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HMS Prince of Wales takes on ammunition and supplies as flying operations continue in the Philippine Sea
7 August 2025
UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales took on critical supplies of ammunition and fuel during continuous flying operations in the Philippine Sea.
The aircraft carrier is currently leading the UK Carrier Strike Group towards Japan as the latest phase of their seven-month Indo-Pacific mission – known as Operation Highmast – alongside regional allies and partners continues.
While the carrier has regularly been resupplied with fuel, it was the first time since her departure from the UK in April that she has received solid stores – food, supplies, engineering parts and equipment – and, importantly, ammunition.
Known as Replenishment at Sea (RAS) in military parlance, Prince of Wales was resupplied with fuel by Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring on her portside and with munitions and provisions by the US Navy’s USNS Wally Schirra on the starboard.
This all took place as F-35B Lightning jets and helicopters continued their operations from the carrier’s flight deck.
Commander Mathew Gee, Group Logistics Commander, UK Carrier Strike Group, said: “Sustaining any ship at sea is critical in maintaining operational tempo, reach, and readiness without relying on port infrastructure.
“For HMS Prince of Wales to conduct a simultaneous replenishment, with both UK and USA support ships, highlights the operational flexibility of the Queen Elizabeth-class and strength of our alliances. Seamless replenishment of fuel, food, and ammunition like this demonstrate the power and importance of logistics.”
While resupplies like this are generally routine business for a task group, this particular one marked a number of firsts.
Never before has a US Navy T-AKE replenishment vessel conducted a RAS with a Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth-class carrier.
It also represented the first time HMS Prince of Wales has conducted a complex ‘double RAS’ – when two replenishment ships refuel and resupply at the same time.
It was also the first time since HMS Queen Elizabeth took on ammunition during her own global mission in 2021 that a carrier has taken on ammunition or stores at sea.
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Parsons, Navigator on HMS Prince of Wales, said: “This was the first time a Queen Elizabeth-class has transferred ammunition and stores from a USNS vessel, concurrently replenishing fuel from a UK tanker, all while launching F-35Bs and launching and recovering rotary wing aircraft.
“It was an extremely demanding and challenging serial from a navigational perspective, and our ability to operate with our partner nation demonstrates the international-by-design nature of Operation Highmast.
“It shows the professionalism and flexibility of our workforce across all branches and the enormous capability of our aircraft carrier. There are not many navies around the world who could conduct this kind of activity and it and it makes me very proud of my team and everyone involved in the serial.”
This all took place as the Royal Fleet Auxiliary celebrates its 120th anniversary.