Our content editor, Dave Cooper, was invited to the families and associates open day aboard HMS Prince of Wales in Portsmouth on 26th March 2025. This was due to his role within The Worshipful Company of Engineers who are affiliated with the ship. We are grateful to have the permission from the MOD to use the photographs within the article.

The visit was in advance of the ship being deployed on service and saw the families aboard. Dave was particularly struck by the speech given by Captain Will Blackett who had his young children and wife with him. He was completely mindful of the fact that the crew's families would have no contact with their loved ones during the deployment and inspirational in his delivery of assurance that he would be issuing bulletins without releasing sensitive information so they could be assured.

HMS Prince of Wales is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier and the flagship of the Royal Navy. It is one of the largest and most powerful warships ever constructed in the UK. The carrier is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, including F-35B fighter jets and Merlin helicopters. It's designed for a wide range of tasks, from humanitarian relief to high-intensity warfare.