Defense Strategies
HNLMS Van Speijk Joins EU Naval Force
HNLMS Van Speijk, the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) multipurpose frigate, arrived on the African east coast for her participation within the EU Naval Force. However, before entering the area of operations further preparation was necessary: additional specific training for the mission and the integ
USS Vella Gulf Leaves the Black Sea
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departed the Black Sea after a series of engagements promoting peace and stability in the region, Aug. 25. While in the Black Sea, Vella Gulf’s mission was to work with NATO allies and partners, demonstrating the United States’ co
MCPON Hosts All-Hands Call with Sailors in Germany
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens hosted an all-hands call at the Patch Chapel with Sailors stationed at United States Army Garrison Stuttgart Aug. 20. The call was streamed live on Defense Connect Online where MCPON talked about the eSailor initiative, leadership develop
USS Vella Gulf Ends Batumi Port Visit, Georgia
The Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) completed a two day port visit to Batumi, Georgia, Aug. 20. Vella Gulf’s mission in the Black Sea is to work with NATO allies and European partners, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to strengthening and improving intero
ITS Durand de La Penne Sets Sail from London
ITS Durand de La Penne has set sail from London where the future officers were able to visit the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth and the Bletchley Park to learn about past and modern seafaring. Durand de La Penne also visited the NATO Maritime Command
EUNAVFOR Force Commander Visits HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën and ESPS Navarra
On 15 and 16 August the Force Commander of EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), Rear Admiral Guido Rando, visited HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën and ESPS Navarra. The Dutch frigate is currently conducting the last patrol of her 4 months deployment in the EU’s counter-piracy Operation Atalanta, whilst the Spanish
USS Vella Gulf Participates in Romanian Navy Day
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departed Constanta, Romania, to participate in the underway portion of Romanian Navy Day, Aug. 15. Romanian Navy Day is a national holiday celebrated every year on Aug. 15. During the celebration, the Romanian Navy conducted a par
USS Vella Gulf Docks in Batumi, Georgia
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrived in Batumi, Georgia, for a scheduled port visit, Aug. 18. While in Georgia, Vella Gulf is scheduled to participate in a joint training exercise with the Georgian Navy focusing on signaling and visit, board, search and seizu
EU Navfor Vessels Assist Yacht in Distress
On Tuesday 12 August, whilst conducting counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, the EU Naval Force flagship and Italian Navy destroyer, ITS Andrea Doria, gave assistance to a stricken yacht. The yacht’s two French crewmembers had put out a mayday signal after they suffered engine failure. The
Lithuanian Navy, SNMCMG1 Conduct Combined Exercise
On August 13 a combined exercise concluded in the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea. The training event was attended by vessels from the Lithuanian Navy and Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group ONE (SNMCMG1). The exercise that took off on August 11
SNMCMG1 Visits Riga, Latvia
On August 15-17 Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group ONE (SNMCMG1), currently under a six-month command of Commander Giedrius Permeneckas of the Lithuanian Navy, conducted a port visit to Riga, Latvia. When the vessels moored at Riga, SNMCMG1 Commander Giedrius Premeneckas and other ship comm
Finland Prepares for NOCO14 Drills
The two week long Northern Coast 2014 (NOCO14) exercise, arranged in August and September is the Finnish Navy’s main exercise this year. The main aim of the Northern Coasts exercise is to improve the multinational interoperability between the participating troops. The shallow and shoaly waters alo
EU NAVFOR Force Commander Tours FGS Berlin
On 11 of August 2014 the Combat Support Ship FGS Berlin received a visit from the Force Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia Rear Admiral Guido Rando. It was the first visit aboard an Operation Atalanta unit other than the flagship since he assumed command on 6 August in Djibouti. T
Sailors Test Navigation Skills aboard HMS Westminster
Sailors from Malaysia, Ireland, Singapore, Oman and Kuwait spent a week onboard HMS Westminster testing their navigation skills at sea. After several weeks working in a simulator, the week at sea was the culmination of their training and the end of a three month course. The students also enjoyed e