"We prepared for the worst": "Proud" HMS Prince of Wales sailors reflect on Pacific op amid Christmas return

Members of HMS Prince of Wales’ ship’s company shared their experiences of the Indo-Pacific after eight months away from home. They were personally thanked by defence secretary John Healey for their service, who paid them a visit yesterday afternoon (December 5).

AB Oli Carter, a 24-year-old aircraft handler, said it feels weird to be back after so long away. “Seeing Portsmouth again feels a bit surreal,” the Devon native told The News. “I’ve never been on a deployment that length.”

The largest Royal Navy homecoming in 20 years took place on November 30 when HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Dauntless, and HNoMS Roald Amundsen sailed to HMNB Portsmouth. They were part of the UK Carrier Strike Group that travelled 40,000 nautical miles and conducted huge exercises in Japan, Australia, India and elsewhere.

“Tense” moments

It was not all smooth sailing, with personnel having to contend with high threat areas in the Red Sea and South China Sea. “Going through the Red Sea was an experience with the defence watches,” AB Carter said. “Luckily, nothing happened, but we had to prepare for the worst. It was the toughest part of the deployment.

“The South China Sea and Taiwan Strait weren’t as extreme as the Red Sea, but we were on high alert the whole time. All of the helicopters were ready to be deployed with 30 minutes notice in case there was a threat somewhere.

“That was busy for me. I enjoyed working in that high pressure scenario. It’s what you join for, that slight excitement over a bit of conflict. We all felt really prepared and bought into the training.”

AB Tamara Mitchell, a 27-year-old dental nurse from Jersey, added: “We had training packages ahead of the Red Sea and South China Sea, which was extremely helpful. If we were called upon, we would know what to do. It was tense. You were constantly getting yourself prepared in case an alarm went off.”

The personnel were celebrated for their service upon their return, with thousands of people across Portsmouth welcoming them home. “Going past Gunwharf, you couldn’t see the shops because of the rows of people,” AB Carter added.

“You knew it wasn’t just naval families, it was the locals as well. That meant a lot and was really emotional seeing everyone supporting us. When you’re away for eight months, you can feel lonely, so that meant a lot to the ship and me personally.”

AB Mitchell said: “It was incredible being able to experience different places that you wouldn’t see in normal life. We had our ups and downs, but overall, I would do this again.”

AB Daniel Thurston, a 28-year-old Gunner from Rugby, added: “Everyone has been living their lives and we’ve been exploring the world. Getting flown onto the Japanese carrier was my first time in a helicopter. It was an amazing moment.”

Christmas travel subsidy

While aboard HMS Prince of Wales, the defence secretary announced a travel subsidy which would cover expenses so armed forces personnel could be reunited with their families for Christmas. Around 30,000 junior personnel in years 2-5 of their military careers will receive it, alongside 5,000 separated parents with non-resident children.

This especially supports those currently posted far from home. Those on deployment who can’t return for the festive period can use the credit over the next three months.

Mr Healey said the subsidy is a sign to personnel that the government is on their side. “As things stood, there was no help for the costs and it didn’t seem fair,” he added. “This was just a small way for the nation to recognise their service and they give and say thank you.”

The Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough said the sense of pride in the returning sailors is “extraordinary”. “They can be proud of what they’ve achieved, but let us, the city of Portsmouth, and the country, tell you we’re proud of you. We recognise the exceptional role you play to keep us all safe.”

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Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said you could see on the faces of the personnel how much the travel scheme meant to them. She added: “The homecoming was brilliant and Portsmouth does that so well. It’s our Royal Navy. I saw a 16 month old baby in a buggies with a sign saying ‘welcome home daddy’, and that was so emotional.”

Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South MP, added: “What our personnel do is tremendous. Being with them when they returned on Sunday was pretty special, and being with them today to hear those stories is incredible.

“The travel scheme will give them a boost for morale, and I’m excited to deliver this. It’ll make a real difference. We want to renew that contract with those who serve. They’ve been delighted with what we’ve announced.”