U.S. 7th Fleet Command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) completed a two-day Light Off Assessment (LOA) Nov. 9-10 in Yokosuka, Japan. The evolution, assessed by Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 with the assistance of Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP), checked the ship’s ability to safely op
Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) moored alongside submarine tender USS Emory S Land (AS 39) in Subic Bay Nov. 10, for a visit as part of its deployment to the western Pacific. Texas is the first Virginia-class submarine to ever visit the Philippines, and the second of its cla
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) will join U.S. Navy ships in exercise Koa Kai 12-1 beginning Nov. 10, marking the first time a JMSDF surface ship will participate in the semi-annual exercise in and around Hawaiian waters. Koa Kai 12-1 is an inte
Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Nov. 9 for a visit as part of its continued operations in the Western Pacific. With a crew of approximately 140, Oklahoma City will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabil
HMAS Toowoomba has been welcomed home from a six month deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations today. The Honorable Mr Gary Gray AO MP, the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AM CSC RAN and Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM CSC RAN greeted the crew at her homeport
THE Australian Navy has intercepted another boat of asylum seekers off the coast of Western Australia. Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Connor said HMAS Maryborough intercepted a vessel carrying suspected asylum seekers south-west of Browse Island near the north-west coast of WA. Mr O’Connor said ini
A Royal Australian Navy sailor serving in HMAS Toowoombahas died while the ship was conducting a port visit to Mumbai, India. Circumstances surrounding the death are currently under investigation by Defence and Embassy officials. The Defence Community Organisation and Navy is providing support to th
HMAS Toowoomba handed over maritime security duties to HMAS Parramatta in the Middle East this week after completing a successful six-month deployment as part of Operation SLIPPER. HMAS Toowoomba is now heading home to Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia, after travelling more than 35,0
Russian-American naval anti-terror exercise Pacific Eagle 2011 with participation of Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit started on Oct 13 off Mariana Islands and on Oct 14 entered active phase. Warships of US Navy and Russia’s Pacific Fleet started joint anti-piracy drills. According to scenario, search t
On the pristine shores of a remote beach in East Timor lies a unique piece of Australian naval history that has been revisited – and remembered. A contingent of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) personnel that are integrated within the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) recently visite
The Navy’s youngest and only female patrol boat Commanding Officer is in the running for the 2011 Telstra Northern Territory Business Women’s Awards. LEUT Kylie Beumer (Assail Four) is among seven finalists for both the White Pages Community & Government Award and Marie Claire Young Business Women’s
Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit headed by Guard missile cruiser Varyag has finished courtesy visit to Japanese port Maizuru and laid a course for Mariana Islands (USA), reported RIA Novosti on Oct 1 referring to PF Commander’s press secretary Capt 1 rank Roman Martov. After large-scale exercise off Kam
HMAS Sirius celebrated her 5th birthday since being commissioned into the RAN with a cake cutting ceremony held on her bridge. For her crew and her Commanding Officer, Commander David McDonald, this marked a busy year with participation in the TRITON STORM, TALISMAN SABRE and TRITION FURY series of
Peaceful waters of the Northern Territory’s Dundee Beach came alive recently as the venue played host to a spectacular beach landing and extraction. Navy, Army and Air Force Assets joined forces for the exercise, which marked the conclusion of the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period 2-2011. Two wa
