Work hard, play hard. Carrier crew reflect on life on board HMS Prince of Wales

The aircraft carrier was away for three months on the first stage of her Operation Firecrest mission (it resumes in the autumn), focused entirely on operations and exercises in the Atlantic/Arctic to safeguard Europe’s Northern Flank.

Its demanded a concerted effort by all involved in the UK Carrier Strike Group – which also included destroyer HMS Duncan and tanker RFA Tidespring.

Marine engineers. Aircraft handlers. Meteorologists. Information Warfare experts. Chefs. Logisticians. Gunners. Seamen. Aircraft engineers. And many more.

For some it’s been their first deployment – like warfare specialist AB Allcock, who has qualified as an Able Seaman 1^st Class while away.

“The Bear interaction with Russia was super cool because it really felt like what we've been doing is important.

“I thought the food was great! Chinese was a personal fave. It's been really nice vibes down in my mess, doing karaoke, chilling and quizzes in our down time. The friendships I've formed in my mess have been a real highlight.”

Many of the images you’ve seen over the course of the past three months (and a good deal you won’t for the branch also gather intelligence when required) have been captured by former Royal Marine Leading Photographer Seymour alongside colleagues from the RN and RAF.

“Having come from another service I really wasn't sure what to expect from the maritime life... I was surprised by the warmth I've received from my peers and from my management.

“It has been delightful to see many different professional elements integrate together on such a large platform, delivering truly complex activity.

“As a photographer onboard it has been a privilege to be part of the team who got to tell the story."

The women of 5D Mess – all junior rates – embody the work hard/play hard ethos of the Senior Service on deployment. They feel they’ve truly bonded while away.

“This time being away has to be honest been very tough at times, the constant change has been difficult but it has also really brought us a ship's company together...

“It really is the people around you who get you through the hard times. We're really proud of the perseverance which I think we've shown to deal with setbacks and keep our heads up.

“It has been a great training opportunity, and we've been good at checking in with each other, we've got each other's backs – and as a ship's company we’ve all really moulded more as a team."

Read about the first half of the Firecrest deployment here: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2026/july/23/20260723-uk-carrier-strike-group-completes-first-phase-of-2026-mission