The Netherlands is to continue participating in the counterpiracy mission off the coast of Somalia for another year, until the end of 2014. This was decided by the government last week. From February to mid-May, the Netherlands will deploy the air-defence and command (ADC) frigate HNLMS Evertsen for
During the past week, two European Union missions, EUCAP Nestor and EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta, have worked together on two operations for the benefit of the Somaliland Coast Guard. The first operation involved the transportation and handing over of five 4-wheel-drive vehi
Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Admiral Yurii Ilyin is participating in the Maritime Commanders Meeting (MARCOMET). The conference is aimed at learning and discussing the key aspects of defense policy and security of the Alliance concept, information on current and prospect NATO-led naval operations
On Monday, NATO’s counter-piracy Operation OCEAN SHIELD warship UPS HETMAN SAGAIDACHNY of Ukraine boarded a skiff with seven suspected pirates aboard in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). As the Ukrainian boarding team approached, the skiff tried to escape and suspected pirates
The Ukrainian Navy corvette Ternopil led by Capt. 3rd Rank Oleg Grygoriev completed all the tasks in the Mediterranean Sea assigned within the NATO anti-terrorist operation Active Endeavor and is now en route to Sevastopol. The crew of the Ukrainian military ship completed the practical actions on m
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) while the ship was moored in Souda Bay, Greece, Nov. 15. While aboard, he promoted six Ramage Sailors, presented Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pins to seven others, reenl
The Italian Frigate ITS Libeccio, which is currently deployed with the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta, has provided medical assistance to a dhow in need of help near the Horn of Africa. During a patrol flight, one of the helicopters of ITS Libeccio spotted a dhow t
Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday ordered HMS Illustrious to make for the Philippines to help out in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. The helicopter carrier heads east with destroyer HMS Daring just a day away from the worst-affected area ready to begin her relief mission. Helicopter carrier HMS Ill
On Tuesday November 12, marines of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, embarked on the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atlanta flagship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, have executed a parachute jump exercise in the Gulf of Aden. The marines are part of the Enhanced Boarding Element of HNLMS Johan
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made a brief stop in Moron, Spain, Nov. 14, to meet with Marines assigned to the Special Purpose – Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP-MAGTF) Crisis Response unit. During his short time in Moron, Mabus ate breakfast with Marines prior to touring the SP-MAGTF facilities.
More than 200 participants including representatives from African nations, the shipping industry, legal experts and NATO discussed the continuing threat of piracy off the eastern African coast at an international conference held in Djibouti this week. The meeting was the 15th Plenary of the Contact
Sea Breeze 2014 planning conference was held in Odesa, Ukraine. The event was attended by Deputy Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Volodymyr Khyzhy, Leader of the U.S. Delegation U.S. Navy Capt. 1st Rank John Mosher and Leader of the Ukrainian Working Group of the
Standing NATO Mine-Countermeasures Group TWO (SNMCMG2) just concluded its participation in the Greek Mine Warfare exercise ARIADNE13 in vicinity of Patras, Greece, after one week at sea. SNMCMG2 units FGS MOSEL (the Group’s flagship), FGS ROTTWEIL and TCG ERDEMLI, teamed up with the Greek frigate an
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
