Prince William deployed to Falkland Islands for six weeks

(CBS/AP) Prince William arrived in the Falkland Islands on Thursday for a six-week deployment as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, British officials said.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the 29-year-old prince, known in the service as Flight Lt. Wales, landed on the British outpost as part of a four-member Royal Air Force crew.

Pictures: Prince William and Kate

According to British officials, William will assume his duties "shortly" following a period of briefings and a familiarization flight.

The prince's arrival comes amid an escalating sovereignty dispute between the U.K. and Argentina over the Falkland Islands. Britain's defense ministry has insisted William's deployment is routine, but his visit has riled Argentina - the country's foreign ministry last week accused Britain of militarizing their sovereignty dispute by announcing that it is sending an advanced warship to the islands along with William "in the uniform of a conquistador."