and feature more than 70 exercises, operations, and engagements. Earlier, HMS Prince of Wales joined a nine-day military drill in the western Pacific alongside naval forces from Japan, the UK, the US, Australia, Spain, and Norway. Japan’s carrier Kaga and destroyer Teruzuki provided escort during the exercises. Tokyo and London, both close allies of Washington, have been strengthening security ties in response to China’s growing military presence in the East and South China Seas.