Royal Navy Destroyer Conducts Medical Evacuation Drill with Carrier

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HMS Dauntless has carried out a simulated medical evacuation to HMS Prince of Wales, transferring a mock casualty as part of a training exercise within the UK Carrier Strike Group on 1 August. The drill tested emergency response capabilities at sea during Operation Highmast.

The training scenario, known as a CASEVAC (casualty evacuation), involved transferring a role-played injured sailor from the destroyer to the aircraft carrier. The exercise was designed to evaluate how effectively personnel can respond to medical emergencies without relying on specialist medical aircraft. Medics aboard HMS Prince of Wales received the casualty and conducted onboard treatment as part of the wider training.

This operation took place during Operation Highmast, the Royal Navy’s largest deployment of the year, which involved over 4,500 personnel and spans regions including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. HMS Prince of Wales leads the group, supported by Type 45 destroyers such as HMS Dauntless, and undertakes a range of drills, from air defence to medical response and joint training with international partners.

CASEVAC drills are a critical component in maintaining operational readiness. The aim is to ensure that all elements of the strike group can communicate effectively and deliver rapid medical support, even under challenging or combat conditions. According to training organisers, these exercises are essential for developing confidence and coordination among crews at sea.

HMS Dauntless plays a vital role in the strike group’s defensive operations. As a Type 45 guided-missile destroyer, she is equipped with high-grade radar systems and the Sea Viper missile suite, enabling her to provide advanced air defence coverage. Her propulsion system allows for high-speed transit and long-range endurance, supporting sustained operations alongside the carrier.

As part of ongoing preparations, the ship’s company has also undergone recent fire and damage control drills, further strengthening their response capabilities in crises. Crew members trained in full protective equipment, managing smoke-filled compartments, and treating simulated injuries as part of wider readiness activities.

The successful execution of this CASEVAC drill highlights the Royal Navy’s focus on both combat readiness and the protection of personnel. It forms part of a broader series of coordinated exercises designed to uphold the UK’s strategic presence at sea and demonstrate the Carrier Strike Group’s ability to operate effectively across multiple threat environments.