UK Defence Minister reaffirms strong ties with the US 42104162.

First he visited the USMC Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. RAF and Royal Navy staff is undergoing training to reach operational capability on the new F-35B aircraft. The RAF personnel showed the minister videos from their training and the capabilities that will be delivered through the aircraft’s sensors. The F-35B’s will be flown from both land bases and the new Queen Elizabeth-class of aircraft carriers.

During his time at the base Philip Dunne said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to see at first-hand how closely UK and US Armed Forces work together, and to discuss with Deputy Secretary Work how we can take that even further. The ability of British and American military personnel to work so well together, with common approaches, common understanding and, where appropriate, common capabilities is vital to both our nations’ security.”

Later in the day, the minister flew to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida, where RAF personnel is training on the new Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. He also had the opportunity to fly with a US Navy Poseidon, manned by a joint US Navy and RAF crew, to get a first-hand experience on the new platform’s capabilities.

Finally, he concluded the visit to the US at the US Navy’s Submarine Base at King’s Bay in Georgia. This is the home base of the Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic, which plays a vital role in the support of the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class submarines.