Defense Strategies
EUHR Ashton Promotes Comprehensive Counterpiracy Approach Aboard La Fayette
On 26 August, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Commission Vice President, Catherine Ashton visited the French EU Naval Force Somalia Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR) warship La Fayette during her visit to Kenya and Somalia. She was welcomed on board by the Com
UK: HMS Bulwark to Serve as Security Hub at Paralympics
After her involvement in the London 2012 Olympics, the crew of HMS Bulwark is preparing to serve as the hub for the security effort surrounding the Paralympic sailing events. The assault ship will serve as the command and control centre for maritime security operations around Portland for the durati
EU NAVFOR, NATO and CTF-151 Talk Counterpiracy Cooperation
On 24 August 2012 the Force Commanders from the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR), NATO Operation Ocean Shield (TF-508) and Combined Task Force 151 (operated by the Combined Maritime Forces – CMF) met on board the EU NAVFOR flagship ITS San Guisto (Italian Navy) to further enha
HNLMS Evertsen Completes Counterpiracy Operations Off Horn of Africa
After having taken part in the Ocean Shield counterpiracy operation, HNLMS Evertsen arrived back in her home port of Den Helder on 18 August. Defence Minister Hans Hillen emphasised the importance of the mission for the Netherlands. “Our prosperity depends, after all, on free trade, the unimpeded tr
Mine Hunter of Royal Netherlands Navy Clears Mine in Westerschelde Shipping Lane
A mine hunter of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) detonated a heavy sea mine in the Wielingen channel, the very busy southern approach to the Westerschelde. The mine constituted a direct threat to shipping. The previous night, the Navy had received a report of a fishing cutter catching a mine-like
Luxembourg Maritime Patrol Aircraft Passes 4.000th Operational Flight Hour
On 13 August the Luxembourg Maritime Patrol Aircraft Detachment deployed in support of the EU anti-piracy operation ATALANTA passed its 4.000th operational flight hour during its 707th operational sortie in theatre. This milestone occurred when Captain SOLOMON and his crew were crossing the equator
Counter Piracy Forces Disrupt Pirated Dhows, Free Crew Taken Hostage in Gulf of Aden
Counter piracy forces from the EU Naval Force Somalia (EU NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta and NATO disrupted two pirated dhows and freed the crew taken hostage in the Gulf of Aden. On 10 August, a suspicious dhow, reportedly pirated in Bosaso – Somalia, was located off the coast of Oman by the Spanish EU
Commander of British Naval Task Force Returns to HMS Ocean
The Commander of the British naval task force in Libya last year returned to his flagship to pay homage to some of the sailors, soldiers and marines who distinguished themselves during the conflict. Commodore John Kingwell ADC visited HMS Ocean to present his personal commendations to twelve Royal N
UK: HMS Bulwark Welcomes Rio 2016 Olympic Security Team
HMS Bulwark welcomed a delegation of safety and security officials from the Rio 2016 Olympic planning committee to the Royal Navy’s Flagship currently conducting operational duties in support of the security operations in Weymouth Bay. Captain Alex Burton Royal Navy, Commanding Officer, welcomed the
HNLMS Rotterdam, FGS Sachsen Disrupt Pirated Dhow
After a three day hunt by NATO and EU counter piracy forces, HNLMS Rotterdam in close cooperation with EU unit FGS Sachsen, has successfully disrupted a pirated dhow. This end game took place in the coastal waters of Somalia. The crew has been freed and is in good condition. The suspected pirates wi
USS Farragut Sailors Strengthen Bonds in Latvia
The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) continued to strengthen relationships with Baltic nations as it began a four-day port visit in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 4. During the port visit, Sailors played a game of basketball against members of the Latvian National Armed Forces and participated in
EU NAVFOR Welcomes Prosecution of 7 Somali Pirates
On Tuesday 7 August 2012 seven Somali men were found guilty by a Kenyan court of attempting to commit an act of piracy against a French fishing vessel, MV Captain St Vincent, off the Somali Coast in October 2009. Following the terrifying attack, the pirates, operating in 2 attack skiffs, were locate
Scheldepoort Repair & Conversion Yard Gets Substantial Royal Netherlands Navy Contract
Scheldepoort Repair & Conversion Yard has been awarded a substantial Royal Netherlands Navy contract to modernise and upgrade the propeller shaft lines and generator sets of four Air Defence and Command Frigates. Part of the Damen Shipyards Group, Scheldepoort is based in Vlissingen in the south of
FGS Sachsen Relieves FGS Bremen in Gulf of Aden
This week FGS Sachsen has taken up station patrolling the Gulf of Aden, under the command of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). She will shortly relieve fellow German frigate FGS Bremen which has served so successfully in countering-piracy with EUNAVFOR since May of this year. Bremen has mad