Vessels
OXIDE 2015 Focuses on Counter Piracy Efforts
Interdepartmental and international Maritime Exercise OXIDE 2015 is currently underway in Richards Bay, South Africa, during the period from September 21 to October 2. The Exercise, held between the South Indian Ocean French Forces, stationed at La Reunion, and the South African National Defence For
SNMG2 Wraps Up DYNAMIC MANTA 15
Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO concluded participation in NATO’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA 15 (DYMA 15) on September 23. Together with other ships, submarines and aircraft, several exercise serials were conducted around the clock. Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA 15 started with a
Egypt Buys French Mistrals
French and Egyptian officials have concluded a contract for two Mistral-class ships in Paris, September 23. French president Francois Hollande has confirmed in an announcement that the Mistral helicopter carriers, which had initially been built for Russia, will be sold to Egypt. Following the high-p
Irish OPV to Join Migrant Rescue Mission
Ireland will send its Offshore Patrol Vessel L.É. SAMUEL BECKETT to lend a helping hand to the Mediterranean Sea migrant search and rescue operations. The vessel will depart today, September 24. The Irish Naval Service has saved over 7000 people since it deployed to the Mediterranean on the 16th of
George Washington Engages in PASSEX with JTS
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 and ships from the Japanese Training Squadron (JTS) conducted Passing Exercise (PASSEX) Sept. 22. This is the first time this particular Japanese squadron has worked with Washington. During the PASSEX, DESRON 23 and
OPV Centinela Embarks on West African Mission
The Spanish offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Centinela set sail from Ferrol to conduct a series of activities with regional navies as part of the Defense Diplomacy Plan and a follow-on of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) initiative. These deployments are intended to enhance maritime security and coo
US Navy’s Transfer Dock Ships to Start Repairs
Ocean Ships Inc. received a $17,8 million modification under the previously awarded contract to exercise an option for the operation and maintenance of two expeditionary transfer dock ships USNS Montford Point and USNS John Glenn. These ships support the Military Sealift Command Strategic Sealift Fl
USCG Cutter Tahoma Concludes 66-Day Patrol
The US Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma returned to homeport at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, Monday, after a 66-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. During the patrol, on Sept. 9th, the Tahoma crew pursued a “Go-Fast Vessel” to verify the vessel’s nationality. With the
Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Goes to USS Columbia
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) has been named the Pacific Fleet’s recipient of the prestigious Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy. The announcement was made June 16, 2015 by Adm. James F. Caldwell, Jr. in Washington, D.C. Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, pres
Canadian Surface Combatant Program Not in Danger
The Canadian government has confirmed that the Canadian Surface Combatant program is not at “very high risk”. Reacting to media reports about the CSC program being in trouble, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces released a statement repudiating such claims. The statement
Eastern Pacific Cocaine Bust
The US Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Protection interdicted approximately 15000 pounds of cocaine off the coast of Mexico on August 31. A CBP Office of Air and Marine P-3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft tracked the 50-foot self-propelled semi-submersible vessel while on routine patrol in the intern
New Commander Boards USS Gridley
US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base San Diego on Sept. 18. Cmdr. Mark Nieswiadomy turned over command of the guided-missile destroyer to Cmdr. Marc Crawford. The change of command ceremony honored the end of a 36-month tour aboard
121 Cuban Migrants Returned to Cuba
The US Coast Guard has repatriated 121 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, within the past week. These repatriations are a result of nine separate interdictions at sea in the south Florida Straits. These events all consisted of Cubans attempting to illegally enter the United States on unseawor
US Officials Seize More Than 3,400 Pounds of Cocaine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine agents and interagency partners intercepted more than 3,400 pounds of cocaine during two separate at-sea interdictions off the coast of Central America. The wholesale value of the seized drugs is tens of millions of dollars. On Sept. 12, a