Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)

{{Short description|Royal Navy's contribution to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force}} {{Infobox military unit |unit_name=Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) |image=HMS Albion, RFA Fort Rosalie and HMS Ocean Conduct a Replenishment at Sea During Ex Cypriot Lion MOD 45152750.jpg |image_size=300px |caption=HMS ''Albion'' (the then Fleet Flagship), RFA ''Fort Rosalie'' and HMS ''Ocean'' of the RFTG conducting replenishment at sea during ''Cougar 11'' |dates=2010–present |country=United Kingdom (under the Joint Expeditionary Force if required) |allegiance= |branch=Royal Navy |type= |role=Expeditionary |size= |command_structure=Joint Expeditionary Force |garrison= |garrison_label= |equipment= |equipment_label= |nickname= |patron= |motto= |colors= |colors_label= |march= |mascot= |battles= |anniversaries= |decorations= |battle_honours=  |commander1= Commander Littoral Strike Group |commander1_label= |commander2= |commander2_label= |commander3= |commander3_label= |notable_commanders=  |identification_symbol= |identification_symbol_label= |identification_symbol_2= |identification_symbol_2_label= }} {{Royal Navy}}

The '''Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)''' (or '''JEF(M)''') (formerly the '''Response Force Task Group''' (RFTG), and prior to that the '''Joint Rapid Reaction Force''' (JRRF)), is the Royal Navy's contribution to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) maintained at very high-readiness and available at short notice to respond to unexpected global events.<ref name="RFTG PDF">[http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/ae816f4bcea94b1fac1c035306de5458-0x0.pdf The Response Force Task Group (RFTG) – The UK's Very High Readiness Maritime Force], Royal Navy (PDF), Retrieved 3 June 2014</ref> In addition to the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, the JEF(M) also includes elements of the British Army and the Royal Air Force. While it is primarily poised to conduct war-fighting or strike operations, the JEF(M) is capable of undertaking a diverse range of activities such as evacuation operations, disaster relief or humanitarian aid.<ref name="Cougar 11">[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-ready-for-unforeseen-global-events Royal Navy ready for unforeseen global events], gov.uk, 9 May 2011</ref>

Under the name of RFTG, this high-readiness Maritime Task Group was established under the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, and was initially focused on periodic deployments centered around amphibious shipping, initially termed ''Cougar'' deployments,<ref name="JEF">[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/september/15/160915-hms-bulwark-prepares-for-major-exercise HMS Bulwark prepares for major deployment], gov.uk, 15 September 2016</ref> but now named according to the focus of the main activity; although not mandated as an annual activity, these deployments tend to alternate between operating in North West Europe and the Mediterranean Sea,<ref name="JEF2">{{cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/angus-mearns/234880/royal-marines-under-the-wing-of-ospreys-on-joint-exercises-in-the-mediterranean/|title=Royal Marines under the wing of Ospreys on joint exercises in the Mediterranean |date=16 November 2015 |publisher=thecourier.co.uk|accessdate=16 September 2016}}</ref> and deploying East of Suez to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. On these deployments, the Task Group regularly conducts exercises with allies and partners.<ref name="JEF3">{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsuk-royal-navy-elements-conduct-amphibious-landings-training-4680994|title=UK Royal Navy elements conduct amphibious landings training |publisher=Naval-technology.com|accessdate=16 September 2016}}</ref> As a Task Group, the RFTG was activated on operations during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, provided humanitarian aid during Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, and elements were activated to deploy to the Caribbean in 2020 under an augmented Atlantic Patrol Task (North) deployment.

As of late 2024, the U.K.'s capacity to make major contributions to JEF(M) was brought into question with the decision by the newly-elected Labour government to retire both of the Royal Navy's {{sclass|Albion|landing platform dock}} vessels by March 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2k0292v0w1o |title=UK to decommission ships, drones and helicopters to save £500m |website=BBC |last=Vock |first=Ido |date=20 November 2024}}</ref> Simultaneously, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary was suffering severe crewing problems, as well as a labour force disruption, meaning the manning of its three {{sclass2|Bay|landing ship dock}} vessels was facing serious challenges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/26/starmer-reeves-public-sector-royal-navy-fleet-auxiliary-pay/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240926053436/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/26/starmer-reeves-public-sector-royal-navy-fleet-auxiliary-pay/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2024-09-26 |title=Hey, Starmer and Reeves. This group of public sector workers really deserves a pay rise |last=Sharpe |first= Tom |date=26 September 2024|publisher=The Telegraph |access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-08 |title=RFA Fort Victoria to be placed in long-term lay up |website= Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/rfa-fort-victoria-to-be-placed-in-long-term-lay-up/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref> This brought into question the entire concept of the navy's ability to conduct even medium-sized amphibious operations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=Royal Navy finished as full-spectrum force as Albion and Bulwark axed |website= Naval News |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/royal-navy-finished-as-full-spectrum-force-as-albion-and-bulwark-axed/?cf-view |access-date=2024-11-21 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Command structure== The JEF(M) is usually commanded at sea by an officer the rank of Commodore, who can be either the Commander of the UK Littoral Strike Group (COMLSG, formerly named COMATG) or Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group (COMCSG), depending on the focus of the deployment; the Command Platform will be either an Albion-class LPD or a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. For a major deployment of the JEF(M) (acting as a Task Force, consisting of more than one Task Group), the formation will be commanded by Commander United Kingdom Strike Forces (COMUKSTRKFOR) who is responsible for directing "UK, Allied or Coalition maritime forces anywhere in the world".<ref>[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140410010457/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Naval-Command-Headquarters/Fleet-Battle-Staff/Commander-UK-Maritime-Force Commander United Kingdom Maritime Forces (archive)], nationalarchives.gov.uk, Retrieved 3 June 2014</ref>

In the RFTG era, Command of the Task Group was usually<ref name="royalnavy.mod.uk">[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/August/09/130809-Cougar-13 Royal Navy sails for annual ‘Cougar’ deployment], royalnavy.mod.uk, 9 August 2013</ref> (but not exclusively) exercised by the Commander of the Amphibious Task Group (COMATG), renamed as Commander UK Task Group (COMUKTG) from 2011 to 2015.<ref name="Cougar 14">[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/september/01/140902-cougar14 Royal Navy Task Force departs on Cougar 14], royalnavy.mod.uk, 1 September 2014</ref> Since 2015, periodic deployments have continued this pattern, with all recent iterations being commanded by COMATG (now termed COMLSG),<ref>{{cite news |last=Rosamond |first=Jon |date=11 September 2019 |title=DSEI: Royal Marines Embrace Littoral Strike and Prepare to Forward Deploy |url=https://news.usni.org/2019/09/11/dsei-royal-marines-embrace-littoral-strike-and-prepare-to-forward-deploy |work=USNI News |location=London |access-date=1 October 2019 }}</ref> but since the introduction into Royal Navy service of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, it is likely that future deployments of the JEF(M) will be under the afloat Command of COMCSG.

===Composition=== The "scaleable nature" of the Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) means the Royal Navy has assigned a wide range of assets to the force, with its composition changing depending on the scenario and the range of ships available.

==Operational history== {{Update|section|date=November 2018}}

===Cougar 11 deployment=== {{See also|2011 Libyan Civil War|2011 military intervention in Libya|Operation Ellamy}} In April 2011, the Response Force Task Group deployed for the first time since its announced establishment in October 2010. The deployment was "designed to demonstrate the versatile capabilities and high readiness" of the Response Force Task Group and engage with foreign allies in the Mediterranean Sea and East of Suez.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-cougar-11-force-begins-exercises-off-cyprus Royal Navy Cougar 11 Force begins exercises off Cyprus], gov.uk, 13 May 2011</ref> On 9 May (en route to Cyprus), seven senior NCOs and the Officer Commanding the Support Troop from 6 Assault Squadron Royal Marines held a service of remembrance at the Souda Bay Commonwealth Grave site in Crete to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bitter battle for the island.<ref>[http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1184-task-groups-link-up-for-exercises-in-cyprus.aspx Task Group Link Up For Exercise In Cyprus]{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, navynews.co.uk</ref> ''Cougar 11'' saw, for the first time, British Army AgustaWestland Apache attack helicopters operating from the decks of a Royal Navy warship, HMS ''Ocean''.<ref>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/ArmysApacheFiresFirstHellfireMissilesAtSea.htm Army's Apache fires first Hellfire missiles at sea], mod.uk, 13 May 2011</ref>

During the deployment the RFTG was involved in several multinational exercises: The first was 'Cypriot Lion' which included Royal Marines from 40 Commando, elements of 3 Commando Brigade HQ and a detachment from the Netherlands Marine Corps. The second major exercise was code-named 'Albanian Lion', a joint UK-Albanian military exercise and the first joint operation between the UK and the Albanian Armed Forces since Albania joined NATO in 2009.<ref>Precise Media Planner, Joint UK-Albanian military exercise 'Albanian Lion' begins, Precise Media Planner, May 26, 2011</ref> The third major exercise was code-named 'Operation Red Alligator', described as a "major maritime security and anti-piracy exercise", it took place in the Persian Gulf with the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia.<ref>[http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1263-red-hot-cougar-task-group-sharpens-its-teeth-in-saudi-arabia.aspx Cougar task group sharpens its teeth in Saudi Arabia], navynews.co.uk {{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref>

With the ongoing Civil War in Libya, on the 3 June 2011, five ships of the Response Force Task Group were temporarily detached and deployed off the Libyan coast as part of Operation Ellamy.<ref>[http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1226-task-force-sent-to-libya-to-ratchet-up-the-pressure-on-gaddafi.aspx Task Force Sent To Libya To Ratchet Up The Pressure On Gaddafi], navynews.co.uk {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310163926/http://www.navynews.co.uk/news/1226-task-force-sent-to-libya-to-ratchet-up-the-pressure-on-gaddafi.aspx |date=March 10, 2012 }}</ref> ''Ocean'' launched repeated Apache gunships strikes from her flight deck and worked alongside the French amphibious assault ship {{ship|French ship|Tonnerre|L9014|2}}, which deployed her own Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-uses-attack-helicopters-for-first-time-in-libya/ | work=Fox News | title=NATO Uses Attack Helicopters for First Time in Libya | date=4 June 2011}}</ref> {{HMS|Triumph|S93|6}} (a nuclear-powered fleet submarine) fired her Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles at Libyan air defence and command and control centres. Analysts believe that in total more than 15 cruise missiles were fired by the submarine during the operations.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13905914 | work=BBC News | title=No end in sight as RAF marks 100 days over Libya | date=4 October 2011}}</ref>

'''Cougar 11 composition:'''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110604174512/http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/operations/auriga/index.htm Global Operations COUGAR], royal-navy.mod.uk</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Albion|L14|6}} (Flagship) || align="center"| 815 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx HMA.8) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}} || align="center"| 845 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King HC4) || align="center"| 40 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Liverpool|D92|6}} || align="center"| 847 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx AH.7) || align="center"| Royal Marines Armoured Support Group || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Sutherland|F81|6}} || align="center"| 857 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King ASaC.7) || align="center"| 539 Assault Squadron RM || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Triumph|S93|6}} || align="center"| No. 656 Squadron AAC (Apache AH.1) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Argus|A135|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Mounts Bay|L3008|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Cardigan Bay|L3009|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Fort Victoria|A387|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Fort Rosalie|A385|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Wave Knight|A389|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

===Cougar 12 deployment=== [[File:Cougar 12 Task Force Group in the Mediterrean Sea MOD 45154450.jpg|thumb|Response Force Task Group in the Mediterranean Sea during Cougar 12]] ''Cougar 12'' saw Response Force Task Group deploy six ships and more than 3,000 marines and sailors to the Mediterranean in early October 2012. One of the principle purposes of the deployment was to conduct large-scale amphibious exercises with participating allies. Key exercises included: 'Corsican Lion' with France; 'Albanian Lion' with Albania; a visit to Malta and exercises with the United States Navy and the Algerian Armed Forces.<ref name="Cougar 12 September">[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/naval-force-gears-up-for-cougar-12 Naval force gears up for Cougar 12], gov.uk, 27 September 2012</ref>

Commander UK Task Group, Commodore Paddy McAlpine said: "Cougar 12 provides us with a superb opportunity to rekindle our amphibious capability after a prolonged period when our focus has been on operations elsewhere."<ref name="Cougar 12 September"/> Exercise 'Corsican Lion' was the main focus of ''Cougar 12'' and was designed to towards developing the maritime and amphibious components of the Anglo-French Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF). The exercise involved the Response Force Task Group working directly alongside the French Navy's Task Force 473 and the {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle}}.<ref name="Cougar 12 October">[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-marines-face-french-counterparts-in-exercise-corsican-lion Royal Marines face French counterparts in Exercise Corsican Lion], gov.uk, 23 October 2012</ref>

Head of the RFTG's amphibious operations, Brigadier Martin Smith of 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, was quoted saying: "It is an incredibly versatile force and our burgeoning interoperability with the French further proves this. The quality of Royal Marines Commandos and French Marines delivers a highly effective first response capability which is optimised for early entry operations."<ref name="Cougar 12 October"/>

'''Cougar 12 composition:'''<ref name="Cougar 12 September"/> {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Task Force Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|6}} (Flagship)|| align="center"| 814 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HM.1) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Illustrious|R06|6}} || align="center"| 815 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx HMA.8) || align="center"| 45 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Northumberland|F238|6}} || align="center"| 829 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HM.1) || align="center"| 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Montrose|F236|6}} || align="center"| 845 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King HC4) || align="center"| 539 Assault Squadron RM || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Mounts Bay|L3008|6}} || align="center"| 846 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King HC4) || align="center"| 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| MV ''Hartland Point'' || align="center"| 854 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King ASaC.7) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| — || align="center"| No. 656 Squadron AAC (Apache AH.1) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| — || align="center"| No. 659 Squadron AAC (Lynx AH.7/9A) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- |}

===Cougar 13 deployment=== {{See also|Typhoon Haiyan#International response}} thumb|A USMC V-22 Osprey landing on the deck of HMS ''Illustrious'' Cougar 13 deployed during the early autumn of 2013. In the Mediterranean, Response Force Task Group held exercises with the Portuguese Marine Corps and once again conducted exercise 'Albanian Lion' with the Albanian Armed Forces.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/news-and-events/latest-news/2013/august/23/130823-hms-bulwark-portuguese-marines HMS Bulwark Portuguese Marines], royalnavy.mod.uk</ref> Anti-surface exercises were also held with the Hellenic Navy and anti-submarine drills with the Italian Navy.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/August/29/130829-HMS-Montrose-Greek Warship practises hunter-killer scenario with Greek navy], royalnavy.mod.uk, 29 August 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/September/03/130903-Warship-hunting-skills HMS Westminster practises submarine hunting skills], royalnavy.mod.uk, 3 September 2013</ref>

During mid September 2013, Response Force Task Group deployed East of Suez for the second phase of the ''Cougar 13'' deployment where it linked up with the Royal Saudi Navy for exercise 'Red Alligator'.<ref>[https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/8855 Cougar wrestles with Alligator as task group exercises with Saudis], navynews.co.uk, 18 September 2013</ref> While East of Suez, a Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey from {{USS|Kearsarge|LHD-3|6}} landed on ''Illustrious'' in a joint exercise with the United States Navy. Likewise, ''Illustrious''{{'}}s Army Air Corps Westland Lynx and Westland Sea Kings dropped in on ''Kearsarge'', carrying a few passengers to get a brief insight into the American LHD.<ref>[https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/8865 ‘A little bit special’ – unique US aircraft lands on Illustrious], navynews.co.uk, 19 September 2013</ref> In the Gulf of Oman, Response Force Task Group conducted anti-submarine drills against {{USS|Dallas|SSN-700|6}}.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/October/03/131003-HMS-Westminster-USS-Dallas HMS Westminster in hunt for USS Dallas], royalnavy.mod.uk, 3 October 2013</ref> {{HMS|Quorn|M41|6}} briefly met up with the RFTG for exercise 'Sea Khanjar'.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/October/11/131011-HMS-Quorn-guides-task-group HMS Quorn guides task group safely through troubled waters], royalnavy.mod.uk, 10 October 2013</ref> Exercise 'Sea Khanjar' was observed by Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Philip Jones, Commandant General Royal Marines Major General Ed Davis, Lieutenant General Mike Hindmarsh and Commander United Arab Emirates Presidential Guard Marines, Colonel A Al-Tenaji.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/October/15/131015-Sea-Khanjar The RFTG completes Exercise Sea Khanjar in UAE], royalnavy.mod.uk, 15 October 2013</ref>

When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November 2013, HMS ''Illustrious'' was ordered to detach from the Response Force Task Group and assist in the disaster relief efforts.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24940632 British carrier HMS Illustrious to aid typhoon victims], bbc.com, 14 November 2013</ref> The mission was known as Operation Patwin, {{HMS|Daring|D32|6}} was already in the Far East when the tragedy struck and was swiftly able to provide humanitarian aid.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/operations/pacific/patwin Operation Patwin], royalnavy.mod.uk, Retrieved 2014</ref>

'''Cougar 13 composition:'''<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/august/09/130809-cougar-13 Royal Navy sails for annual ‘Cougar’ deployment], royalnavy.mod.uk, 09/08/2013</ref><ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-set-for-cougar-13 Royal Navy set for Cougar 13], gov.uk, 8 August 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/August/30/130830-Supply-meets-demand Supply meets demand on Cougar 13], royalnavy.mod.uk, 30 August 2013</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Task Force Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|6}} (Flagship)|| align="center"| 814 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HM.1) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| {{ship|French oiler|Somme||2}} |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Illustrious|R06|6}} || align="center"| (''Royal Air Force'') || align="center"| 42 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Montrose|F236|6}} || align="center"| 815 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx HMA.8) || align="center"| Royal Marines Armoured Support Group || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Westminster|F237|6}} || align="center"| 845 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King HC4) || align="center"| 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Lyme Bay|L3007|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| Commando Logistics Regiment || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Mounts Bay|L3008|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Diligence|A132|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Fort Austin|A386|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Fort Victoria|A387|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| MV ''Hurst Point'' || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

=== Cougar 14 deployment === thumb|LCU Mk.10 approaching the dock of HMS ''Bulwark'' The RFTG departed on ''Cougar 14'' during early September 2014 for a four-month deployment scheduled to conduct exercises and engage with foreign navies in the Mediterranean and East of Suez in the (Persian) Gulf and Indian Ocean.<ref name="Cougar 14"/> Notable international warships that took the opportunity to rendezvous and participate with ''Cougar 14'' were {{USS|Makin Island|LHD-8|6}}, {{USS|San Diego|LPD-22|6}} and the French ships {{ship|French frigate|Courbet|F 712|2}} and {{ship|French ship|Dixmude|L9015|2}}.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/october/22/141022-bulwark-tries-out-osprey Bulwark tries out Osprey], royalnavy.mod.uk, 22 October 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/october/22/141022-sea-king-a-french-connection Sea King a French Connection], royalnavy.mod.uk, 22 October 2014</ref>

The first phase of ''Cougar 14'' was exercise Albanian Lion 2014, followed by exercise Dragon Hammer 2014, concluding by 17 October 2014.<ref>[http://www.aaf.mil.al/english/index.php/te-fundit/2451-albanian-lion-2014-exercise-opening-ceremony-conducted "Albanian Lion 2014" exercise opening ceremony conducted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006114636/http://www.aaf.mil.al/english/index.php/te-fundit/2451-albanian-lion-2014-exercise-opening-ceremony-conducted |date=2014-10-06 }}, aaf.mil.al, 8 September 2014</ref> Several ships also broke off to participate in the middle-eastern IMCMEX exercise. Once completed, they regrouped with the ''Cougar 14'' Task Group for further exercises in the region.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/november/07/141107-middle-east-exercise-2 HMS Bulwark leads ten-ship task group on Gulf exercise], royalnavy.mod.uk, 7 November 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/november/06/141106-middle-east-exercise-imcmex Core of Royal Navy's Middle East presence joins massive international minehunting exercise], royalnavy.mod.uk, 6 November 2014</ref>

During December 2014 on the return journey to Britain, ''Bulwark'' and ''Lyme Bay'' conducted exercise Sea Snake, where Royal Marines from 40 Commando and 4 Assault Squadron 'stormed' the beaches of Gibraltar during amphibious landings.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/december/10/141210-royal-marines-exercise-sea-snake Royal Marines storm beach as part of Exercise Sea Snake], royalnavy.mod.uk, 10 December 2014</ref>

'''Cougar 14 composition:'''<ref name="Cougar 14"/><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2014/January/24/140124-German-Frigate-London German frigate visits London], royalnavy.mod.uk, 24 January 2014</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Task Force Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|6}} (Flagship) || align="center"| 814 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HM.1) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| {{ship|German frigate|Schleswig-Holstein|F216|2}} |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}} || align="center"| No. 27 Squadron RAF (Chinook HC4) || align="center"| 40 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Northumberland|F238|6}} || align="center"| 847 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx Wildcat AH.1) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Lyme Bay|L3007|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Fort Austin|A386|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Wave Ruler|A390|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

===Cougar 15 deployment=== thumb|HMS ''Ocean'' with a USMC V-22 Osprey on her deck ''Cougar 15'' took place alongside the larger NATO wide exercise ''Trident Juncture 15''. Trident Juncture is a key exercise for the Royal Navy, as the country will take command of NATO's Very High Readiness Task Force in 2016. ''Trident Juncture 15'' consisted of over 36,000 personnel and 70 warships from several NATO and allied nations. The exercise saw both the COMUKMARFOR Rear Admiral Radkin and COMUKTG Commodore Connell deploy on HMS ''Ocean'' and HMS ''Bulwark'' respectively.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/october/30/151030-nato-class-photo NATO warships gather for "class" photo], royalnavy.mod.uk, 30/10/2015</ref> ''Bulwark'' deployed with almost 100 extra Royal Marines from across 3 Commando Brigade, and over 100 specialist personnel required to command the Task Group and its activities.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/november/25/151125-bulwark-christmas-pudding Bulwark feeds’ The Christmas Pudding], royalnavy.mod.uk, 25/11/2015</ref>

One of the first exercises during ''Cougar 15'' was ''Corsica Lion'', where ''Bulwark'', ''Ocean'', MV ''Hartland Point'' and the French Navy's ''Dixmude'' practised rescuing "civilians" off the northern coast of Corsica.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/october/16/151016-corsican-evacuation-exercise Corsican evacuation tests Anglo-French Task Group], royalnavy.mod.uk, 16/10/2015</ref> The RFTG also exercised with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.<ref>[http://www.mc.nato.int/PressReleases/Pages/Standing-NATO-Maritime-Group-TWO-exercises-with-British-Task-Group-COUGAR-following-Barcelona-port-visit-.aspx Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO exercises with British Task Group COUGAR following Barcelona port visit], mc.nato.int, 16/10/2015</ref> As part of ''Cougar 15'', United States Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys flew off ''Ocean'' during Exercise ''Blue Raptor'', transporting Royal Marines from ship to shore. This exercised ended around 24 November 2015.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/november/13/151113-hms-ocean-osprey New addition to HMS Ocean's flightdeck], royalnavy.mod.uk, 13/11/2015</ref><ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/november/24/151124-partner-nations-storm-the-corsican-beaches Partner nations storm the Corsican beaches], royalnavy.mod.uk, 24/11/2015</ref> ''Bulwark'' temporarily remained in Malta along with {{HMS|Somerset|F82|6}} to provide security for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2015.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-military-supports-maltese-security-operation-for-2015-commonwealth-meeting UK military supports Maltese security operation for 2015 Commonwealth meeting], gov.uk, 227 November 2015</ref> This security arrangement ended with Queen Elizabeth II visiting Bulwark and the ship returned to its home port on 7 December 2015.<ref name="MaltaRoyalSendOff">{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/december/01/151201-a-royal-send-off-in-malta|title=A Royal send off in Malta – Royal Navy|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/december/07/151207-hms-bulwark-returns-to-plymouth|title=HMS Bulwark returns to Plymouth – Royal Navy|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2016}}</ref>

'''Cougar 15 composition:'''<ref>[http://www.raf.mod.uk/RAFodiham/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=C2BB810E-5056-A318-A841E7AB1A046F6B RAF ODIHAM – Cougar 15], raf.mod.uk, 13 October 2015</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Task Force Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}} (2* Flagship) || align="center"| 814 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HM.2) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| {{ship|French ship|Dixmude|L9015|2}} |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|6}} (1* Flagship) || align="center"| 847 Naval Air Squadron (Wildcat AH.1) || align="center"| 45 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| MV ''Hartland Point'' || align="center"| No. 656 Squadron AAC (Apache AH.1) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| — || align="center"| No. 27 Squadron RAF (Chinook HC4) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

===Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) 16=== thumb|LPH HMS ''Ocean'' during the JEF(M) Amphibious Task Group in October 2016 In September 2016, HMS ''Bulwark'' (as flagship), HMS ''Ocean'', embarked with helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron, No. 662 Squadron AAC and No. 27 Squadron RAF, and elements of 3 Commando Brigade HQ Royal Marines, RFA ''Mounts Bay'' and MV ''Eddystone Point'', deployed on the Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) 2016. After exercising in the Mediterranean, the JEF(M) then sailed to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, whereupon Commander Amphibious Task Group Commodore Andrew Burns shifted his broad pennant from HMS ''Bulwark'' to HMS ''Ocean'' so that he could assume command of the United States Fifth Fleet Task Force 50 until March 2017.<ref name="MaltaRoyalSendOff"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/september/20/160920-ocean-deploys|title=HMS Ocean deploys on joint expeditionary force|publisher=Royal Navy|accessdate=23 September 2016}}</ref>

'''JEF (M) 16 composition:''' {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Task Force Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}} (Flagship Dec 16 to Mar 17)|| align="center"| 846 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HC31) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Bulwark|L15|6}} (Flagship Sep 16 to Dec 16) || align="center"| No. 662 Squadron AAC (Apache) || align="center"| 42 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Mounts Bay|L3008|6}} || align="center"| No. 27 Squadron RAF (Chinook) || align="center"| 539 Raiding Squadron RM || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Daring|D32|6}} || align="center"| 820 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HM.2) || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| MV ''Eddystone'' || align="center"| 815 Naval Air Squadron (Wildcat HMA.2)|| align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

===Amphibious Task Group 18 (ATG18) deployment=== In April 2018, it was announced that HMS ''Albion'' was being sent to the Far East to conduct UNSCR enforcement operations against North Korea,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-navy-warship-hms-albion-asia-pacific-monitor-north-korea-a8298841.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/royal-navy-warship-hms-albion-asia-pacific-monitor-north-korea-a8298841.html |archive-date=2022-06-14 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Britain sends third warship to Asia Pacific to monitor North Korea|publisher=Independent|accessdate=12 May 2020}}</ref> upon completion of which, the ship headed west to commence her participation in the Amphibious Task Group 18 (ATG18) deployment. With embarked battlestaff from COMLSG and HQ 3 Commando Brigade embarked, she rendezvoused with RFA ''Lyme Bay'', RFA ''Cardigan Bay'', and HMS ''Dragon'', as well as elements from the Royal Navy of Oman, to conduct Exercise Saif Sareea 3 in October and November 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofoman.com/article/372742/Oman/On-the-ground-with-Saif-Sareea-3-Omans-largest-ever-joint-drill |title=On the ground with Saif Sareea 3 - Oman's largest ever joint drill|publisher=Times of Oman|accessdate=12 May 2020}}</ref>

'''ATG18 composition:''' {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Task Force Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Foreign Units |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Albion|L14|6}} (Flagship)|| align="center"| 845 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HC4) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| Royal Navy of Oman ships |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Dragon|D35|6}} || align="center"| 815 Naval Air Squadron (Wildcat HMA.2) || align="center"| 40 Commando || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Lyme Bay|L3007|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| 539 Raiding Squadron RM || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Cardigan Bay|L3009|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Ledbury|M30|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Blyth|M111|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| MV ''Anvil Point'' || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

===BALTIC PROTECTOR 19 deployment===

'''BALTIC PROTECTOR 19 composition:''' {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Ships ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Air Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| UK Land Elements ! style="text-align:center; width:25%;"| Non-UK JEF Ships |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Albion|L14|6}} (Flagship)|| align="center"| 845 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin HC4) || align="center"| 3 Commando Brigade HQ || align="center"| ''HDMS Absalon'' |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Kent|F78|6}} || align="center"| 847 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx Wildcat AH.1) || align="center"| 539 Assault Squadron RM || align="center"| ''HNLMS Johan de Witt'' |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Westminster|F237|6}} || align="center"| 815 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx Wildcat HMA.2) || align="center"| 45 Commando || align="center"| ''Skjold'' class |- | align="center"| {{HMS|Ramsey|M110|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Lyme Bay|L3007|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Argus|A135|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| {{RFAux|Wave Knight|A389|6}} || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |- | align="center"| MV ''Hurst Point'' || align="center"| — || align="center"| — || align="center"| — |}

===Baltic Sea deployment 2023=== On the 28th of November 2023, it was announced that JEF(M) would deploy to patrol the Baltic Sea. Sweden announced that it would participate with two Visby-class corvettes.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/beslut-i-dag-jef-ska-patrullera-ostersjon-med-20-tal-fartyg--vi9cwt | title=Beslutet: JEF ska patrullera Östersjön med 20-tal fartyg | newspaper=SVT Nyheter | date=28 November 2023 | last1=Nyheter | first1=S. V. T. }}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== *[https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/operations/mediterranean-and-black-sea/joint-expeditionary-force-maritime Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)] (Royal Navy website, last accessed 13 May 20)

Category:Naval units and formations of the United Kingdom Category:British military exercises Category:Expeditionary units and formations Category:Military units and formations established in 2010