MARFOREUR/AF Commander visits HMS Queen Elizabeth, Senior U.K. Naval Leaders

The commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, visited Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, August 27, 2020.



By Staff Sgt. Brytani Musick U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa Portsmouth, United Kingdom Aug 27, 2020
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 6 images

The commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, visited Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, August 27, 2020.

During the visit, Neary met with the carrier’s leadership and toured the HMS Queen Elizabeth to increase understanding of the U.S. Marine Corps’ future operations with the UK Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, along with approximately six F-35B aircraft, will support the ship’s inaugural deployment in 2021. VMFA-211 will work alongside the UK’s 617 squadron as Carrier Strike Group-21.

“This deployment shows the true span of U.S. Marine Corps operations across the theater,” said Neary. “The U.S. Marine Corps has a longstanding special relationship with the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, so having us operate from the Queen Elizabeth is another milestone in the relationship.”

Neary also visited the Commandant General of the Royal Marines, Maj. Gen. Matt Holmes. During their visit they discussed the importance of integrating the U.S. Marines and Royal Marines on this deployment and future partnership opportunities.

The upcoming deployment of U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs aboard the QNLZ highlights the amphibious application of Joint Strike Fighters from a UK carrier. This deployment demonstrates that U.S. and UK allied forces are more than interoperable – they are integrated.

“U.S. Forces are postured throughout the European theater, ready to defend the NATO alliance and to deter adversary activities,” Neary added. “It’s not just about us working with one country in one place – it’s about this alliance working across the theater in innovative ways.”

More in Media Room
Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania
In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Read more
B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO
The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Read more
‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies
Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.
Read more
More in Media Room
Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania
In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Read more
B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO
The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Read more
‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies
Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.
Read more
More in Media Room
Additional assets arrive in support of recovery efforts in Lithuania
In the last 24 hours, U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities brought in additional assets to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts of four missing U.S. Army Soldiers and a M88 Hercules from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Read more
B-52s conduct first live weapons drop in Sweden since nation joined NATO
The mission also included a low-formation flyover of the Swedish Parliament to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession to NATO.
Read more
‘FORTRESS HAIL’ mission bolsters U.S. lethality alongside NATO Allies
Bomber Task Force missions like FORTRESS HAIL demonstrate the ability to integrate seamlessly with mission partners, strengthening readiness and lethality.
Read more