The Royal Netherlands Airforce’s newest helicopter, the NH-90, is on its way to Somalia on board HNLMS De Ruyter. It is the first overseas mission in which the maritime on-board helicopter will take part. Although in its current configuration it will not be able to carry out all mission tasks, the N
The crews of guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Russell (DDG 59) finished swapping hulls at Naval Base San Diego Jan. 25. Russell arrived from its prior homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to San Diego, Jan. 9, where it will be permanently stationed. Halsey and Russell then
The first Wildcat attack helicopter to be delivered to the Royal Navy has successfully taken its first flight at Yeovil in Somerset. The Wildcat has a more powerful engine, allowing it to be flown in extreme conditions all year round. It is also equipped with a more robust fuselage, a high-tech inte
The smallest Squadron in the Royal Navy got 2013 off to a flying start with training off the west coast of Scotland. Late last year the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron exchanged their two P2000 vessels – HMS Dasher and Pursuer – for Her Majesty’s Ships Raider and Tracker. The new additions are faster a
Following an attack in early January on a merchant vessel 260 miles off the Somali Coast, twelve men suspected of committing an act of piracy, were transferred on January 25 by EU Naval Force warship FS Surcouf to the Mauritian authorities for prosecution. When the attack happened on 5th January, th
GE’s Power Conversion business has started fitting the latest generation of Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships WAVE KNIGHT and WAVE RULER. The technology will extend the life and versatility of the IPMS fitted to the two ships, helping the RFA to ma
Following a 43-year career with the Royal Navy, Sir Mark Stanhope is to stand down as First Sea Lord in April and will hand over the baton to Admiral Sir George Zambellas. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond yesterday, 24 January, made the announcement that Adm Zambellas will succeed Sir Mark as the Ch
The frigate HNLMS De Ruyter left her home port of Den Helder for counterpiracy operations in the waters around Somalia. For this mission, the EU’s Operation Atalanta, the ship is carrying the new NH-90 helicopter, which will see its first operational deployment. The air defence and command frigate h
Leading Seaman Freddie Noakes stepped up into the role normally occupied by a Lieutenant during board HMS Liverpool’s deployment on operations on Libya, when the ship was providing naval gunfire support from the sea into Misrata during the Libyan conflict. He received his Joint Commanders Commendati
In the middle of her counter-piracy and counter-drugs work, the Devonport-based frigate HMS Northumberland’s Merlin helicopter tested one of the many tricks in her box – her flares. These are installed to decoy incoming heat-seeking missiles – fired either by other aircraft, or ground-based threats
Navy Air Engineer, Warrant Officer 1 David Rowlands, from 78 Squadron RAF Benson, has been awarded the MBE in the New Years Honours List 2013. WO Rowlands is currently part of a Royal Navy team based at RAF Benson Oxfordshire, preparing for the transition of Merlin MK3 and MK3A aircraft from RAF to
The commander of Naval Education Training Command (NETC) led a roundtable discussion among Navy and Pensacola leaders Jan. 10 about the economic and social impact the Navy has on the local area. Rear Adm. Don Quinn moderated the discussion, held inside the National Naval Aviation Museum on board Nav
At 3.03 pm January 16, Belfast Coastguard received a mayday call from the crew of a fishing vessel on VHF Channel 16 (International Distress and Calling Channel) reporting that they had smoke coming from the engine room and that they were unable to access the wheelhouse. Belfast Coastguard requested
Personnel on board Portsmouth-based HMS Atherstone have put aside their minehunting skills to instead imitate pirates as part of an exercise with HMS Monmouth in the Gulf. The joint operations come as the Devonport-based frigate builds up to operational patrols policing international trade routes in
