THREAD. With my staff set to disembark @HMSQNLZ following the successful completion of Exercise Joint Warrior, what have we achieved? Some thoughts…

1. We embarked the largest air group of 5th generation fighters ever put to sea – finally silencing those who harp on about ‘carriers without jets’. UK F-35B numbers will grow, but the ability to operate UK & US jets interchangeably from a British deck offers massive flexibility.

2. We accomplished what many doubted possible by forming a sovereign British strike group – but also integrated ships & aircraft from our closest NATO allies. It demonstrates the convening power of @HMSQNLZ & @HMSPWLS and continuing UK leadership in #NATO.

3. We are rediscovering the complex art of task group operations across a host of disciplines, from logistics to information warfare, and nurturing a new generation of ‘Strike Warriors’ - their skill & commitment is the most critical capability of all.

4. Against the backdrop of COVID, @RoyalNavy achieved all this alongside our standing tasks, including other task groups in the Caribbean & Med. Carrier Strike doesn’t come at the expense of the rest of the Navy – it’s Carrier Strike that balances the fleet once again.

So, we’ve well and truly busted some myths. Our allies believe in our future and so should we. Much still to prepare for deployment next year, but 20 years of ambition has been realised - the UK Carrier Strike Group is now a reality.