British Fleets Combine In Largest Post-War Air-Sea Exercises -- The cruiser 'Newcastle' returning to Gibraltar. Other ships are already in harbour, while submarines are about to enter. The Western Mediterranean saw its biggest air and sea 'battles' since the last war when Home and Mediterranean Fleets combined to force the Straits in 'Operation Two Step' - largest naval-air exercises involving battleships, carriers, destroyers and submarines and squadrons of the Royal Air Force. Rear-Admiral Lord Mountbatten commanded raiders endeavouring to break through the 'Blue' air and sea cordon defending the Straits to rejoin 'Red' Force.