The HMS Resolution was one of the ships that Captain James Cook commanded during his third voyage of exploration in the Pacific. Having left England in 1776, Cook's expedition aimed to discover the Northwest Passage and conduct further exploration of the Pacific Islands. Tragically, during this voyage, Cook was killed in an altercation with Hawaiian natives in February 1779, after which command was taken over by Captain Charles Clerke. Despite Cook's death, the Resolution continued its mission, visiting various islands and making important navigational observations. The journey was arduous, filled with challenges including scurvy, ship repairs, and supply shortages.

Upon returning to England, the HMS Resolution arrived back in August 1780, with Captain Clerke and a reduced crew, many of whom had succumbed to illness during the journey. Clerke’s leadership in returning the ship safely after Cook’s death was a testament to his naval skill and resilience. The voyage significantly contributed to the European understanding of the Pacific region, despite the personal loss of Cook, who had become a celebrated figure for his exploration efforts. The ship spent time at several locations, gathering data and documenting newfound cultures before its return.

The return of Resolution highlighted not only the risks inherent in exploration at the time but also underscored the impacts of leadership and strategy in maritime ventures. The European exploration of the Pacific would continue even after Cook, influenced by the data he collected. The reports of this voyage helped provide critical insights into the geography and cultures of the islands encountered, although Cook's death marked a poignant moment in the history of exploration. The crew's experiences and the navigational details gathered would later inform subsequent explorations and maritime expeditions in the Pacific region.