Authorities
UK: EU NAVFOR Hosts Press Conference to Present Update on Operation ATALANTA
EU NAVFOR hosted a press conference on 20 February 2012 to present an update on Operation ATALANTA, piracy off the Horn of Africa and a view towards future developments. The briefing was hosted by Operation Commander Rear Admiral Duncan L. Potts with Deputy Operation Commander Rear Admiral Rainer En
UK: Minister for Defence Equipment Thanks Missile Plant for Support During Libya Operation
Hundreds of workers at a British missile factory have been thanked by the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff for their efforts in supporting the Armed Forces during the Libya intervention. The Minister visited MBDA UK at Lostock in Bolton last week to see for himself w
France, Poland and US Take Part in GOSC of EADTF
For the first time, France, Poland and the United States have taken part in the General Officers Steering Committee (GOSC) of the Extended Air Defence Task Force (EADTF) between 13 and 17 February 2012. These countries wish to eventually become full members of this German-Dutch organisation, which o
UK: Navy Helps Reduce Somali Pirate Activity
Following his posting as Commander of the UK Counter-Piracy Task Group, Captain Gerry Northwood, Royal Navy, has written in The Times newspaper about how concerted efforts are helping reduce attacks on merchant vessels. Captain Northwood writes: “Eleven pirates on board with automatic weapons and ro
Royal Netherlands Navy Conducts Operation Martillo
12 countries, including the Royal Netherlands Navy as a representative of the Netherlands, are currently combating drugs smuggling in a large area of the Caribbean extending to the Pacific Ocean in Operation Martillo. The emphasis is on South and Central American coastal waters. This operation will
Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Meets with Media
Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief ADM Vladimir Vysotsky took part in the session of defense ministry’s press club. Meeting with the press, he discussed current condition of Russian Navy and its development prospects till and after 2020. Speaking of implementation of the shipbuilding program, Vysotsky
Chief of Russian General Staff Explains Bulava Faults
Unsuccessful test launches of Bulava ballistic missile are associated with human factor, said Chief of Russian General Staff Gen. Nikolai Makarov on Feb 18. “You must be aware of a number of Bulava’s faulty test launches. We stopped test program trying to puzzle out the problem. Generally, the reaso
FGS Berlin Joins EUNAVFOR
From its port in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, and travelling through the Red Sea into the area of operation off the Coast of Somalia, the FGS BERLIN joins the multi-national EU NAVFOR off the Horn of Africa , 17 February 2012. The FGS BERLIN is a class 702 combat supply ship, capable of refuelling and re
Ukraine Won’t Raise Taxes for Russian BSF Base, Ministry’s Official Says
Reports that Ukraine is allegedly planning to put new taxes on Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) base in Sevastopol is incorrect, said Russian foreign ministry’s official Mariya Zakharova on Feb 16. “Ukrainian party has not brought up taxation issues of BSF assets in Sevastopol”, she told Interfax. Earl
Russia: Mistral-Class Amphibious Landing Ships to Obtain Home-Made Arms
French Mistral-class amphibious landing ships built for Russian Navy will be equipped with weapon systems made in Russia, reported Interfax referring to Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief ADM Vladimir Vysotsky. “We’re going to mount close-in missile systems with the view to improve the ship’s protectio
UK: Construction of HMS Prince of Wales Starts at BAE Systems
Production on HMS PRINCE OF WALES, the second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier, has started today at BAE Systems in Portsmouth Naval Base – the future home of the Queen Elizabeth Class. Work on the forward section of the hull, known as Lower Block 02, commenced as Commander-in -Chief Fleet Adm
Reservists Swap Lives for Year Serving as Part of Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron
Two Royal Navy Reservists have swapped their civilian lives for a year serving as part of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. They are manning the Royal Navy’s Fast Patrol Boats patrolling the shores of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediteranean. Able Rate Alex Harper (22) and Able Rate Matthew Am
Italy: CTF 69 Holds Change of Command Ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples
Commander, Task Force (CTF) 69 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples Feb. 16. Capt. Wesley Guinn relieved Capt. Mark Davis as commander. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, spoke about Davis’ many accomplishments during his tour.
Russia: Admiralteyskie Verfi Shipyard Completes Strength Hull Sections for SSK Novorossiysk
JSC Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard has completed manufacturing of strength hull sections for Project 636.3 submarine. The first serial submarine named Novorossiysk is built under Russian Navy’s order and will be commissioned into Black Sea Fleet in 2014. Construction of the submarine under modernized