U.K. Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Now on the Edge of the South China Sea

The Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group is making its way into the South China Sea with some ships already there ahead of carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08). The strike group has partially disaggregated into different elements following the conclusion of Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy, held from 21 to 22 July in the Bay of Bengal.

The U.K. Carrier Strike Group CSG 21 includes Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Richmond (F239) and HMS Kent (F78); Type 45 guided-missile destroyer HMS Defender (D36); Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s RFA Fort Victoria(A387) and RFA Tidespring (A136) ; U.S. destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68); Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F805); and the nuclear attack boat HMS Artful (S121). U.S. Marine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 is embarked with the air group along with the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron “The Dambusters.”.

As of Sunday morning, automatic identification system data show Defenderdocked at Muara Naval Base, Brunei, while the Tidespring, having left Singapore, is currently headed out to the South China Sea. Both ships passed Singapore on the 24th local time with Tidespring docking that day in Singapore to replenish supplies while Defender headed to Brunei.

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