CSG21

CSG21: HMS Diamond Suffers 'Technical Issues' And Leaves Group For Repairs

Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond DATE UNKNOWN DATE UPLOADED 060721 CREDIT MOD

One of the two Type 45 destroyers accompanying the Carrier Strike Group (CSG21) has experienced some technical issues and is now separated from the group.

HMS Diamond was said to be undergoing "maintenance, inspection and any necessary repairs", and is expected to rejoin the others once they are completed.

An MOD spokesperson said in a statement: "The UK Carrier Strike Group continues with global operations and has transited through the Suez Canal with a defensive ring of highly capable ships drawn from the Royal Navy and its closest partners.

"HMS Diamond has experienced some technical issues and has detached from the task group for maintenance, inspection and any necessary repairs.

"She is expected to re-join the task group."

The UK Carrier Strike Group is continuing its deployment as planned and ships involved with the group are expected to leave and join throughout the different stages of the deployment, according to the Navy.

NATO Standing Maritime Group with UK Carrier Strike Group Eastern Atlantic 28052021 CREDIT MOD — NATO's Standing Maritime Group with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Atlantic in May (Picture: MOD).

The leading aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is about a quarter of the way through the 28-week deployment, which includes two Type 45 destroyers, two Type 23 frigates, two Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, a US destroyer and 10 Marine Corps F-35B fighters, and is currently in the Indo-Pacific.

This week some crew members from the ships involved with the deployment, including the carrier, were confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said in a statement that "a small number" of crew members had tested positive during routine testing, but overall there were no effects on the deployment and its capability.

All vessels deployed on the mission recently stopped off in ports, including HMS Queen Elizabeth which docked in Limassol, Cyprus, with crew members getting the chance to take some shore leave.

The outbreak comes after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Tuesday pointed to the deployment as an example of the way UK and US militaries were able to operate "seamlessly" together.

Also on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed an investigation was under way after a sailor died on board Type 23 frigate HMS Kent, also part of the CSG.