Training & Education
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
German Navy Assumes Command over Standing NATO Maritime Group 1
On January 24 Commodore Ben Bekkering handed over command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One to Commodore George von Maltzan of the German Navy. Bekkering and his international staff had command of the fleet for one year. The solemn hand over ceremony took place in Den Helder, the Netherlands. Stan
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
Mine Hunter HMS Grimsby to Anchor in Liverpool, UK
The Royal Navy’s state-of-the-art Sandown Class mine hunter HMS Grimsby will visit Liverpool from February 1-4. Berthing alongside the Cruise Liner Terminal at the heart of the city, the 52.7 metre ship will host a number of organised groups during her time in port. Kicking off with a visit by Merse
UK: HMS Dauntless About to Pay Visit to Her Adopted Port
The Royal Navy’s state-of-the-art Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless will sail into her adopted port of Great Yarmouth next week (08 Feb). She will arrive at the docks at approx 10am on February 8, leaving at around 9am on February 11. And it will be a very busy schedule for the weekend, kicking off on
France: BF to Participate in FUKUS-2013
First planning conference of the FRUKUS-2013 joint naval exercise is taking place in Paris on January 29th. Commanding officers of… [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, January 29, 2013; Image: Mil
British Navy’s Smallest Squadron Gets 2013 Off to a Flying Start
The smallest Squadron in the Royal Navy got 2013 off to a flying start with training off the west coast of Scotland. Late last year the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron exchanged their two P2000 vessels – HMS Dasher and Pursuer – for Her Majesty’s Ships Raider and Tracker. The new additions are faster a
UK: HMS Bulwark Receives 2012 RN Capability and Capital Ship Efficiency Awards
The Fleet Flagship, HMS Bulwark, has been presented with the 2012 Royal Navy Capability Award and the Capital Ship Efficiency award. The trophies were presented to the Commanding Officer, Captain Andrew Burns Royal Navy, by Rear Admiral Surface Ships, Rear Admiral Potts, at the Surface Ship Command
UK: Mablethorpe Inshore Lifeboat Rescues Two Crew from Burning Fishing Vessel
Two crew escaped from their 11-metre fishing vessel “Hunter” after it caught fire off Saltfleet Haven, near Mablethorpe. Yarmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a 999 call at 18.51 from the crew of two brothers after they had taken to the life raft. The Coastguard immediately asked the
EUNAVFOR Transfers Twelve Suspected Pirates to Mauritius for Prosecution
Following an attack in early January on a merchant vessel 260 miles off the Somali Coast, twelve men suspected of committing an act of piracy, were transferred on January 25 by EU Naval Force warship FS Surcouf to the Mauritian authorities for prosecution. When the attack happened on 5th January, th
UK: Admiral Appointed New First Sea Lord
Following a 43-year career with the Royal Navy, Sir Mark Stanhope is to stand down as First Sea Lord in April and will hand over the baton to Admiral Sir George Zambellas. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond yesterday, 24 January, made the announcement that Adm Zambellas will succeed Sir Mark as the Ch
Morocco: Training Agenda for Exercise Saharan Express 2013 Finalized
Military and civilian maritime professionals finalized the training agenda for exercise Saharan Express 2013 (SE13) during the final planning conference at the Royal Moroccan Navy Headquarters in Casablanca, Jan. 21-23. Militaries from West Africa, Europe, and the United States joined together to pl
Sailors Assigned to USS Mahan Take Part in Community Service Project
Sailors stationed aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) participated in a community service project at a Naples-area orphanage during their port visit, Jan. 14. The Sailors took a break from enjoying the local history and cuisine to give back to the community that has hosted them by vis