{"id":144667,"date":"2023-12-11T17:57:41","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T17:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theprojectsworld.com\/?p=144667"},"modified":"2023-12-11T17:57:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T17:57:41","slug":"thousands-welcome-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-hms-prince-of-wales-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theprojectsworld.com\/world-news\/thousands-welcome-royal-navy-aircraft-carrier-hms-prince-of-wales-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands welcome Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales home"},"content":{"rendered":"
Over 2,000 families and friends have lined the jetty to welcome home loved ones aboard Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, as it returned from a three-month deployment to the US.<\/p>\n
The \u00a33billion warship carried out flight trials with the US Marine Corps and F-35B stealth fighter jets.<\/p>\n
The carrier returned to Portsmouth Naval Base where about 2,600 people waited at the jetty, many waving flags and holding banners as they welcomed the crew home.<\/p>\n
The ship\u2019s commanding officer, Captain Richard Hewitt, from Kingsbridge, Devon, was met by his wife Clara and sons Oliver, ten, William, eight, and Ben, two.<\/p>\n
Mrs Hewitt said: \u2018All of the families have missed them and we are really proud of all that they have achieved. We all worked hard in the UK to get them away.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales returned to Portsmouth today after a three-month deployment in the US<\/p>\n
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The \u00a33billion warship carried out flight trials with the US Marine Corps and F-35B stealth fighter jets.<\/p>\n
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Around 2,600 people were waiting as the carrier arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base<\/p>\n
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The ship also carried out trials with small pilotless drones which could take the place of helicopters delivering supplies to a task group<\/p>\n
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A naval officer hugs his son after seeing him for the first time in over three months<\/p>\n
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The ship\u2019s commanding officer, Captain Richard Hewitt, from Kingsbridge, Devon, being greeted by his sons Oliver and William\u00a0<\/p>\n
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REUNITED: Captain Hewitt is welcomed by his wife Clara and their three sons<\/p>\n
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Leading hand Fraser Gray is greeted by partner Laura Krusinskyte<\/p>\n
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Sarah Wells, 4, sheds a tear as she hugs her father, able seaman Jordan Wells<\/p>\n
Oliver said: \u2018I\u2019m happy, emotional and proud.\u2019<\/p>\n
William said: \u2018It\u2019s really inspirational.\u2019<\/p>\n
Capt Hewitt said: \u2018It\u2019s great to be back after a hugely-successful deployment.<\/p>\n
\u2018During the past three and a half months we have pushed the boundaries of naval aviation, worked hand in hand with our US partners and ensured the continued advancement of Queen Elizabeth class aviation.<\/p>\n
\u2018I am immensely proud of all on board who have been nothing short of brilliant. My particular thanks go to all those who have supported us from home.\u2019<\/p>\n
Petty Officer Nicholas Baker, 32, from Derby, was met by his fiancee Rebecca Randle and their daughter Amelia-Rose, who turns two next week.<\/p>\n
He said: \u2018It feels amazing seeing the family and perfect timing with Amelia-Rose\u2019s birthday and Christmas coming up.\u2019<\/p>\n
Ms Randle said: \u2018It\u2019s great to have him home, my cheeks are already hurting because I\u2019ve been smiling so much.\u2019<\/p>\n
Able seaman (AB) Lucy Phillips, 21, from Waltham Abbey, east London, and AB Luke Gorst, 22, from Chester, Cheshire, said they were planning celebrations after becoming engaged in Jacksonville, Florida, during the deployment.<\/p>\n
They were met ashore by their families including AB Gorst\u2019s nine-week old foster sister Heidi.<\/p>\n
AB Gorst said: \u2018Popping the question was one of the scariest things. I only told a select few on board before but the ring was burning a hole in my pocket and I wanted to do it, I just had to find the perfect moment.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Able seaman Lucy Phillips, who got engaged while on the deployment, is greeted by her fiance’s nine-week foster sister Heidi<\/p>\n
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MISSED YOU: A naval officer hugs his partner wearing a Union flag<\/p>\n
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The aircraft carrier has also welcomed a string of VIP guests including senior British and US naval officers to the Japanese navy<\/p>\n
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Jody Anthony and her son Oscar await her sister Yasmine Mante arriving on the military vessel<\/p>\n
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Naval officers wave to over 2,000 people gathered to welcome the warship home<\/p>\n
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People line up to welcome the aircraft carrier carrying placards, with one reading ‘Welcome home Dobby’<\/p>\n
AB Phillips said: \u2018The girls organised a do on board and everyone congratulated me, the planning starts now.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s amazing to be back, it\u2019s been a long time coming.\u2019<\/p>\n
The ship also carried out trials with small pilotless drones which could take the place of helicopters delivering supplies to a task group, and with larger crewless aircraft used for long-range surveillance or strike missions.<\/p>\n
A Royal Navy spokesman said: \u2018The carrier\u2019s flight deck, which has never been busier, has also frequently hosted US Marine Corps Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and a series of gunships and general purpose helicopters to maximise the ability of the two allies\u2019 military forces to operate seamlessly together.<\/p>\n
\u2018The ship has also welcomed a string of VIP guests, from senior British and US naval officers to the Japanese navy, which is about to operate F-35s at sea, while the ship\u2019s company took part in formal ceremonies including a joint remembrance service to mark Armistice Day.\u2019<\/p>\n
HMS Prince of Wales will now undergo maintenance before carrying out further training exercises before its first carrier strike group deployment in 2025.<\/p>\n