Operations
USS Nimitz hosts deputy SECDEF
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as part of a scheduled visit, on April 4th. Work visited Nimitz to meet with leadership and observe and discuss Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 capabilities and training as they prepare for an upcoming 2017 deploy
Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft Contingents handover counter-piracy duties
The Spanish Orion Air Contingent XXVII, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Arozamena Sanz, has completed a successful four month tour with Operation Atalanta off the coast of Somalia. During a ceremony held at their current base in Djibouti, the contingent handed over their duties to Detachment
Royal Marines’ wings ready for action
The wings of the Royal Marines are ready for action with their French counterparts after a month’s training aboard the FS Mistral. Two Merlins from 845 NAS are assigned to the assault ship throughout her six-month deployment to the Indian and Pacific Oceans – the first time the green Merlins have go
EU NAVFOR reinforces need for vigilance at sea
Following the pirating of an Indian registered cargo dhow off the coast of Somalia on Saturday 1 April 2017, EU NAVFOR once again reiterates the need for vigilance to all ships transiting the piracy high risk area. Vessels are strongly recommended to adhere to self-protection measures laid down in t
Sri Lanka Navy assist burning containership off Colombo harbor
On April 4th, 2017, the Sri Lanka Navy sent two Fast Attack Craft (FAC) to assist MSC ‘Daniela’, a containership caught by a fire off Colombo harbor. Upon reaching the ship, about 33 nautical miles off Colombo harbor, P 436 and P 412 craft joined Sri Lankan Port Authority tugs, Rawana and Maha Wewa,
USS Michael Murphy docks in Malaysia
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia for a routine port visit on March 4th. While in Malaysia, Michael Murphy Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Robert A. Heely Jr., met with First Admiral Hanafiah, the director of hydrography at the Na
Carl Vinson Strike Group visits Singapore
Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Arleigh Burke -class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and Ticonderoga -class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit, April 4. Prior to the vis
UPDATE: EU Navfor confirms Indian dhow seized by pirates
EU Naval Force can confirm that an Indian registered cargo dhow was seized by suspected pirates on 01 April and is now in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia. An EU Naval Force maritime patrol aircraft has confirmed the exact location of the dhow and has attempted to establish radio communications but wi
Navy chiefs on USS Nimitz celebrate 124th CPO birthday
Navy chiefs aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) celebrated the birthday of chief petty officers with a series of events throughout the ship, April 1. Events took place on the flight deck, hangar bays and mess decks. They included a group photo, birthday cake cutting, a bike marathon and
Somali pirates hijack another ship, demand ransom
Somali pirates hijacked a small boat with a crew of 11 Indian sailors off the coast of Somalia and are demanding ransom for their release, The Associated Press reported on Monday. According to AP, who cited Graeme Gibbon Brooks of Dryad Maritime, the vessel was heading from Dubai to Bosaso, Somalia
US Navy’s Spain-based destroyers complete final live fire tests of SeaRAM CIWS
Two of four forward deployed U.S. Navy destroyers used live missiles from their new SeaRAM close-in weapons systems to intercept drones that mimicked anti-ship cruise missiles. On March 30, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Ross (DDG 71) took turns intercepting missiles in the Gulf of Cadiz on Spain’
Babcock becomes Royal Navy system support partner under £360m deal
UK defense contractor Babcock has been selected to become marine systems support partner (MSSP) for the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) aircraft carriers and Type 45 destroyers. The company said it was selected as preferred bidder for all four elements of a Ministry of Defence program t
US Coast Guard cutter seizes 5 tons of cocaine on maiden patrol
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter James seized five tons of cocaine on its maiden voyage and patrol as a coast guard ship. The crew of the CGC James returned home to Charleston, South Carolina, on March 31 following a 60-day, multi-mission patrol. During its maiden voyage, James’ crew contributed to the i
HMAS Darwin sails one last time from Fleet Base West
Royal Australian Navy’s oldest warship HMAS Darwin departed Fleet Base West after what will probably be the frigate’s final visit before being decommissioned later this year. HMAS Darwin slipped from the wharf at Fleet Base West and set sail for Sydney recently, signalling the end of the warship’s l