USS The Sullivans Deploys To Join UK Carrier Strike Group

American warship USS The Sullivans has set sail from Florida to join the UK Carrier Strike Group.

The group, spearheaded by Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, was declared ready for operations in January and is nearing its maiden operational deployment.

USS The Sullivans, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, departed from Mayport on Monday. 

Commanding Officer of The Sullivans, Commander David Burkett, said: "It is an honour to sail in this elite multi-national strike group on the frontline demonstrating a fully integrated force that showcases the special relationship that our countries have."

Last year, the USS The Sullivans participated in the UK-led Exercise Joint Warrior as part of HMS Queen Elizabeth's Strike Group.

Also deploying as part of the Strike Group is the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate, HNLMS Evertsen. 

Earlier this month, the Royal Navy confirmed what vessels, aircraft and personnel were making up the group.

Other vessels setting sail are Type 45 destroyers HMS Defender and HMS Diamond, plus Type 23 frigates HMS Kent and HMS Richmond. 

F-35B Lightning jets from the US Marine Corps' VMFA-211 Squadron are also deploying.

The task group, consisting of 3,700 personnel, will travel more than 20,00 nautical miles from the North Atlantic, through to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and on to the Indo-Pacific.

Cover image: USS The Sullivans (Picture: US Department of Defense).