The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales — August 31, Koto Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Ikue Mio)
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On August 31, the Royal Navy's largest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, opened to the public for special tours at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.
About 90 people were selected from roughly 40,000 applicants. They were given the chance to see the ship's flying control center (FLYCO), which manages air operations, and view F-35B fighter jets lined up on the deck.
On August 28, members of the press were invited to sail aboard the carrier from Yokosuka to Tokyo. During the voyage, facilities such as the ski jump deck, lounge, and dining hall were showcased. That same day the carrier entered Tokyo International Cruise Terminal after leaving Yokosuka, and the Navy opened it to the media.
Expanding Security Role
The UK is strengthening its security role in the Indo-Pacific. It aims to deepen defense cooperation with Japan through public outreach. HMS Prince of Wales is the flagship of a strike group that includes vessels from Canada, Norway, and other countries. The group left the UK in April. In August, it carried out joint exercises in the western Pacific with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the US military.
Since leaving the European Union, the UK has pursued a strategy of raising its presence in the Indo-Pacific. It is expanding security and economic ties, and is working to strengthen defense partnerships with regional allies such as Japan and Australia.
Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the strike group, said the exercises had shown a close partnership. He added that he hoped to further deepen exchanges with the public during the carrier's stay in Tokyo.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun and Kyodo
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