UK HMS Prince of Wales joins NATO

LONDON, Nov 17 (KUNA) -- The Royal Navyآ’s powerful aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its advanced fighter jets are under NATO command, the Defence Secretary has announced.
"In a first for Europe, this significant milestone sees the Carrier Strike Group reach آ‘Full Operating Capabilityآ’ - with advanced 5th generation jets, airborne surveillance, and vital support ships to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, and support European security," the Ministry of Defense said in a press release.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "We are in a new era of threat that demands a new era for defence. Our strength comes from hard power and strong alliances, so it is fitting to mark this moment alongside one of our closest NATO allies in Italy. Their F-35s have been operating from the carrier to demonstrate the deep partnership between our militaries".
The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary host their Italian counterparts on Monday aboard HMS Prince of Wales, off the coast of Naples, during a visit to the historic maritime city.
In line with the UKآ’s NATO-first approach, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review, HMS Prince of Wales and its strike group will drastically increase NATOآ’s lethality and readiness. The move also means that for the first time, NATO will have a carrier strike group under its command with the most advanced 5th generation F-35 fighter jets. (end) nbs.mt