Operations
UK MOD Seeks Ideas to Preserve Iconic HMS Illustrious
The MoD is looking for ideas for how best to preserve the legacy of the Royal Navy’s Invincible class aircraft carriers. The last of the ships, HMS Illustrious, is due to retire in late 2014 after 32 years of distinguished service that has seen her involved in operations across the world. Following
HMS Bulvark Helps Promote UK Industry
HMS Bulwark hosted a Defence and Security Industry Day (DSID), sponsored by UK Trade and Industry (UKTI), on her recent visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The Plymouth based Fleet Flagship, currently in the Gulf leading the Response Force Task Group’s Cougar 13 deployment, invited eight
UAE: RFTG Completes Exercise Sea Kahnjar
The third major exercise of Cougar 13 has just ended on the shores of the United Arab Emirates. The Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group has completed Sea Khanjar – a five day exercise culminating in a large amphibious demonstration for gathered visitors. Watching on were guests including: Major G
USS Helena Returns to Norfolk
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk from a regularly scheduled deployment, Oct. 15. Under the command of Cmdr. Jeffrey E. Lamphear, the submarine is returning from the European Command, Central Command and Pacific Command Area
ESPS Cantabria Makes New Friends
When working in a completely different theatre of operations you have to expect the unexpected and this is something the Spanish crew on ESPS Cantabria have learnt during their most recent activities in Australian waters. Not often have the Armada conducted exercises at sea with navies so far from h
NNS Thunder Enjoyed Down under during IFR
Africa was represented at the International Fleet Review (IFR) by just one ship, but that ship has a history any navy crew could be proud of. Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Thunder, a former Hamilton-class US Coast Guard cutter was gifted to the Nigerian Navy in 2011, after a comprehensive refit. As USCGC
Australian Navy Hosts Royal Navy of Oman Officers
Joining HMAS Newcastle for her return voyage to Australia from the Middle East Area of Operations were Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) Sub-Lieutenants, Zaid Nasser Rashid Al Kharusi and Abdul Rahim Mohammed Khamis Al Rasbi. The two Sub-Lieutenants who joined the RNO three years ago were hand selected among
UK: HMS Montrose Welcomes Fleet Commander on Board
Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral (VAdm) Philip A Jones CB visited the Devonport-based frigate, HMS Montrose, at sea whilst deployed on Op KIPION; the UK’s primary deterrence and presence patrol in the Middle East. At the time of the visit HMS Montrose was operating alongside other UK units, namely HMS
HMAS Newcastle Returns from SLIPPER
Nearly six months after her departure in April for the Middle East, HMAS Newcastle was welcomed home by hundreds of family and friends at a ceremony at Garden Island, Sydney. Joining the ship’s company’s loved ones in welcoming home the 230 men and women of Newcastle was the Prime Minister of Austra
ITS Libeccio Takes Over from ITS Zeffiro
On 6th of October, whilst in the Indian Ocean ITS Zeffiro handed over the Italian commitment to the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta to ITS Libeccio. The counter-piracy duties were handed over in Djibouti from Commander Marco Antoniazzi (ITS Zeffiro) to his successor
Kearsarge ARG, 26th MEU Depart US 5th Fleet AOR
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), October 12, completing a regularly scheduled six-months in the region. The Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU left Norfolk, Va., in March and entered the U.S. Central
Gallery: HMS Daring Leaves Sydney, Australia
HMS Daring has left Australia’s largest city after a week in the spotlight taking part in the country’s centennial celebrations of its navies. On a rather gloomy spring day, tugs helped the 8,500-tonne destroyer under the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the equally-famous Opera House as vessel
Australia: Mission Success for First Mine-Hunter Operation Resolute Boarding
In September, just in time to participate in the International Fleet Review, HMAS Huon returned from four months on deployment, including a 12-week stint on Operation Resolute. The swift deployment was a great achievement for the ship’s company of 46 who deployed on 24-hours notice. CO Huon LCDR Jac
EU NAVFOR Confirms Super Tanker Safe After Attack by Suspect Pirates off Somali Coast
EU Naval Force confirmed that on Friday 11 October 2013, a fully laden super tanker, known as a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), was fired upon by eight armed men in two ‘skiffs’ 230 miles off the Somali coast. The attack was successfully repelled by the Armed Security Team on board the super tanker