All 22 hostages from the MV Iceberg 1 have now been released from pirate captivity. They had been held since the Iceberg 1 was pirated on 29 March 2010, a period of two years and nine months. The former hostages are now recovering from their ordeal and are receiving food and medical care. On 21 [&he
HMS Monmouth led Britain’s input to a five-day exercise in the Middle East demonstrating how the region’s naval forces can safeguard merchant shipping. The Devonport-based frigate was charged with protecting two supertankers from mock terrorist attack during Exercise Lucky Mariner 13, working alongs
The Danish MV Torm Kristina was sailing to Muscat (Oman) in order to perform a quick logistical port visit, when she was approached by 2 suspected pirate skiffs. The crew quickly assembled in the citadel and sent a mayday message out. Meanwhile the mayday message was passed to the Commander of the N
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) ships return from East Mediterranean to home bases, said a Russian Navy’s spokesman… [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, December 11, 2012; Image: NATO
On 7 December 2012, in Djibouti, Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, assumed command of Operation Ocean Shield, NATO’s counter piracy mission from Cdre Ben Bekkering (Royal Netherlands Navy) who has completed a successful 6-month deployment in the region. After a short port visit, the flagship will commenc
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
There’s a change of hands in the Indian Ocean as HMS Sutherland has been replaced by her sister Northumberland – as Britain’s constant effort to choke pirates, smugglers and other criminal activity continues.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
The chief of naval operations (CNO) visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain to view operations within the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), speak with members of the NSA Bahrain community and to visit ships, Nov. 21. During his visit, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert stressed the importance of m
His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Kingdom of Bahrain visited HMS Atherstone in Bahrain on 20 Nov 2012. He was accompanied by Commodore Simon Ancona Royal Navy, Commander United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander. During his visit His Ro
Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Monmouth is ready to take over the Royal Navy’s deployment to the Gulf during the winter and spring to maintain the continuous British presence. The Type 23 frigate and crew of 215 left Plymouth earlier this summer and will be policing busy shipping lanes crucia
HMS Diamond has hosted a visit from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Commander, Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC. The Admiral, who is responsible for providing ships, submarines, aircraft and Royal Marine units ready in all respects for any operations that the UK Government requires, was joined by the Chi
Navies from six continents and more than 30 nations kick off the most widely attended international exercise ever held in the region, Sept. 16. International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 12 is the first of what is intended to be a recurring partnership event. “This exercise is about mines
Dozens of countries are kicking off a large-scale naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz on Iran’s doorstep. The place was obviously selected… (rusnavy) [mappress] Source: Russian Navy, September 18, 2012; Image: Flot
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) today has announced the introduction of two new Admiralty Maritime Security Charts to cover The Mediterranean (Q6111) and The Persian Gulf (Q6110). The two new paper charts, together with a new online update service, provide a simple, single point of ref
