HMS Prince of Wales was said to be about thirty days from sailing when HMS Queen Elizabeth's problem created an unexpected requirement. The ship reached sea in eight days, including a wait for the tide. Cutting twenty-two days from the preparation period is praised as exceptional professionalism. The praise is set against a gap in naval aviation and carrier power projection blamed here on a decision made in 2010. The episode shows the work needed to cover an availability gap within a small carrier force.
Notable Point · 9:32-10:13
HMS Prince of Wales accelerates deployment
HMS Prince of Wales moving from roughly 30 days' notice to sea in eight days demonstrates the value of professional readiness under pressure.