US Marine Corps Departs from Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) Aircraft Carrier

The Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) aircraft carrier bid farewell to the American F-35 fighter jets that had been deployed alongside the ship on its global journey. The American jets, along with their personnel, had been working closely with the RAF/Royal Navy 617 Squadron, famously known as the ‘Dambusters’. Together, they executed an impressive 1,278 sorties, accumulating over 2,200 flight hours across the skies worldwide.

The US Marine Corps’ VMFA-211 squadron, known as the Wake Island Avengers, which operates the same F-35B variant as the UK, has now concluded its six-month operational and exercise commitments with the UK Carrier Strike Group. During their deployment, they executed 44 missions in support of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting crucial air strikes against Daesh. HMS Queen Elizabeth serves as the flagship of the Royal Navy and is the lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth class of aircraft carriers.

Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, expressed his thoughts on this joint effort, stating: “The CSG21 deployment showcased the integration of VMFA-211, a US Marine Corps F-35B squadron, throughout the mission. It was a tangible demonstration of the special relationship between the UK and the US and our joint commitment to ensuring stability, security, and freedom of the seas. As we bid farewell to our Marine Corps colleagues in the UK Carrier Strike Group, I want to extend my thanks to them for their unwavering commitment, loyalty, professionalism, and great sense of humor. The accomplishments during this deployment have been groundbreaking and have set a new standard for integration. As the saying goes, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go strong, then go together. Semper fidelis.'”

“Today marks the farewell of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 of the United States Marine Corps. The ten F-35B aircraft of VMFA-211 completed their final launch from HMS Queen Elizabeth, marking the end of 16 months of integration with the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group. Throughout the entirety of CSG21, they played a pivotal role in strengthening the ties between the UK and the US. Operating alongside various allies, particularly the US, provided invaluable experience in the use of the highly capable Lightning F-35B alongside Merlin and Wildcat helicopters from the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers,” shared Captain James Blackmore, Royal Navy Air Wing and Strike Commander.

In addition to the US Marine Corps, the US Navy ship USS The Sullivans also joined the UK Carrier Strike Group during its inaugural operational deployment. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer recently departed the task group, returning to Mayport in Florida.

The UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) is a formidable carrier battle group within the Royal Navy, with a history dating back to the mid-2000s. Its composition has evolved over the years, with its previous incarnation centered around the Royal Navy’s Invincible-class aircraft carriers until the retirement of their Harrier GR9 strike aircraft in 2011. However, the UKCSG was reconstituted in February 2015 in preparation for the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and HMS Prince of Wales (R09). The primary goal of the CSG is to enable carrier-based power projection.