Operations
BSF Restored Permanent Presence in Mediterranean
Extended session of the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) Military Council was held in Sevastopol. Officers summarized results… [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, December 3, 2012; Image: Flot
UK’s Response Force Task Group Brings the Curtain Down on Cougar 12
The Navy’s key autumn deployment draws to a close with the man in charge delighted it has laid firm foundations for future task groups – and especially Anglo-French co-operation. The two capital ships in the UK’s Response Force Task Group – flagship HMS Bulwark and helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious
HMS Bulwark to Return to South West England
The amphibious warship HMS Bulwark is due to return to the South West of England today (Friday) after two-months with the largest Royal Naval deployment of the year in the Mediterranean. The Plymouth-based assault ship is due to berth at about midday tomorrow in HM Naval Base Devonport. The command
UAE: HMS Enterprise Finds Two Undiscovered Wrecks in Dubai
Recently HMS Enterprise found the wreck of a dhow in the waters around one of the world’s busiest harbours using her new hi-tech motor launch. Two sunken vessels were discovered by the Devonport-based survey ship as she worked in Port Rashid – one of the main ports serving Dubai – as her nine-month
EU NAVFOR Meets Somali Fishing Representatives, Elders on ITS San Giusto
On Tuesday 27 November 2012, the Force Commander of the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia – Operation Atalanta, Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, met with local Somali fishing representatives, clan elders of coastal communities and local authorities on board the EU NAVFOR flagship, ITS San Giusto, of
Chief of Defence Visits Washington and Texas, USA
This week, Chief of Defence General Tom Middendorp held an introductory visit with the United States’ most senior military officer, General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and met with members of the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington DC. In addition, he opened the
UK: Lusty Heads Home after Completing Her Role in Cougar 12
For the second time this year HMS Illustrious launched Army Apache gunships to fire live Hellfire missiles as the helicopters let rip on the ranges off Gibraltar. Seven tank-busting missiles were successfully fired by the Apaches as the carrier headed west having completed her part in the Royal Navy
Coalition Efforts Yield Fall in Piracy Attacks in the Gulf Region
The Director of Combined Maritime Forces in the Gulf region says coalition efforts have led to a fall in piracy attacks against merchant shipping and local fishing dhows but the risk to trade remains high. The International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre reported just one attempted attack
RFA Argus Delivers Crucial Aid to Jamaican Schools
RFA Argus broke off from drug-busting duties in the Caribbean to deliver disaster relief aid to Jamaicans so they can repair more than 70 schools damaged by Superstorm Sandy last month. Although the local authorities dealt with the immediate aftermath of the storm, Argus carries also supplies which
MCM2 Team Takes Command of RN’s Gulf-Based Minehunter Force
Portsmouth mine warfare experts have now taken over command from their Faslane counterparts in charge of the Royal Navy’s key mine warfare force in the Gulf. After six months in the hot seat, the battle staff from the Faslane-based 1st Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCM1) have handed over command of
HMS Sutherland Hands Over Pirate-Busting Duties to Her Sister Northumberland
There’s a change of hands in the Indian Ocean as HMS Sutherland has been replaced by her sister Northumberland – as Britain’s constant effort to choke pirates, smugglers and other criminal activity continues. The Fighting Clan is homeward bound for Devonport in time for Christmas after five months e
UK: Prince Edward Pays Visit to RFA Mounts Bay
As part of a four day visit to Valletta, Malta, RFA Mounts Bay hosted a Royal Visit from the Duke and Countess of Wessex. The visit, on Nov 20, coincided with the gifting of two ambulances from the East Midlands Ambulance Service to Malta St John’s Organisation. RFA Mounts Bay has transported the ve
FS Dupleix Provides Assistance to Yemeni Dhow
During the night on 21 November, French warship FS Dupleix, operating as part of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) – Operation Atalanta, was patrolling along the northern coast of Somalia, when she was directed by the EU NAVFOR flagship to provide assistance to a Yemeni dhow – ‘Al Fahad’. T
Russia: Black Sea Fleet Task Force Gears Up for Counter-Piracy
Black Sea Fleet (BSF) task force consisting of Guards missile cruiser Moskva, destroyer Smetlivy, landing ships… [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, November 26, 2012