The revelation this week that the owner of an Algerian cargo ship whose crew was held by Somali pirates paid them $2.6 million in ransom is yet another indication that the rewards these denizens reap for their illegal, life-threatening work remain a serious stumbling block to ending maritime organiz
The International Frigate Working Group (IFWG), hosted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., visited the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC), May 9. The working group consisted of partner countries that use the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate, including Au
The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) departed Bahrain in support of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2013 (IMCMEX13), May 14. Cmdr. Neil Koprowski, commanding officer, San Antonio, welcomed aboard officers from seven nations including the United Kingdom, Austral
The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed its homeport of Naval Station San Diego, May 14, as the command platform for Pacific Partnership 2013. This year’s mission will partner the U.S. Navy with non-governmental organizations and regional partners including Australia, Can
During their final patrol with the EU’s counter piracy mission – Operation Atalanta, the French Landing Helicopter Dock, FS Tonnerre and Destroyer FS Georges Leygues, rendezvoused at sea with the EU NAVFOR flagship, Portuguese Frigate Alvares Cabral. On completion of what have been successful counte
The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PELARG) returned, May 14, to Naval Base San Diego following an eight-month western Pacific deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AOR). The PELARG consists of amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the amphibious transport dock shi
On Wednesday 01 May 2013, HMAS Newcastle entered the Magnetic Treatment Facility at Fleet Base West in order to undertake deperming. The Magnetic Treatment Facility provides the capability to reduce, alter and stabilise the permanent magnetism in steel hulled vessels – limiting the issue of magentic
The Royal Australian Navy has supported the opening of White Ribbon Australia’s first international conference. White Ribbon Australia is hosting the conference in Sydney. It features key researchers, practitioners, policy makers and activists from both Australia and overseas. The conference showcas
The Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant, has issued a renewed warning that Somali pirates are still determined to get out to sea and, if presented with an easy target, will attack. “I am very concerned that seafarers and nations will lower their guard and support for
Chief of Australian Navy, VADM Ray Griggs, RAN recently toured North America and one of his first ports of call was Jacksonville Florida, where Fleet Air Arm Personnel are conducting Initial MH-60R Seahawk Trade and Operational Flying Training. VADM Griggs was given an insight into the latest traini
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) frigate HMNZS TE MANA will spend the next month undertaking activities in support of defence diplomacy, in South East and North East Asia. Having successfully participated in Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD, a Five Power Defence Arrangements exercise also involving Australia, M
On 10 May, French EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) ship FS Nivôse completed a nine day escort of a World Food Programme (WFP) chartered vessel. The WFP ship was escorted from Djibouti to the port of Mombasa in Kenya. During the escort, members of the French Navy crew remained on constant look-out, with th
Despite fiscal restraints, a New York-based Navy Reserve unit hosted the NATO Shipping Working Group conference for 40 representatives from NATO navies and observing nations, May 6-10. Comprising delegations from 10 NATO countries as well as Brazil, the working group refined doctrine that allows all
Austal continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing its support offering to the United States Navy and other navies active in the Asia-Pacific region, announcing new strategic partnerships with regional shipyards at the IMDEX Asia defence exhibition in Singapore this week. Following on from
