Military and civilian maritime professionals from West Africa, Europe, and the United States finalized a challenging training agenda for exercise Saharan Express 2012, March 14. This week’s final planning conference at the Counternarcotics and Maritime Security (COSMAR) interagency operations center
Stolt Tankers B.V., a subsidiary of Stolt-Nielsen Limited and operators and owners of MT Stolt Valor, confirm that the vessel suffered an explosion on board whilst transiting the Persian Gulf. A Coalition warship is presently on site and is providing assistance. We understand that 24 of the 25 crewm
Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) departed Norfolk Naval Station March 12 on the ship’s fourth deployment with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. James E. Williams is scheduled to deploy to the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation as part of an
Adviser to the Chief of Russian General Staff and Black Sea Fleet (BSF) ex-commander Igor Kasatonov criticized Ukraine’s stand on replacement of Black Sea Fleet ships, reports UNIAN. Kasatonov says Russia does not increase number of ships in full accordance with agreements. However, when trying to r
Two new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) laboratories have been opened at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW), thanks to a grant and in-kind support from Northrop Grumman Corporation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on March 12 at the BLSYW campus on W
Servicemen of Caspian Flotilla (CF) coast defense missile battalion began mastering of newest mobile coastal missile system Bal at the Adanak Range in Dagestan. During a month-long field exercise, CF missilemen study tactics and technical maintenance, conduct firing and driving drills. High emphasis
First class and chief petty officers aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) continue to follow the Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 program while deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. CPO 365 gives first class petty officers (FCPOs) year-round training on becoming a chief;
Sailors deployed aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) started a “Crews into Shape” fitness program, March 9. The 12th annual challenge, sponsored by the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC), is a four-week long event held at the beginning of every March in co
Navigation charts were not quite as helpful as they’d normally be for the crew of the Royal Australian Navy’s Squirrel detachment who were sent in to assist with the Wagga Wagga flood emergency. The two aircraft from 723 Squadron were tasked with flying reconnaissance missions over the water-logged
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 12 for a scheduled deployment. Nitze, operating with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, is scheduled to work with coalition maritime forces focusing heavily on maritime security operation
In 2011, Russian defense ministry tied a number of long-term aircraft procurement contracts; under one of them, the ministry purchased 140 attack helicopters Ka-52 Alligator, director of Oboronprom corporation Andrei Reus told Kommersant. Reus did not specify details of the contract only saying that
Commander, Naval Surface Forces recently awarded the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) with the 2011 Battle Effectiveness Award (Battle “E”). The Battle “E” is awarded annually to ships, submarines, aviation and other units that present the maximum condition of departmental readiness in thei
In 2012, crews of Black Sea Fleet (BSF) ships will take part in a number of joint naval exercises and diplomatic activities at seaports of Mediterranean countries. In April and August, BSF will attend activations of BLACKSEAFOR joint task force which is presently headed by Russian Navy’s representat
Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) volunteered at the Centro Laila Orphanage in Mondragone, Italy, during a port visit to Gaeta, Italy, March 12. Sailors spent the day volunteering their time throughout the orphanage where they worked in the gardens, cleaned bathrooms and scru
