Aircraft Carriers III

Should have upgraded HMS Ocean

And together with 2 x Albion class and Bay class would have formed a independent amphibious assault group

Keep them separate from the carrier strike groups

Using carrier strike groups for littoral missions is too dangerous

But I know why they did it, simply there is not enough escorts to cover 2 x CSG and 1 x ARG

The plan is for the RN to deploy 1xCSG and 1xARG, not 2 of either. The second carrier is 'off duty' whilst the first is deployed or ready to deploy.

Next on the list for replacement is Argus around 2024, and this could be used as an excuse to provide a proper replacement for Ocean too, if a suitable LPH type ship design can be provided (BAe have an enlarged variant of Ocean on the drawing board...). Talk of replacing Albion and Bulwark with LHDs needs to stop, as they won't be replaced until the mid 2030s at the earliest and we need an LPH capability ASAP. 40 years ago the LPH role was loaded onto the carrier force just to maintain it's currency between the lifespans of suitable dedicated ships, and this has happened again. Ocean came in for the price of a Frigate (a bit too cheap at the time, but rectified later), so it won't be like ordering a third CVF cost-wise.

indeed
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HMS Prince of Wales has just appeared on AIS. Still alongside in Rosyth - no official comment yet on when she will sail. Forecast is for stronger winds tomorrow which is unhelpful for move through very narrow lock entrance.

1130 on 19 Sep and the tugs are seen clustered in the Rosyth basin and the flight deck on R09 is cleared of surplus contractor’s equipment and She’s ready to go! The weather looks OK too.

HMS Prince of Wales will sail again (even if it’s not far today!) at around 1600 for the first time in 78 years, and the famous R09 pennant under power for the first time in 41 years. A great day for the RN and UK defence capability is in prospect
Gangways removed and ready to go!

The first members of her air group are ready to embark too; Merlin HM2s from 814NAS:

And she's moving! PTB Buccaneer was loaded first and the tugs are positioned ready to help her out of the basin:

Formation sailing

2 x carriers let’s see it

Since 2011 I have always looked over my shoulder while crossing the bridge at Rosyth

After 8 years the port is now empty and nothing to see there

Seems like such a long time but in other times so fast

Really a milestone

Nosing out of the basin:

As HMS Prince of Wales finally changes from building site to Warship, the Royal Mail has released her sister on a stamp!

She's anchored in the Forth now, awaiting final checks and suitable tides before leaving for the North Sea and her trials:

Some More:
Name plate and deck letter clearly visible;