The first five next-generation Merlins have been handed over to crews at Culdrose to prepare the souped-up helicopter for front-line duties. The innards of the Mk1 has been ripped out and replaced in a £750m upgrade of the Merlin fleet to ensure it stays one step ahead of our foes until the end of t
On Sunday 18 August, fourteen participants along with several EUCAP Nestor trainers boarded the Dutch EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Flagship HNLMS Johan de Witt in Djibouti, to embark for a one week’s training course on Maritime Security. This course, the second to be organised by EUCAP Nestor, brings t
The guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) arrived in Durres, Albania for a port visit, Aug.16. This port visit serves to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations to enhance regional stability. While in Durres, Sailors wil
A twice-decorated submariner who undertook dangerous convoy missions to Malta in the Second World War and plotted mines before the 1944 South Coast of France landings has celebrated his 100th birthday. Captain William Hedley Kett DSC* RD* RNR served for six years (1940 – 46) under the sea during the
The Royal Navy’s specialist helicopter support squadron has won a top award for engineering efficiency. Portsmouth-based 1710 Naval Air Squadron – the MOD’s centre of excellence for tri-service helicopter structural repair, modifications and scientific support – was presented with the Royal Royce Ef
Royal Navy warship HMS Lancaster recently paid a formal visit to Kingston on the island of Jamaica. The Type-23 frigate arrived in the Commonwealth Realm on her emancipation day; marking 51 years since she gained independence. The visit comes after the completion of Lancaster’s first counter narcoti
Pacific Partnership 2013 concluded its final mission port, the Solomon Islands, Aug. 13. U.S. Navy forces were joined by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and regional partners that included Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand wit
The crew of a Royal Navy warship has seized a massive 680-kilogram stash of cocaine with an estimated street value of £100 million. HMS Lancaster made the bust after sailors boarded a speedboat near Puerto Rico. The boat, which was concealed by a tarpaulin, was spotted by a US Customs and Border Pro
Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus is playing a colourful role in the launch of Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week 2013 after being officially dressed in bunting for the festival. RFA Argus is currently docked in Falmouth for works to be completed by A&P Falmouth, as part of the company’s ‘cluster’ contract w
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, homeported in Port Hueneme, Calif., transferred authority of Camp Mitchell and ongoing Seabee missions throughout Europe and Africa to NMCB 11, homeported in Gulfport, Miss., during a ceremony held aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Aug. 12. Cmdr. Jeffrey
On August 11, Dutch supply ship HNLMS Amsterdam, equipped with an on-board NH90 helicopter, set sail for the Caribbean from the port of Den Helder. In the next 4 months, HNLMS Amsterdam will serve as a guard ship and be deployed to intercept drug transports and support the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guar
On Monday, 12 August 2013, the Dutch frigate HNLMS VAN SPEIJK concluded more than two months deployment in support of NATO’s counter-piracy Operation OCEAN SHIELD and began her voyage back to the Netherlands. VAN SPEIJK joined OCEAN SHIELD just days before Commodore Henning Amundsen took command of
Earlier this week, the Maltese Special Duties Enhanced Boarding Team (MSDEBT) on board the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ship Johan de Witt conducted a fast-rope exercise. They fast-roped from one of the two Cougar helicopters embarked on the Dutch warship. The Johan de Witt is currently the flagship of
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) hosted U.S. and foreign flag and general officers from throughout Europe, Aug. 11 in support of regional maritime partnerships. U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, commander, Supreme Allied Command, Europe (SACEUR); U.S. Navy Adm. Bruce Clingan, commander, Allied Joint
