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Ronald Reagan CSG ships train with Japanese destroyer
Forward-deployed ships from the US Navy’s Ronald Reagan carrier strike group (CSG) started bilateral training with Japan Maritime Self Defense destroyer JS Kirishima on August 14. The exercise is also joined by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) personnel from the Commander, Escort Division (
Australia receives P-8A Poseidon simulator training facility
Australia’s future P-8A Poseidon pilots are set to benefit from a new simulator and training systems facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh after it was officially handed over to the defense department on August 17. Australian defense minister Marise Payne said the advanced P-8A training system would bette
HMCS Montreal arrives at Halifax Shipyard for dry docking work
Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Montreal arrived at Halifax Shipyard August 13 for a 53-week docking work period (DWP) which will include both routine maintenance and upgrades. HMCS Montreal is the third consecutive Halifax-class frigate from the navy’s east coast fleet to enter the Halifax Shipyar
US Navy gets funds for 13 new vessels under 2019 defense bill
US president Donald J. Trump has signed a $717 billion National Defense Authorization Act under which the US Navy would get funds for a total of 13 new vessels. Signed by the president at a ceremony at Fort Drum, New York, August 13, the NDAA includes funds for three littoral combat ships, a fourth
Fincantieri acquires automation specialist Vitrociset
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is boosting its logistic support capabilities with the acquisition of automation, command and control systems specialist Vitrociset. Fincantieri announced August 7 that it signed an agreement with commercial high-tech company Mer Mec for the joint and equally split ac
Italy’s newest FREMM frigate joins counter-piracy operation off the Horn of Africa
After ceding command over the EU-led counter-piracy operation Atalanta off the Horn of Africa to the Spanish Navy, the Italian Navy has deployed its newest FREMM frigate – ITS Federico Martinengo – to support the mission. The frigate got underway from its homeport in Taranto and joined the operation
HII gets multi-million deal for USS John C. Stennis RCOH
US shipbuilder Ingalls Industries (HII) has been awarded an advance planning contract for the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). As informed, the RCOH is scheduled to begin in January 2021. The contract, which is init
Australia continues Indo-Pacific deployment after RIMPAC participation
Australian Navy ships and personnel are continuing their Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 (IPE18) deployment after concluding exercise Rim of the Pacific off Hawaii in early August. Landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide and frigate HMAS Toowoomba – along with a platoon of Australian soldiers from 2R
India clears acquisition of 6 next generation offshore patrol vessels
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPV) that are to be designed and built in India. According to a defense department announcement, the project is expected to cost Rs. 4941 crore (approx. US$706.5 million). Once in
After Indonesia, CARAT kicks off in Malaysia
The US and Royal Malaysian navies commenced the 24th iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) on Kota Belud Marine Base in Malaysia on August 10. CARAT exercises focus on the full spectrum of naval capabilities and are designed to strengthen the close partnership between both n
Royal Navy frigate wraps up seven-month Asia Pacific deployment
Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland returned to her homeport at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport on August 10, concluding a seven-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific. Sutherland and her crew got underway on January 9, becoming the first Royal Navy vessel to operate in Asia Pacific in rece
CARAT 2018 kicks off in Indonesia
Naval forces from the US and Indonesia have commenced the 24th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. The exercise began with the arrival of the dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) with elements from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Jakarta on August 10. As informed, th
First Guardian-class Pacific Patrol Boat starts sea trials
Australian shipbuilder Austal announced it has started sea trials for the first Guardian-class Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB-R). The announcement was made on August 8 as part of the company’s celebration of 30 years of successfully delivering shipbuilding programs. The PPB-R program will see 21 Austal de
Former Australian frigate HMAS Darwin starting new life as dive wreck off Tasmania
The Royal Australian Navy’s decommissioned frigate ex-HMAS Darwin is to be scuttled in the waters off Tasmania to become a dive wreck, the Australian government announced August 9. Australian defense minister Marise Payne said she was pleased that the former Adelaide-class frigate would call Tasmani