It is very rare to see an aircraft carrier in the Arctic. Also rare to see operational details splashed in the press release.
From the Royal Navy, February 12:
HMS Prince of Wales sails for key NATO exercise in Norway
Britain’s biggest warship today sailed for Norway to lead an international task group in one of the most important military exercises in a generation.
In just seven days, the Portsmouth-based aircraft carrier ship’s company made rapid preparations to be ready to lead the Royal Navy’s involvement in the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War – Steadfast Defender.
The ability to rapidly deploy another carrier to an urgent task underlines the importance of having two aircraft carriers, providing flexibility and the ability to project power around the world.
The crews of both ships and dockyard staff have worked around the clock to prepare HMS Prince of Wales to sail with everything she needs.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I would like to congratulate the crew of HMS Prince of Wales for their hard work and dedication in rapidly preparing the ship for departure. The ability to deploy hundreds of crew to make ready one of the world’s most complex aircraft carriers within a week is testament to the skill and ability of the Royal Navy.
“In an increasingly dangerous world, where it is more important than ever that we stand united with our allies, HMS Prince of Wales will send a powerful message of collective security and deterrence at the head of this multinational strike group.”
“I am immensely proud of how my ship’s company and their families have responded to this short-notice tasking,” said Captain Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales’ Commanding Officer.
“We have managed to bring the ship from 30 days’ notice to immediate readiness in just one week. This has been a monumental effort by the whole enterprise, including HMS Queen Elizabeth, Portsmouth Naval Base, and our numerous defence and industry partners.
“HMS Prince of Wales is now ready to go; we are all looking forward to delivering the mission.”
The carrier’s Logistics Officer, Lieutenant Commander Chris Barnett, added: “In less than a week we have brought onboard approximately 70,000 sailors days rations – £400,000 of food – with 450 pallets of stores and 30,000 toilet rolls; not to mention spare parts for F-35 Lightnings, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, cold weather kit, and medical stores. It has been an amazing effort from all involved.”....
....MUCH MORE
HT: The Barents Observer who point out:
...The carrier has a crew of 780, plus nearly 600 men and women designated to fly and serve the fleet of jets and helicopters....
so the amount of TP is probably for on-board use rather than a re-supply mission for the secret floating observation station north of Svalbard.
Also at The Barents Observer:
Russian bombers outside Finnmark ahead of exercise Nordic Response