Italy - November 15, 2025 Footage shows HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless at anchor off the coast of Naples, with the UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales sailing in to take up position offshore. This port visit is intended to strengthen ties between Italy and the United Kingdom. The eight-month mission, known as Operation HIGHMAST, is led by HMS Prince of Wales and involves a dozen nations. After five months of operations across the Indo-Pacific, the task group has returned to the Mediterranean for further multinational exercises before beginning its voyage home. The aim of Operation HIGHMAST is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of both the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve alongside allies, and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel have taken part, including nearly 600 RAF personnel, around 900 soldiers, and 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.