Training & Education
SNMCMG2 Gets New German Commander
Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) has a new German Commander. Captain Marco Von Koelln (German Navy) handed over command of SNMCMG2 to Commander Mathias Seipel (German Navy) on Monday, 24 June 2013. The ceremony took place at the Hellenic Naval Base in Souda Bay, Crete, and was pr
Chinese Warship Takes Over Escort Duties of WFP Aid Ship
On Saturday afternoon (22 June), EU Naval Force Italian warship, ITS Zeffiro and Chinese Navy warship CNS Mianyang, which are both conducting counter piracy operations, met at sea in the choppy waters of the Gulf of Aden. The aim of the meeting was to enable CNS Mianyang to take over escort duties o
France: Exercise FRUKUS Begins
Maritime forces from four countries began participation in the multinational naval exercise FRUKUS, in port Brest, France, June 25. FRUKUS, which is led this year by the French navy, is focused on improving maritime security through open dialogue and increased training of the participating nations,
Babcock Starts HMS Pembroke’s Upkeep Period
Following the recent departure of HMS Penzance from Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard after a successful upkeep period, Babcock has now started work on Sandown class mine hunter HMS Pembroke, in dock at Rosyth for a similar six month Support Period (Docking) (SP(D)) under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (
UK: HMS Penzance Returns to Sea
HMS Penzance is in the throes of demanding training after completing a six-month revamp in Rosyth. The Faslane-based warship is now Britain’s most up-to-date minehunter following the refit, which prepared her for impending duties with a NATO task group. After six months in refit – four of those out
HMS Echo Visits Malta
Survey ship HMS Echo has spent 12 days in Malta on the first stage of her 18-month mission to the Mediterranean and Middle East. The Devonport-based hydrographic vessel will be updating charts used by seafarers the world over, courtesy of her hi-tech sonar suites. It’s just under a year since the De
NRP Alvares Cabral Welcomes Aboard Somali Delegation
On June 24, members of the Somali Federal Government flew on board the EU Naval Force Portuguese flagship, NRP Alvares Cabral, at sea off Mogadishu. They held talks with the EU Special Envoy to Somalia, the Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force Atalanta, and the Head of Mission for EUCAP NESTOR,
VIDEO: Russian Navy’s New Tugboat Ready for Official Trials
The tugboat “RB-404” (Building No 623, project 16609) has successfully passed its mooring and sea trials and it is ready for its official trials. The tugboat, being built by Pella shipyard, will be delivered to the Russian Navy and put into operation within Pacific Fleet of the Navy by the end of th
HMS Defender Gives a Taste of Life at Sea to Crew’s Family and Friends
HMS Defender took families and friends to sea for the first time recently, showing off the ship and giving family members the chance to see what life is like at sea for their serving relations. The day included escorting HMS Edinburgh into harbour for the last time before she was decommissioned, ful
NRP Alvares Carbal Visits Port of Pemba
Between 17- 21 of June 2013, the EU Naval Force Portuguese flagship, NRP Álvares Cabral, visited the port of Pemba in Mozambique. Given the strong relations that exist between Mozambique, the European Union and specifically, Portugal, when NRP Alvares Cabral sailed in to the port, her crew were give
Top News of The Week June 17-22, 2013
USS Enterprise to Return to Newport News Shipbuilding USS Enterprise (CVN 65) will return to Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) with shipbuilders on board on Thursday, June 20. UK: Final Section of HMS Queen Elizabeth Heads for Rosyth The final section of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first of two new aircr
HMS Lancaster Sailors Remember Fallen Sailors in Key West, Florida
They may be gone – but not forgotten. That was the sentiment of sailors from HMS Lancaster during a recent stopover in Key West, Florida. While on the island they visited and restored the graves of two British naval officers who were buried there in 1952. Sub Lieutenant Smith and Midshipman Dewer we
NATO Shipping Centre Weekly Piracy Update
The number of reported attacks and suspicious activity is down over the last week. This decrease in reports may be due in part, to an improved understanding of the operating environment as ship’s masters and security teams continue to transit the region. Another factor could be the recent meetings b
HMS Ledbury, NATO Counterparts Call at Vlore, Albania
HMS Ledbury has just completed a visit to the Albanian Port of Vlore in the company of her NATO counterparts. As part of the standing NATO Mine Counter Measure Group 2 – she arrived in port with ITS Crotone of the Italian Navy and TGC Edincick from the Turkish Navy. The Task Group spent three [&hell