Royal Navy’s CSG Passed For The First Time Through The Strait Of Malacca

TR_123456 · Aug 6, 2021

File Royal navy picture of the UK CSG.

The task group led by Portsmouth-based carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has passed through the Strait of Malacca (between Malaysia and northern Indonesia), rendezvousing with a number of navies along the way.

Royal Navy press release

Over the course of a few days, ships on the CSG deployment practised manoeuvring with the Royal Malaysian Navy and vessels from Singapore.

HMS Richmond also carried out training with a frigate from Thailand and their S-76B helicopter.

Meanwhile, Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring went alongside in Singapore to take on supplies.

“HMS Richmond’s interaction with Thailand is an important part of the Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) co-operation.

“The Indo-Pacific is critical to the UK’s economy and security, and HMS Richmond is proud to be playing our part in building regional partnerships, particularly as the UK seeks to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in the future.

“During our time in the vicinity of Phuket we completed an exercise with Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Kraburi and their S-76B helicopter. Though any direct engagement was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we enjoyed this brief professional collaboration with our Thai colleagues.”

“HMS Richmond’s interaction with Thailand is an important part of the Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) co-operation.

“The Indo-Pacific is critical to the UK’s economy and security, and HMS Richmond is proud to be playing our part in building regional partnerships, particularly as the UK seeks to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in the future.

“During our time in the vicinity of Phuket we completed an exercise with Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Kraburi and their S-76B helicopter. Though any direct engagement was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we enjoyed this brief professional collaboration with our Thai colleagues.”

An F-35B Jet from VMFA-211 lands back on HMS Queen Elizabeth whilst she conducts a double replenishment with RFA Tidespring and HNLMS Evertsen. Royal Navy picture.