Operations
UK: HMS Bangor to Show What’s She Made Of
The Royal Navy’s state-of-the-art Sandown Class mine hunter HMS Bangor will visit Fishguard from February 12-14. The 52.7 metre ship will host a number of organised groups during her time in port, including local sea cadets and youngsters who have expressed an interest in joining the Royal Navy and
HNLMS Friesland Sailors Embark on Maiden Operational Deployment to the Caribbean
The new patrol vessel HNLMS Friesland left for the Caribbean on January 28. It is the first time that one of the navy’s new patrol vessels is deployed for an operational mission. In addition to protecting the territory of the Kingdom, the ship will also be used for counterdrug operations in the Cari
UK: Lusty Gears Up for Busy Spring Programme Ahead
With her huge White Ensign standing proud on a blustery Winter’s day, HMS Illustrious sails for the first time this year with a busy Spring programme ahead. Since returning from the Mediterranean – where she took part in the Royal Navy’s key autumn deployment, Cougar 12 – last November, the helicopt
HMS Cattistock Heads for Mediterranean
Portsmouth-based Royal Navy minehunter HMS Cattistock sailed yesterday (February 4) on a four-month NATO mission in the Mediterranean. She will be working as part of a permanent multinational maritime force in the area called the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 2 (SNMCMG2). Ships from alli
NATO Delegates Get First-Hand Experience of HMS Monmouth’s Gulf Operations
Politicians from across Europe have visited HMS Monmouth to see how the Black Duke is helping to keep the waters of the Gulf safe. The Plymouth-based frigate, approaching the half-way point in her deployment to the Gulf, was visited by 25 MPs from 11 countries who serve on the Transatlantic Defence
Spanish Replenishment Oiler ESPS Cantabria Demonstrates Her Versatility
The last two weeks of January have been a busy period for ESPS Cantabria (CMDR J.L. Nieto) and her embarked RAN DET. Having successfully navigated the Suez Canal, Cantabria entered the Gulf of Aden (GoA) area of operations. Cantabria conducted Replenishment at Sea (RAS) activities in support of EUNA
UK Marines Aboard HMS Monmouth Clock Up Bike Miles to Help Green Berets
Royal Marines on HMS Monmouth are cycling around the clock for up to ten days to help fellow green berets. The commandos – who provide the sharp sword of the Plymouth frigate’s boarding team on patrol in the Gulf – intend to clock up 4,825 miles exactly. That’s the distance from their base at 43 [&h
ESPS Méndez Núnez Welcomes Rear Admiral on Board
On 29 January 2013, during a port visit to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Rear Admiral Pedro García de Paredes, the Force Commander of the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR), welcomed Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant on board his flagship ESPS Méndez Núnez. This is the first meeting between both admirals since Rear Admir
UK MoD Confirms Order of Cox Powertrain Advanced Engine Concept
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed its order for the next prototype stage of development of a revolutionary high performance, lightweight diesel engine intended for marine outboard applications on the fast, rigid inflatable boats used by the Royal Navy. The Cox Powertrain engine concept
Russian Navy’s Inter-Fleet Exercises Draw to Conclusion
The largest inter-fleet training exercises within the last ten years of Russian Navy with the participation of Baltic, Northern, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets in the… [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, January 31, 2013; Image: flot
HMS Cattistock About to Join NATO Mission in the Mediterranean
Portsmouth-based Royal Navy minehunter HMS Cattistock sails on Monday (4 February) for a four-month NATO mission in the Mediterranean. She will be working as part of a permanent multinational maritime force in the area called the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 2 (SNMCMG2). Ships from alli
Poland: SNMCMG1 Crew Heads for Sea Drills with New Commander, Team
Last Monday,the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) left the port of Gdynia, Poland with a new commander at the helm and new ships. The first days at sea are usually used for ships and crew to get acquainted with the new command and with the respective capabilities of each vessel. T
Russian Navy to Conduct Artillery Shooting Drill near Syrian Coast
Warships of Black Sea, Baltic and Northern Fleets started conducting training mission during large inter-fleet exercises of Russian Navy… [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, January 30 2013; Image: taverna
Royal Netherlands Airforce’s Newest Helicopter Makes Debut in Somalia
The Royal Netherlands Airforce’s newest helicopter, the NH-90, is on its way to Somalia on board HNLMS De Ruyter. It is the first overseas mission in which the maritime on-board helicopter will take part. Although in its current configuration it will not be able to carry out all mission tasks, the N