As well as escorts from the Royal Navy she is to be joined on her 8 month voyage by ships from Canada and Norway with her Lightning air wing to be made up of both the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force in 809 Naval Air Squadron and 617 Squadron.
Commodore James Blackmore, Carrier Strike Group commander, said: “Working closely with partners from across the globe, Operation Highmast will demonstrate credible deterrence and our support to NATO and the rules-based international order. This will reaffirm that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.”