On Monday, 11 November 2013, the EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta Flagship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, has hosted the Contact Group of Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) during the Counter Piracy Week in the port of Djibouti. Government representatives from all over the world took the opportunity to
The first NH90 NFH Step B has been delivered to the Italian Navy. This fully operational naval helicopter will be assigned to the 5th Helicopter Squadron of the Italian Navy at the Sarzana-Luni base. The Italian Navy has ordered 56 NH90s, 46 of which in the NFH variant. “This NH90 Step B will allow
Continuing his goal to keep Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation, Governor Rick Scott today announced that the National Center for Simulation, located at Naval Support Activity Orlando, has been awarded a $350,000 grant from the Florida Defense Support Task Force. The funding will
Hobart welcomed the first Collins Class submarine visit to the region for five years, with the arrival of HMAS Farncomb into port late last week. Commanding Officer, Commander Byron Williamson said the routine port visit allowed the submarine to be resupplied and provided some rest and recreation to
Maritime forces from the United States, 10 East African and two European nations, along with several international organizations, commenced the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2013, Nov. 11. Exercise Cutlass Express 2013, held in several operational areas in waters off East Africa, i
Onboard RFA Lyme Bay, which is part of European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta, the Boarding teams from the Fleet Contingency Troop and K Company 43 Commando Royal Marines have taken advantage of the Lynx MK 8 that embarked from RFA Fort Austin to practice fast roping techn
The Lithuanian Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachment (AVPD), deployed with the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta since August 2013, is tasked with the protection of the World Food Programme (WFP) ship MV Caroline Scan. Embarked on the Caroline scan around the clock, the AVPD en
Members of an Australian led multi-nation Task Force in Solomon Islands as part of Operation RENDER SAFE 2013 were welcomed to the country last week by the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Mr Matt Anderson. Operation RENDER SAFE is an ongoing Australian-led operation to safely di
Royal Australian Navy Minehunter Coastal (MHC), HMAS Gascoyne, has been hard at work conducting Route Survey of Darwin Harbour over the past few weeks. Route Survey is the exploration of a route to determine the nature of the seabed and the nature of any underwater objects that are detected. The dat
The ballot is now open for young Australians aged 16-23 to set sail for the voyage of a lifetime aboard the national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour in 2014. A voyage in Young Endeavour is a unique experience and one which develops skills for life. Successful applicants will join a crew of 24 you
Just a few weeks after the Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant, issued another warning about the on-going piracy threat, there have been two more piracy related incidents off the Somali coast. The first incident happened on Tuesday 5 November, when EU Naval Force Germ
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) showcased the new flame-resistant variant (FRV) coveralls to senior enlisted leadership onboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk, Nov. 1. The FRVs are said to be a critical first step in improving the level of protection from flame and flash fire hazards associated wit
The Royal Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, HMS Severn, which is twinned with Newport, will visit her affiliated city from 7th to 10th November. During a busy few days, the ship will bring groups of school children on board for organised tours and conduct outreach events with local organisations over t
An air and maritime exercise involving Australia and its regional security partners starts today in Malaysia. Exercise Bersama Lima 2013 is a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) activity involving Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. Commander Australian Contingent,