SeaWaves Magazine Port Visit News

Navy Announces USS Nimitz Homeport Change to Everett

2010-12-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Washington December 9, 2010 - The Navy announced Dec. 9 that the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will be homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash., upon completion of the ship's docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) maintenance at Bremerton, Wash., in December 2011.

After a thorough analysis and review of related factors, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus decided to homeport Nimitz in Everett following the departure of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in early fiscal 2012 for a four-year refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News. Abraham Lincoln is presently deployed to the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Nimitz was homeported in San Diego from Nov. 13, 2001, to Dec. 6, 2010, when the ship administratively shifted homeport to Bremerton for the duration of its year-long maintenance period.

The Navy's decision to homeport Nimitz in Everett ensures long-term strategic dispersal of aircraft carriers on the West Coast and yields estimated cost savings and avoidance totaling more than $100 million.

"Many factors were considered here, including the quality of life for our Sailors and their families, and the considerable cost savings to the American taxpayers," said Mabus. "Maintaining a carrier in Everett will ensure long-term strategic dispersal and operational readiness of our fleet which is critical to our national security."

Nimitz crewmembers who opted not to move family members during the extended maintenance period in Bremerton will be afforded the opportunity to conduct permanent change of station moves for eligible family members from San Diego to Bremerton and, subsequently, to Everett after completion of the DPIA.

The first in its class of 10 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, Nimitz was commissioned May 3, 1975, and was homeported in Bremerton from 1987 to 1997. With a planned 50-year service life expectancy, Nimitz conducted a RCOH at Newport News, Va., from 1998 to 2001.

Nimitz is commanded by Capt. Paul O. Monger.

Ross Sailors Enjoy Port Visit to Istanbul

2010-12-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ross Sailors Enjoy Port Visit to Istanbul

Peruvian Submarine Arrives in Norfolk

2010-07-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Peruvian Submarine Arrives in Norfolk

USS George Washington Arrives in Busan

2010-07-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

USS George Washington Arrives in Busan

USS New Orleans Arrives in Peru with A-SPS 10

2010-07-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

USS New Orleans Arrives in Peru with A-SPS 10

French frigate visits Guam's port | guampdn.com | Pacific Daily News

2010-07-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

French frigate visits Guam's port guampdn.com Pacific Daily News

STA: US Destroyer Visiting Port of Koper

2010-07-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

STA: US Destroyer Visiting Port of Koper

Photo Release: Coast Guard Cutter Alert makes rare visit to Kodiak

2010-06-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Photo Release: Coast Guard Cutter Alert makes rare visit to Kodiak

Carl Vinson Makes Port Call in Rio de Janeiro

2010-02-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

Rio de Janeiro February 26, 2010 - Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived in Rio de Janeiro Feb. 26 as part of Southern Seas 2010, a component of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Partnership of the Americas.

"South America is a hugely important part of the world and so it's very important that our Navy understand and appreciate the relationships, cultures and capabilities of our partner navies," said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. "So this gives us a great opportunity as a Navy to foster those relationships, improve our understanding and our cooperation and interoperability with partner navies in the region."

Carl Vinson's arrival follows a recent visit by Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Rear Adm. Victor Guillory during which he expressed appreciation for the outstanding support provided by the Brazilian Navy to the U.S. during its training periods and regional exercises. Branch went on to say these interactions only reinforce South American partnerships.

"When you visit other countries and you talk to the people, you interact with other people and places, my experience is you always come away with a real appreciation, a more in-depth knowledge of their culture and their identity, and there's always a greater a degree of understanding," said Branch. "That mutual understanding and respect gained through port visits and theater-security cooperation and interaction like that are always valuable to the whole world because it promotes understanding and fosters good relationships."

After more than three weeks at sea, the port call is the first occasion for Carl Vinson's crew to interact with locals and experience genuine South American culture.

"The crew has performed admirably," said Carl Vinson Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey. "After their swift and remarkable response to Haiti and a brief visit in Mayport, Fla., this chance to experience Brazilian culture is exciting. The crew is taking advantage of our MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) tours and is looking forward to the interaction."

Also making the port call is USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer Squadron 1 and air wing components from CVW 17, VFA 81, VAW 125, VRC 40, and HS 15, which are all currently assigned to CSG 1.

Nearly all of the tours offered by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department sold out three days prior to the port visit.

Carl Vinson will continue with Southern Seas 2010 and meet with more South American military and civilian representatives and take advantage of unique port calls as part of a scheduled homeport shift.

US offensive in bid to sell F-18 jets to Brazil

2010-02-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

by Mauricio Rabuffetti Mauricio Rabuffetti
RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) – The arrival of a giant US aircraft carrier here Friday with F/A-18 jet fighters aboard is a step in Washington's offensive to win a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply Brazil's air force with modern jet fighters.
US Rear Admiral Ted Branch told reporters that the visit of the USS Carl Vinson is aimed at improving ties with the Brazilian navy following mercy operations in quake-stricken Haiti, and work with Brazilian personnel from the UN peacekeeping force in that country.
However, the presence of the nuclear powered craft and the Super Hornet fighters on its deck, along with Boeing representatives on land, are a clear sign of a US push to convince Brazil to buy the US-made planes.
Brazil's air force is seeking to buy 36 new jet fighters, and will choose between three finalists: France's Rafale, a fighter made by Dassault; the Gripen NG jet from Sweden's Saab; and the F/A-18 Super Hornet from US group Boeing.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is seen as only having an outside chance against the French and Swedish planes because of past US refusal to allow Brazil to export aircraft using US technology.
Branch refused to compare the three fighters, but he did tell reporters that the F/A-18 was a "multi-role, combat proven, mainline combat fighter" that was a "very capable platform."
At port and standing a mere 500 meters (yards) from the gigantic Carl Vinson was Boeing representative Michel Coggins, who told reporters that next week's visit by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will show that "a partnership with the US makes a lot of sense for Brazil."
Coggins praised the Super Hornet as being "far better than its competitors" and "the best jet in competition," and would allow Brazil access to Boeing's supply chain.
Coggins also said that the price was a good deal -- at 1.1 billion dollars less than the competition he said it was "the best price, long term."
The Boeing representative also ripped what he said was the "horrible" maintenance records of previous French aircraft sold to Brazil.
Brazilian Air Force General Juniti Saito said Tuesday that Brazil will likely designate the winner by the end of March, but did not set a date.
Saito stressed it would be a "political and strategic decision" made by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following the air force's technical evaluation of the three bids.
Analysts believe France's Rafale is the leading contender after Lula and French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in September that negotiations were underway for Brazil to buy 36 of them.
Lula said his preference for the French jet derived from France's offer to give Brazil all the technology involved in the Rafale's construction -- a key point for Brazil, which wants the know-how to one day make its own modern fighters.
But the air force, through leaks in the Brazilian media, has indicated it prefers Sweden's much cheaper Gripen NG jet.
Early this month, the Brazilian government denied it had made a final decision to buy the Rafales.

Alex Haley return to homeport

2010-02-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

KODIAK, Alaska - The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley bring the ship into homeport in Kodiak after an 80 day patrol in the South Pacific Feb. 23, 2010. The crew attended Tailored Ship Training Availability and took part in a search and rescue case recovering 28 Taiwanese survivors of a shipboard fire. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally.

USS Essex Arrives in Singapore

2010-02-23T11:52:00.001-08:00

Singapore February 23, 2010 - Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit Feb. 22.

During the visit, Essex Sailors will have an opportunity to experience Singaporean culture. Scheduled activities include a ship tour for local second graders and a sports day with local youth athletes.

"The crew is really looking forward to visiting Singapore," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex's commanding officer. "It's a place we haven't been in many years, and it's nice to go to new places and learn about new cultures. Any time we have the chance to interact with the local community, it's a great opportunity for us to learn about them and for them to learn about us."

One of those intercultural opportunities will be a sports day, when Sailors from throughout the Essex Amphibious Ready Group will compete with local Singaporean youth sports teams in basketball, soccer, softball and baseball.

"It should be a great opportunity to get out there with the local teams and experience some camaraderie and make some new friends," said Lt. j.g. Andria Jones, Essex's athletic officer.

Jones said she was thrilled when she found out about the opportunity to compete with Singaporean youth athletic teams and many Essex Sailors share her enthusiasm for the event.

"It's not very often you have an opportunity to play sports against people from a different culture," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Clinton Heller, of Jonesboro, Ind. "It should be a great time, because even with the language barrier, sports can transcend everything."

Sports day will be just one of many opportunities for Essex Sailors to exchange culture with Singaporeans during the port visit. The ship is also scheduled to host a tour for third grade students of the Singapore American School. Twenty-five students and five adults will see Essex's amphibious and humanitarian capabilities firsthand, including the ship's well deck, flight deck and medical facilities.

"This will be an excellent opportunity for the kids to see Essex up close and personal," said Capt. Dave Fluker, Essex's executive officer. "Many of them may have never had the opportunity to see a Navy ship before, and we'd like to show them what our ship and our Sailors do day in and day out. I am confident that it will be an experience they'll remember for a long time."

Many Essex Sailors are also expecting an experience they'll remember for a long time, as they enjoy liberty in the world's largest city-state.

"It should be a pretty cool port," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (SW) Brandon Rambus, who is visiting Singapore for the first time. "I hear they've got a Universal Studios here, so we're really looking forward to checking that out."

Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is currently conducting spring patrol in the Western Pacific.

Gunston Hall Arrives in Rota to Prepare for Africa Partnership Station Mission

2010-02-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Martine Cuaron, Africa Partnership Station 2010 Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), along with its embarked Africa Partnership Station staff, arrived in Rota, Spain, Feb. 22 after a 10-day transit across the Atlantic Ocean and on the heels of its participation in Haiti relief efforts.

Gunston Hall is serving as the flagship for African Partnership Station (APS) West 2010, an international initiative designed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa to foster enhanced maritime safety and security in west and central Africa. After the visit to Rota, the APS team will depart for its first African port visit in Sekundi, Ghana.

"Visiting Rota, Spain, is not only critical for on loading APS mission materials and people, but also to our Spanish navy and marine partners who are joining our international staff to assist our efforts in Ghana and beyond," said Capt. Cindy Thebaud, commander, Africa Partnership Station.

The stop in Rota will offer the crew a chance to restock supplies and bring on additional staff before heading to the coast of West Africa.

Gunston Hall Commanding Officer Cmdr. Fred Wilhelm said he is excited for the opportunity for his crew to visit this historic European port.

"After the hard work and dedication this crew put into helping the people of Haiti, for them to take a few days off, to relax and enjoy the sights is important," he said. "I have no doubt that Naval Station Rota will provide outstanding service in preparing this ship for our APS deployment."

The ship and embarked APS West staff took part in Operation Unified Response, a coordinated effort to provide relief to victims of the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake which struck Haiti on Jan. 12. Gunston Hall was diverted to the area just prior to the start of the APS West deployment to assist with the relief effort. While in Haiti, the ship and APS staff provided medical assistance, distributed food aid and relief supplies to the local populace, and helped rebuild the Killick Haitian coast guard base. The Killick base is located slightly west of downtown Port-au-Prince. The APS Marine element embarked in Gunston Hall embedded with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit ashore and also assisted with disaster relief efforts in the Carrefour region.

The stop in the Spain will also give APS Sailors time to relax and discover Rota's culture.

"Visiting Rota for the first time has piqued my interest," said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Christopher Anderson, a Gunston Hall Sailor. "I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends and enjoying the sights and the fine cuisine, but most of all I really just want to relax and enjoy a day or two off before heading to West Africa."

During APS West 2010, Gunston Hall is expected to make port calls in two West African countries – Ghana and Senegal. In each location, the navies of several African countries will converge for specialized training, custom tailored to each country's expressed needs.

APS training will include professional exchanges on maritime security, seamanship, environmental stewardship, and maritime awareness, along with numerous humanitarian and civic outreach opportunities. The APS staff consists of naval personnel from several African, European, and South American nations.

The APS West team also expects to drop off Project Handclasp material in Sao Tome and Principe.

Gunston Hall, a Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock-landing ship, is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility. The ship recently completed a mid-life modernization availability. The work included major upgrades to the ship's control system, local area network and machinery control system, propulsion systems, HVAC, as well as replacement of the ship's boilers and evaporators with an all-electric services system.

USS Reuben James Arrives in Dili, East Timor

2010-02-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

By Ensign Ben Dalton, USS Reuben James Public Affairs

DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- The United States Navy frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) anchored off the coast of Dili Feb. 21 at approximately 9 a.m. local time.

Reuben James' Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Miller, and the entire crew are looking forward to meeting the people of Dili, exploring the scenery, and experiencing the vast culture that East Timor has to offer.

During the visit, the crew has several community relations projects planned. Among them are two visits to local orphanages and a construction project with a Navy construction battalion. The sailors will be handing out toys at the two orphanages as part of Project Handclasp.

Reuben James crew will be hosting distinguished visitors aboard the ship Feb. 21, with the intent of building of foreign relations between the United States and East Timor. Several sailors will also be meeting with Timorese navy personnel later in the week.

The ship carries a crew of approximately 200 Sailors, and includes a helicopter detachment with two SH-60 Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk III helicopters. The visit in Dili is an important part of Reuben James' Western Pacific deployment.

French Navy ship La Moqueuse in Auckland, Dunedin

2010-02-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

Monday, 22 February 2010, 2:13 pm

French Embassy in New Zealand
La Moqueuse, a French Navy patrol vessel familiar to many Kiwis from an earlier visit in October 2008, is returning to New Zealand.
After joint exercises with HMNZS Taupo north of Auckland, she will be moored at Auckland’s Princes Wharf from the morning of Friday 26 February to the morning of Tuesday 2 March. She will then leave New Zealand’s biggest city for Dunedin, where she will be arriving at Birch Street Wharf on the morning of Friday 3 March before leaving for her homeport of Nouméa in New Caledonia via Cook Strait on the morning of Monday 8 March.

Coast Guard's oldest cutter arrives in Juneau - open for tours

2010-02-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

February 19, 2010

The Cutter Acushnet will be moored at Coast Guard Station Juneau and is scheduled to be open for public tours Saturday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

JUNEAU, Alaska - The Coast Guard Cutter Acushnet, the services oldest cutter in the fleet and its crew are scheduled to arrived in Juneau around 10 a.m. Friday for a port visit this weekend before returning to their homeport of Ketchikan.
The crew of the Acushnet spent more than 40 days patrolling the Aleutian Island Chain, the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska and recently the waters of Southeast Alaska. The crew conducted 43 boardings of commercial vessels and assisted fishermen on the vessel Butterfly as it was taking on water south of Kodiak.

The Acushnet was crowned "Queen of the Fleet" after the decommissioning ceremony of the Coast Guard Cutter Storis on Feb. 8, 2007. The title "Queen of the Fleet" is a distinction given to the oldest commissioned cutter in the fleet.

Acushnet was originally commissioned as a Diver Class Fleet Rescue and Salvage Vessel, USS SHACKLE (ARS 9) for the U.S. Navy Feb. 5, 1944. On August 23, 1946, Acushnet was commissioned as an Auxiliary Tug (WAT) in the Coast Guard. That same year, two other U.S. Navy Diver Class vessels; the Escape (ex-ARS 6) and Yocona (ex-SEIZE ARS 26) also joined the Coast Guard fleet as Auxiliary Tugs (WAT).
During the course of 66 years of service, Acushnet crews have received the following awards for exemplary service: World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, 2 Coast Guard Unit Commendations, 5 Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, 7 Coast Guard "E" Ribbons, Navy Occupation Service Medal, 3 National Defense Service Medals, 2 Humanitarian Service Medals, and 2 Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbons.
As of Feb. 5, 2010, Acushnet is 66 years old.

Coast Guard Cutter Oak returns to Charleston following deployment to Port-au-Prince, Haiti

2010-02-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - A boat crew pulls alongside the Coast Guard Cutter Oak as crewmembers aboard prepare to lift the boat into its cradle Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. The Oak arrived in Port-Au-Prince Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, to assist with relief efforts for Haiti. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Croteau, a damage controlman aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Oak, carries an injured Haitian girl to an awaiting Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Coast Guard and Navy helicopters airlifted injured Haitians to a private hospital in Milot, Haiti. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandyn Hill.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The crew of the 225-foot Coast Guard Cutter Oak, homeported in Charleston, will return Thursday at 8:45 a.m. following a 35-day deployment to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where it provided humanitarian relief and repairs to damaged aids-to-navigation following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in January.

The crew of the Oak departed Charleston January 13 and arrived in Port-au-Prince January 17. Crewmembers delivered 30-tons of bottled water, and medical supplies, marked hazards-to-navigation in the channel and replaced buoys, which established a safe channel into the harbor for additional maritime traffic assisting with humanitarian relief. In addition, the crew of the Oak supported and hosted the Marine Transportation System Recovery Assist Team who was deployed to assist the Haitian people with the restoration of the Maritime Transportation System.
"The earthquake in Haiti rocked the ports in the Bay of Port-au-Prince, destroyed much of the shore-side infrastructure, and significantly disrupted the government agencies with maritime transportation responsibilities," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Shepard. "The MTSRAT would like to thank the Captain and crew of the Cutter OAK for their exceptional assistance with every aspect of living and working in Haiti...Their support and willingness to assist has been truly spectacular."
Also, the Cutter Oak sent a medical team to the Killick, Haiti, medical outpost where they reinforced other medical personnel in triaging and medically assisting injured Haitians.

Coast Guard repatriates 88 Haitian nationals

2010-02-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

MIAMI - Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma repatriated 88 Haitian nationals to Cap Haitien, Haiti, Tuesday.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton rescued 88 Haitian nationals from a 50-foot sail freighter that was taking on water 45 miles north of Isle de Tortue, Haiti, around 4 p.m. Saturday. The grossly-overloaded vessel was carrying 63 men, 21 women, three boys and one girl. Crewmembers from the Hamilton safely embarked the 88 people aboard the cutter and provided food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.
The Haitian nationals were further transferred to the cutter Tahoma Monday.
The U.S. Government is working tirelessly with the Haitian government and international partners to improve living conditions in Haiti after the Jan. 12 earthquake near Port-au-Prince. We remain alert to the possibility of increased illegal migration from Haiti and have increased our patrol presence in the Caribbean to deter unsafe and illegal migration and to rescue those who depart in unseaworthy vessels. Taking to the sea is always risky, but can become even deadlier during the winter months when strong winds and larger than usual waves can easily capsize overloaded and unseaworthy vessels. There are currently no indications increased migration from Haiti by sea is imminent.
During fiscal year 2010, which began Oct. 1, 2009, the Coast Guard has interdicted 210 Haitian nationals. The Coast Guard interdicted 912 Haitian nationals during the same period in fiscal year 2009.
The Hamilton is a 378-foot high-endurance cutter homeported in San Diego, Calif.
The Tahoma is a 270-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, N.H.

U.S. naval vessel to make port in Cambodia's coast of Sihanoukville

2010-02-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

US Navy photo

USS Patriot, an Avenger- class countermeasures vessel from the 7th fleet based in Hawaii will make port in Cambodia's coast of Sihanoukville early next week, according to a statement released Friday by the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh.
The statement said USS Patriot will begin a weeklong visit starting from Monday and to conduct exercises with the Cambodian Navy.
Sihanoukville province is located 230 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh.
The bilateral training exercises will focus on damage control, search and seizure and at sea rescue techniques.
In addition, naval surveyors who are also traveling on the ship will assist their Cambodian counterparts in taking sides scan surveys of the port area to check for possible obstructions in commercial shipping lanes.
Both the bilateral training exercises and the survey are being orchestrated at the request of the Cambodian Navy and the Port Authority.
This is the fifth visit by a U.S. naval ship since the resumption of military to military engagement between the U.S. and Cambodia.
The statement said that "each visit represents another important step in this evolving relationship as well as an opportunity for military personnel from both countries to exchange experiences, tips and techniques which will assist them in the future."
Source: Xinhua

SLNS Samudura returns to Sri Lanka after the Asia Pacific Regional Gathering - Milan 2010

2010-02-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Colombo February 12, 2010 - The bi-annual friendly gathering of Asian Pacific regional Navies named Milan 2010 organized by the Indian Navy was held from 03rd to 08th February 2010 at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands. SLNS Samudura of the Sri Lanka Navy participated in it and the ship returned to the Trincomalee Harbour recently (10th February 2010).

Along with SLNS Samudura, ships from Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh Navies also took part in this friendly gathering.

A series of programs to further improve the mutual understanding among the Navies of the Asian Pacific region had been organized in this connection and the ship complement of SLNS Samudura took part in all of them. Among the programmes, the following events took prominence.

*. The seminar titled "Navies in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations (HADR)"

*. The Table Top War Game related to Naval operations on prevention of piracy, illegal arms smuggling and illegal immigration

*. The Fleet Maneuvering exercise conducted by all ships in the Andaman seas

*. The City Parade where troops marched through the streets colorfully attired
*. The International Food Festival where specialty cuisines from different countries were on display

In addition, SLNS Samudura held a reception on board the ship for Commander Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral DK Joshi, Andaman Islands Governor, personnel from participating Navies and representatives from Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard on the Andaman Island.

SLNS Samudura's participation in Milan 2010 is another occasion where the SL Navy contributed to enhance the diplomatic ties with other nations through "Naval diplomacy".

USS Underwood, HSL-60 Return Home from Haiti Operations

2010-02-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Guided missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 60, returned home to Mayport, Fla. on Feb. 9, after a one-month deployment to Port-Au-Prince area of Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response.
Initially the crew departed Jan. 12 to conduct a four day underway period and complete the required work ups to prepare them for a scheduled deployment. However, early morning on Jan. 13 Underwood and HSL-60 were called upon to divert to Haiti.
They were one of the first military assets to arrive at the battered country. The "Jaguars" of HSL-60 flew over 170 hours delivered 850 cases of food, 850 cases of water, flew 84 medevac missions, transported close to 600 personnel and moved over 62,000 pounds of equipment in a little over two weeks.
"Being in the military, we are warfighters first and foremost, but we are very compassionate people," said USS Underwood's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Craig Bowden. "Everyone aboard Underwood and in the Navy as a whole wants to make sure that the people of Haiti or whoever needs help around the world get it."
Underwood also provided a platform and equipment for Navy Oceanographic Center Fleet Survey Team (FST), Stennis Space Center. FST executed their mission to scan the ocean floor for obstructions and replaced navigational aids so that relief ships could safely transit and anchor in Port-Au-Prince Harbor.
"The multi-integration of different detachments working together provided a unique situation where each member's contributions were critical to the operational success of the detachment," said HSL-60 Executive Officer Cmdr. Michael Steffen.
"This mission demonstrated the flexibility of the U.S. Navy. In addition to warfighting, we are always ready and able to transition into the role of humanitarian assistance when called upon." said Steffen. "This mission was some of the most gratifying work this squadron has ever accomplished and it represents the compassion the American people feel toward our Haitian neighbors."
The medical staff aboard Underwood saw many patients while in Haiti and the rest of the crew jumped in to help where needed.
"There was not much pain medicine to go around, so sometimes, holding a hand or giving a hug was we could do," said Yeoman First Class (SW/AW) Jeremy Campbell.
"The thankfulness in their eyes was obvious as I comforted them and there was a gracious hope in their expressions, it's something that I will carry forever. It has been undoubtedly my finest moment as a Sailor and an American," said Campbell.
On station with Underwood and HSL-60 in Haiti were USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Fort McHenry(LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USNS Comfort, and other U.S. amphibious and U.S. Coast Guard ships.

Alaska-based cutter transports Taiwanese crew to Kiribati following rescue 900 miles southwest of Honolulu

2010-02-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hou Chun 11 (PACIFIC OCEAN) -- US Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley rescues 28-members of the Taiwan-flagged fishing vessel Hou Chun 11, two of which were suffering from significant burns, 900 miles southwest of Honolulu, Feb. 9, 2010, after a shipboard fire forced the crew to abandon ship into liferafts in 35 mph winds and 8 to 10 foot seas.
Alex Haley is transporting the crew to Christmas Island, Kiribati, where the two injured crewmen will be medevaced by Coast Guard C-130 to advanced medical facilities in Honolulu Wednesday afternoon and the remaining crewmen will board another fishing vessel to return to Taiwan.

U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley.

USS Normandy Completes Relief Operations in Haiti

2010-02-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

100202-N-7700H-004 BODEN, Haiti (Feb. 2, 2010) Ensign Kendrick Garrett, assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), gives candy to Haitian children. Normandy is deployed in support of Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. j.g. Heather Heyob/Released)

By Ensign Adam R. Cole, USS Normandy Public Affairs

CANAL DU SUD, Haiti (NNS) -- USS Normandy (CG 60) and its embarked helicopter detachment completed relief operations off the coast of Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response Feb. 6.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command released Normandy of its responsibilities to the humanitarian efforts in Haiti, but a significant number of Navy ships remain in the area, including the USS Bataan (LHD 5) and USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Groups, as well as Military Sealift Command, U.S. Maritime Administration and international maritime partner ships.

On station for a total of 21 days, Normandy and its crew delivered 125,000 meals of special dehydrated food mix donated by the non-for-profit organization "Kids Against Hunger, more than 1,000 gallons of water, plus other food items including peanut butter, bread and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), during a series of assessment and assistance visits to the towns on the Haitian island of La Gonave.

The ship's embarked helicopter detachment, Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46 Detachment 3, which launched from Normandy daily, delivered 75,142 pounds of food and water, 3,000 pounds of medical supplies throughout the Port-au-Prince area, what was essentially the ground zero of the earthquake. The detachment also conducted medical evacuations of 107 injured Haitians to medical treatment facilities throughout the area.

"I'm very proud of the crew; they were very flexible from the get go, the way they adapted to the mission, and the way they gave their hearts to helping the people of Haiti," said Normandy Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey T. Griffin. "Much credit is also deserved by HSL 46 Det 3—the pilots, the aircrewmen, the maintainers — for what they were able to do to help victims get vital necessities and transport them to the medical facilities that could help treat them."

Normandy received a 'no-notice' deployment order very early in the morning Jan. 13 at 2:30 a.m. and was underway 15 hours later. The ship embarked its helicopter detachment in Mayport, Fla., and continued at high speed to Haiti. Normandy arrived at Canal Du Sud, the main body of water bordering Haiti, the night of Jan. 16.

Throughout its efforts for Operation Unified Response, Normandy performed duties in air surveillance and managing the military data-link, as well as being a ready deck for incoming helicopters that needed fuel. Normandy began the assessment and assistance missions Jan. 23, about a week into operations, when it visited the town of Petit Trou de Nippes, which lies on the northwestern coast of Haiti's Southern claw. Normandy's other missions were on the island of La Gonave, to include Pointe a Perrot, Boden, Pointe des Latanier and Au Parc. Pointe des Latanier and Au Parc were revisited twice and Boden was visited three times.

"Just seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter, I knew we were making a difference," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Olin Bolden, from Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Bolden and his corpsman counterparts rendered medical assistance to the towns they visited and left basic medical supplies with designated medical professionals of the town. Those they treated "were extremely grateful," said Bolden.

The kids in each town took a special affection to Normandy Sailors. They liked holding the Sailors' hands and just interacting, even if no words were exchanged. Little games like tag were played with kids and there was a general sense of excitement and camaraderie.

For the adults and elders of the town, gratitude was a common theme among the places visited. Many of the towns the Sailors visited were not devastated by the earthquake, but were cut off from vital resources that would have came in from Port-au-Prince if not for the earthquake. Towns people that met the Navy Sailors on the beachhead were surprised and elated to see them, not expecting anyone would come to give them assistance.

"I think we were able to give them hope, to show them that someone cared," Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (SW) Maxy Baskin, a native of Haiti who moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., when he was six. Baskin provided the linguistic support to make each visit successful.

"If nothing else, we did it for the children, to see them smile. We know that the food we gave them won't last forever but it will at least give them a boost and allow them to hold on while the country continues to rebuild," said Baskin.

Each pilot and aircrewmen shared a similar sentiment, of being able to touch someone's life through their efforts. Those in the air medically transported a number of different people, from the elderly to babies, from burn victims to people that had broken bones, giving some that might otherwise have died a second chance.

The HSL 46 Det 3 aircrewmen, who are search and rescue swimmers by trade, live by the search and rescue motto: "These things we do so others may live."

"It feels good to know that you helped someone, that you played a role in helping someone live," Aircrewman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Michael D. Hill, of Columbus, Ohio.

Normandy will return to Norfolk to continue preparations for a deployment this spring to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Anti-nuke group opposes British ship visit

2010-02-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

Feb 8, 2010 11:48 AM

By Sapa

CONNING ARTISTS: Ntombizanele Mohloboli, atop the submarine SAS Charlotte Maxeke. Pic: Alon Sky. 14/11/2008. � The Times

Chairman of Koeberg Alert Alliance Peter Becker said on Monday his organisation noted "with alarm" the history of the nuclear-powered vessel.

This included a collision in the 1980s which the Royal Navy apparently lied to the public about, a coolant leak in 1990, an on-board fire in 1991, a defect in the reactor discovered in 1998, and a drydock accident in 2000.

After the 2000 accident, he said, it was recommended that the vessel be scrapped.

"Subsequently the vessel was brought back into service, required further repairs in 2005 in Gibraltar, and is planned to be decommissioned in 2010," he said.

"If the National Nuclear Regulator [NNR] requires several kilometres as a safety exclusion zone for the Koeberg nuclear power station, how come this ageing nuclear-powered vessel is allowed to dock within a few hundred metres of a residential area?"

The South African Navy, acting on behalf of its British counterpart, has applied to the NNR for permission for the sub to enter Simon's Town from March 18 to 29.

The NNR has in turn invited objections from organisations and individuals.

In a submission sent to the NNR last week, the alliance said the regulatory body would be failing in its duties if it allowed the Sceptre to enter South African waters.

It said there was a small but very real risk that the nuclear reactor in this vessel might release radioactive particles, gas, or other material due to a technical fault, or human error.

"This risk is heightened by the age of this vessel, and the fact that it is about to be decommissioned," the submission said.

The NNR could not give permission before the public was allowed to examine the contingency and evacuation plans for such a radioactivity release.

Sceptre, built in 1978, has visited South Africa before, in 2007.

At the time, the SA Navy said in a media release that in the late 1990s the boat began six years of a costly refit "that has equipped her to carry on well into the next decade".

In the early 1980s she had a glancing collision with a Russian submarine but the crew were told to say they had hit an iceberg.

This incident was disclosed in 1991 when a former weapons officer on the submarine gave a television interview.

In February 2005 the Sceptre put in at Gibraltar for repairs to what British officials said was damage to the cooling system of the boat's diesel generator.

Spain's foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos nonetheless registered a "firm protest" with his British counterpart, and insisted that Sceptre be the last British submarine repaired at Gibraltar.

Coast Guard's Barque Eagle

2010-02-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Coast Guard's Barque Eagle, homeported in New London, Conn., finds safe refuge in Gravesend Bay, N.Y., during a winter storm that struck the East Coast Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Barbara L. Patton)

Coast Guard Cutter Dallas to deploy to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in support of humanitarian relief efforts

2010-02-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

Feb 5th, 2010

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston based 378-foot Coast Guard Cutter Dallas will depart Sunday at 10 a.m. for Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to continue federal humanitarian relief efforts by providing logistical and command support to ongoing operations in Haiti.

“The crew of Dallas has been watching events unfold in Haiti since the devastating January Earthquake,” said Capt. Michael Giglio, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Dallas. “We are eager to assist the Government of Haiti and contributing to multi-national Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief efforts.”

Dallas will be relieving the San Diego based 378-foot Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, which has been providing humanitarian relief since Jan. 18, 2010, following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince.

Coast Guard personnel in Haiti are working with Garde Cote (Haitian Coast Guard), and the Haitian Port Authority and other partners to reconstitute the Marine Transportation System in Haiti to facilitate increased flow of relief supplies into the country.

The Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Government of Haiti, has also deployed several cutters off the Haitian coast to monitor maritime activity and to prevent illegal maritime migration to the United States.

German frigates sailing to Namibia

2010-02-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

February 5, 2010 (Xinhua) - A flotilla comprising of two warships and one combat support ship from the German naval task group will on Sunday dock at Walvis Bay, Namibia, before it will embark on its cruise that will take it to thirteen harbours in eleven countries.

Walvis Bay, one of the busiest ports in southern Africa, is the only city with a deep-sea port where large container vessels and tankers could land in Namibia.

Information about the flotilla was made available on Wednesday by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Namibia to Xinhua.

The ships with 600 sailors consists of the multi-purpose frigate "Brandenburg", the anti-submarine frigate "Niedersachsen" and the combat support ship "Frankfurt am Main."

"These three vessels form the training task group of the German Navy which is activated annually with the aim to improve and intensify international relations with the countries visited, as well as training the embarked officer cadets of the German Naval Academy.

When the task group will arrive in Walvis Bay they will have spent one month since they departed from their home based at Wilhelmshaven and Kiel in northern Germany and will have already called on the harbour of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain while their marathon journey will have a duration of five months.

The last visit of the German vessels took place in 2008 when a fleet of three ships called on the port of Walvis Bay on a similar training cruise and sailors who participated in that exercise reportedly had pleasant memories of Walvis Bay renowned for its hospitality.

"In order to strengthen the relations initiated in 2006, the frigates Brandenburg and Niedersachsen as well as the combat support ship Frankfurt am Main will be open to the public on Tuesday from 16:00 (1500 GMT) until 19:00 (1800 GMT). The crew of the ships is looking forward to be host to interested visitors and will offer guided tours around their vessels, enabling guests to gain insight in the challenging but interesting world of a modern warship," stated the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The 600 men, women, officers, officer candidates and sailors will participate in a plethora of naval exercises with the South African, British Royal Navy, Portuguese, Spanish, Ghanian and the Turkish Navy to name but a few. The next port of call will be in South Africa.

On an annual basis, the German Task Group 501.01 participates in an exercise conducted by the German Navy in order to improve the training standard of its units and the embarked cadets from the Naval Academy in Mürwik. Another important aim is to represent the German Navy to the countries visited during this exercise.

There are tens of thousands of German-speaking Namibians whose roots could be traced to the short-lived German colonial period when Germany had briefly colonized Namibia.

Today German is used by 30 percent of white Namibians and the Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper found in Windhoek is the only German daily newspaper in Africa and Namibia enjoys a special relationship with Germany.

USS Ashland Loads Supplies for Haiti Relief Effort

2010-02-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leona Mynes, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) moored at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Feb. 1-2 to on load food, water and supplies for the Haiti relief effort.

Ashland took on more than 200 pallets of supplies, including more than 35 cases of bottled water, approximately 10,000 meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), baby food, baby diapers, mail for service members in Haiti and essential maintenance parts for U.S. ships providing the relief efforts in the area.

"Whatever is needed in the area of responsibility, we're gonna take it to them," said Lt. David Noriega, Ashland's supply officer.

Ashland was on a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility when given orders to provide relief efforts in the Caribbean.

"When we got the task to do this, we felt it is the right thing to do," said Noriega.

Ashland supported humanitarian operations by providing its flight deck to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.

"This ship has two flight decks that can support helos," said Noriega. "We're just supporting whatever they need."

HMS Illustriious arrives at Rosyth for refit

2010-02-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

In a further boost to the Scottish economy, Royal Navy flagship HMS Illustrious arrived in Scotland February 1st for a £40 million maintenance and upgrade program at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife.

USS Abraham Lincoln Heading for SOCAL OPAREA

2010-02-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

USS Abraham Lincoln departed Everett February 2 for a brief training program off San Diego and should be back home aroudn the 16th. US Navy photo.

USS Philadelphia returning from final deployment

2010-02-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) returns to New London February 3 from her final deployment. Philadephia was built at Electric Boat in the 1970s when the yard was going through severe quality control problems and had to be mostly rebuilt after launching. Official USN Navy photo from a previous arrival.

Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island returns home after 21-day deployment

2010-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

Key West January 29, 2010 - The Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island returned to Key West Sunday following a 21-day deployment. The crew worked for Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico conducting alien migrant interdiction operations, counter-narcotics efforts, living marine resource enforcement, ports waterways and coastal security, and supported search-and-rescue missions. Crewmembers also worked to support earthquake relief operations off the coast of Haiti.

During their patrol, the crew of the Pea Island interdicted a vessel 15 miles southwest of Puerto Rico with eight Dominican migrants attempting to illegally enter Puerto Rico. After bringing the migrants aboard the Pea Island, the crew identified one of the migrants who had attempted to enter the U.S. multiple times. The crew transferred the migrant to authorities in Puerto Rico for further investigation and possible prosecution by the U.S. Attorneys Office and repatriated the remaining seven migrants to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

In support of earthquake response efforts, the crew of the Pea Island patrolled the north coast of Haiti compiling images of the coastline and several ports to assess damages caused by the earthquake.

"This was a great opportunity for the crew to see a broad range of Coast Guard missions," said Lt. Emile Cochet, commanding officer of the Pea Island. "I could not be happier with the outstanding inter-agency coordination during our time working for Sector San Juan. I am also very pleased that we were able to take part in such a tremendous operation supporting the people of Haiti."

Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Key West.

Italian carrier Cavour to arrive in Haiti early next week

2010-01-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

Will be loading additional support in Brazil Thursday and them steaming north.

New Hydrographic Office chart for Haiti relief effort

2010-01-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

London January 27, 2010 - A joint effort by United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (part of the MOD) staff has resulted in the latest charting information being supplied to assist United States relief work for earthquake-hit Haiti.
Preliminary Chart BA 466 [Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

To back up efforts by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Washington, the Hydrographic Office's USA-based liaison officer requested up-to-date charts from the Office's HQ in Taunton for disaster relief planning and operational use by the US Navy.

The Caribbean island was rocked by an earthquake on 12 January 2010 and charts in particular were needed for the city of Port-au-Prince.

The British Admiralty chart of the harbour, BA 466, was fortunately already in progress; however, this needed to be accelerated to include the latest picture and post-earthquake imagery.

Staff pulled out all the stops to release the new edition for operational use, ahead of its formal publication date, within two days.

This was e-mailed to the US late on 15 January 2010 and also to the Dutch and Colombian navies, who were also sending vessels to assist with the aid efforts.

It was a true team effort and the Hydrographic Office's staff were only too pleased to be able to help with the relief work. As Austin Capsey, imagery analyst, said:

"Even though you are nearly 7,000km away it gives you great satisfaction knowing that the specialist skills you use in your job really make a difference to others in need."

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, which is part of the Ministry of Defence, has been charting the world's oceans for more than 200 years with the primary aim of providing navigational services for the Royal Navy and merchant mariners to save and protect lives at sea. In addition, it also serves the small craft and leisure mariners and provides a range of consultancy services.

2010-01-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

KEY WEST, Fla. - The crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, assisted by a tug boat crew, prepare to moor the cutter to its home pier, Monday, Jan. 25, 2009. The Mohawk got underway on Nov. 30, 2009, and was the second the U.S. vessel to respond to the earthquake in Haiti. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Chinese missile frigate makes port call at Djibouti

2010-01-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

Djibouti January 25, 2010 (seawaves.com) - A Chinese guided missile frigate has made a port call to Djibouti for re-supply after escort missions in the nearby Gulf of Eden and in the international waters off Somalia.

It was the first time for Chinese naval vessels to have made port calls to the Horn of Africa country.

The missile frigate, Ma'anshan, is one of the Chinese guided-missile vessels dispatched to escort cargo ships of China and other countries sailing through the area where Somali pirates have posed serious threats to international shipping by frequent hijacks.

China made an unprecedented move in late 2008 by sending warships to the Gulf and Eden in the country's first ever overseas escort mission for merchant vessels.

The Chinese fleet has so far escorted more than 1,300 merchant vessels from China and other countries.

( Source: Xinhua )

Dutch Navy to Deliver Navy Divers, Aid to Haiti

2010-01-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

Guantanamo Bay January 23, 2010 - Dutch Navy ship HNLMS Pelikaan (A 804) arrived at Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) Naval Station Jan. 22 to on load relief supplies and Navy divers from Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU 2) to assist with humanitarian assistance operations in Haiti.

Pelikaan, a logistics support vessel homeported in the Dutch Antilles island of Curacao, departed GTMO immediately after embarking the divers and was expected to arrive in Haiti Jan. 23. MDSU 2 divers are being called upon to provide critical underwater clearance operations in and around Port-Au-Prince to allow port access for the seaborne delivery of relief supplies.

Many port and pier facilities were badly damaged in the Jan 12 earthquake, and relief supplies have been arriving primarily through Port-Au-Prince airport and from Navy amphibious and air assets off shore.

"We are here to provide the salvage capability to free up the port, which will allow for supplies and commerce to flow into Haiti from the sea," said Warrant Officer 2 Tim Andros, MDSU 2 diving officer. "This Dutch ship is giving us a ride and helping us get there to help as soon as possible."

The utilization of the Dutch Navy logistics ship is the latest example of multi-national cooperation being coordinated through Task Force 48 at GTMO. The Task Force, under the command of Rear Adm. Patricia Wolfe, is operating a joint logistics hub in support of the joint sea base to lift life-saving humanitarian aid to Haiti.

"We are very pleased to work with the task force here to bring these divers and aid to Haiti," said Lt. Cmdr. Maarten Veenstra, Pelikaan commanding officer. "We were just in Haiti before coming here, and the situation was bad. They need this help."

In all, 27 MDSU 2 expeditionary combat salvage divers and support personnel were loaded onto Pelikaan, along with 32 pallets of food rations, water and water jugs.

More than Messing About in Boats

2010-01-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

Auckland January 21, 2010 (seawaaves.com) - Auckland’s maritime history will come alive on the Waitemata Harbour on Monday, 1 February with a fleet of vintage, classic and modern please, racing and work boats vying for line honours in the 170th Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.

Tall ships, gaff riggers, sloops, racing keelers, sailing dinghies, radio controlled boats, elegant classic yachts and grunty tugboats, all under the gaze of the flagship, the navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana, will be out on the water competing in a full day of racing and displays.

Entries are now open till January 27 at www.regatta.org.nz or phone 0800 REGATTA (0800 734 2882). It costs $15.00 for centreboard yachts and radio controlled yachts to enter and $25.00 for tugboats, keelboats and multihulls.

Among the contenders in the classic yacht division will be Jason Prew who owns two classics and is looking after another two as he continues his love affair with these beautiful craft.

“I love the look of the classic and the way they sail,” says Jason who manages a computer store in Newmarket when he is not restoring his boats. “They sit low in the water, look so nice under sail and cut through the water instead of skimming across like a modern boat.”

He will be racing restored beauty, Rawene, competing against some of Auckland’s legendary racing yachts for line honours on the Waitemata Harbour including Thelma, Rainbow, Ranger, Gloriana, Tawera and Little Jim. Many of these beautiful vessels will be lit on Sunday evening at their moorings in Viaduct Harbour. Two Australian classic yachts, Wraith of Odin and Fair Winds, will also race in the 170th regatta and then compete in the four day Southern Trust Classic Yacht Regatta starting on 12 February.

A highlight of the day will again be the tugboat race with some 30 tugs and towing launches, many of them vintage vessels, from around Auckland, Northland and Bay of Plenty, joining the line up.

It will be a real family affair for the seafaring Thompson clan, headed by Jimmy Thompson, founder of Thompson Towing, who is described by son, Mike “as mental about tugs”. The extended family includes members of the legendary Lidgard Bros boatbuilding family and the Browns, well known as coastal tugboat and tender skippers.

Three generations will be racing in the tug and workboat race with the Thompsons entering three of the five tugs they own.

A new course has been set with the finish line off the southern end of Devonport Wharf, providing great vantage points for landlubbers to enjoy the action. At 11.30 am following the race, there will be a display and parade of tugs through the ages around Viaduct Harbour. Many of the tugboats will then berth at the Viaduct to allow closer inspection by enthusiasts.

“We’re expecting the best fleet yet with hard competition and a feast for the eyes,”says tugboat race organiser, Baden Pascoe.

The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana is the regatta flagship for the day to provide additional pomp and spectacle to the Anniversary Day Regatta which is now known as the Oceanbridge Anniversary Day Regatta to acknowledge the long term sponsorship of North Shore based shipping company and sailing supporter, Oceanbridge.

HMNZS Taupo, one of the new inshore navy patrol vessels, will be the official race committee boat for the 2010 event and will be positioned on the race start line off the end of Princess Wharf enabling spectators on shore to get up close to the action. There will be excellent vantage points around the harbour shoreline and North Head, Bastion Point and Orakei.

Onshore, there will be a lively program of entertainment all weekend including the Auckland Buskers Festival, the Auckland Seafood Festival and free entry to Voyager National Maritime Museum.

“This really will be a wonderful birthday to celebrate Auckland,” Mr Mahoney said.

The family of regatta sponsors headed by Oceanbridge Shipping Limited also includes Auckland City Council, Ports of Auckland Limited, Classic Hits 97.4FM, Southern Trust, Lion Foundation and the Spirit of Adventure Trust with generous support from the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Chinese warship taskforce returns to Qingdao after visiting South America

2010-01-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

( Source: PLA Daily ) 2010-January-19 16:18

A Chinese naval ship taskforce returned home on the morning of January 18 after visiting three countries in South America.

The North China Sea Fleet (NCSF) of the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) held a grand welcome ceremony at a military port in Qingdao for the two returned warships. Xu Hongmeng, deputy commander of the PLA Navy, and Tian Zhong and Wang Dengping, commander and political commissar respectively of the NCSF, were present at the welcoming ceremony.

At about 9:00 a.m., the naval ship taskforce consisting of the “Shijiazhuang” guided-missile destroyer and the “Hongzehu” ocean-going supply ship came alongside the military port under the leadership of Wang Fushan, commander of the taskforce and deputy commander of the NCSF.

Since setting sail from Qingdao on October 18, 2009, the taskforce totally travelled more than 25,000 nautical miles and crossed the equator and the International Date Line (IDL) twice. It paid a good-will visit to Chile, Peru and Ecuador. During the visits, the two Chinese naval ships staged communication and maneuver exercises in ship formations with the navies of Chile and Peru.

By Zhang Gang and Wu Zhenping

Italy Sending Carrier Cavour to Haiti

2010-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

Aircraft carrier Cavour the command of Captain Gianluigi Reversi is completing the preparation at the naval base of La Spezia for the humanitarian mission to assist the people of Haiti.

Noteworthy are the capacities of health care that the ship is able to offer. The area hospital board has infact 2 clinics, 1 recovery room, 2 operating rooms, 8 beds for intensive care, X-ray room-TAC, burn treatment room, laboratory, and dental laboratory. It can also be shipped a portable hyperbaric chamber to provide the most appropriate therapy to crush syndromes.

The flagship of our Navy born from the need for an instrument with high naval command and control capability for joint and international operations. Besides the ability to transport ship Cavour aircraft is able to embark hangar materials, vehicles and amphibious vehicles.

S Korean warship pays visit

2010-01-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

(06-01-2010)

HCM CITY — KDS Dae Jo Young, one of the most advanced and well-equipped warships of the South Korean Navy, docked at Sai Gon Port for a four-day friendly visit yesterday.

The ship was welcomed at the dock by representatives of HCM City and Ministry of Defence’s department of foreign affairs, Military Zone 7 Command, the Navy and the city’s military forces.

The ROKS Dae Jo Young was on its way back to South Korea from Oman’s Salalah Port after completing its half-year mission in the Gulf of Aden, where it escorted commercial freighters and helped ensure security of a lifeline route in a sea infested by Somali pirates. During its stay in the city, the frigate will offer guided tours of the ship for the Korean expatriate community and the Navy Command.

Its staff will disembark to lay wreaths at President Ho Chi Minh’s statue, play a friendly volleyball match with the local navy and take tours around the city’s main attractions, including Cu Chi Tunnel, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The captain and senior officers will also pay courtesy visits to deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Tai and commanders of the Navy and Military Zone 7. — VNS

Chinese naval escort taskforce berths into port for rest

2010-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

On the afternoon of January 2, 2010, the “Ma’anshan” guided-missile frigate of the fourth Chinese naval escort taskforce pushed into Salalah Port, Oman for rest and replenishment. Starting from that very day, the four warships of the fourth Chinese naval escort taskforce will berth in the port for rest and replenishment in succession to ensure the smooth implementation of the escort actions.

Since setting sail on October 30, 2009, the fourth Chinese naval escort taskforce has performed tasks on the sea for consecutively more than two months. According to Gu Likang, deputy commander of the taskforce, “the arrangement of rest and replenishment in the port in batches has reflected the concerns of the leaders of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the general headquarters/departments of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Navy of the Chinese PLA. In the meantime, regularization of rest in port during the escort period also reflects the strong support of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese embassies and agencies in other countries to the escort operation.

Feng Fasong, political commissar of the “Ma’anshan” warship, told the reporters that in order to do a better job in the prevention and control of such epidemic diseases as type-A H1N1 flu and yellow fever, the medical service department of the taskforce would adopt such measures as body temperature monitoring, disinfection before returning to the warship and medical tracking during the berthing period to ensure the physical health of the officers and men.

By Zhou Yong and Xu Yeqing

( Source: China Military Online Photo from sinodefense.com) 2010-January-4 16:23

USS Wasp (LHD 1) returns to Naval Station

2009-12-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

091222-N-6764G-015 NORFOLK (Dec. 22, 2009) Line handlers stand by as the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) returns to Naval Station. Wasp completed a three-month deployment supporting Southern Partnership Station-Amphib in the Southern Command area of responsibility with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 and embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Brian Goodwin/Released)

Wasp Returns Home Wrapping up Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009

2009-12-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Norfolk December 22, 2009 - The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and her crew of approximately 1,100 Sailors returned home Dec. 22 from nearly three months deployed to U.S. Southern Command area of focus, wrapping up Southern Partnership Station (SPS) -Amphib 2009.

Wasp deployed Oct. 4 from Naval Station Norfolk. Working alongside Mayport-based Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 and Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SCMAGTF) they worked to build interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation naval forces through a variety of exercises, theater security cooperation (TSC), military-to-military engagements and community relations projects.

"SPS 2009 deployment was the first of its kind here in the 4th Fleet area of focus. The deployment was designed to focus on counter-illicit trafficking (CIT), which included the USS Wasp as a forward operating base and a variety of different agencies embarked on the ship," said Capt. Rudy Laco, Commander Task Group 40.7.

The Wasp-DESRON 40 team joined forces with Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) - South, SCMAGTF, Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 405 and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to conduct CIT operations in the Caribbean. The month-long interoperability mission working alongside Haitian and Dominican Republic civil and military agents resulted in a disrupted flow of drugs through the Caribbean and to the United States.

"The key to the success of this deployment has been that the Wasp, as a fusion center, has allowed us to bring to bear several assets that were able to work with Joint Interagency Task Force-South, conducting CIT operations in the south. The benefit is that we've been able to operate in different regions of the Caribbean," said Laco.

By mid-November Wasp and the embarked task force were conducting operations in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Belize City, Belize, which included military-to-military exchanges and community relations (COMREL) projects. Humanitarian assistance was provided through the donation of over 100 pallets from Project Handclasp filled with medical, medicinal and hygiene supplies. Also, the Rotary Clubs of Cape Coral Gold Coast and Downtown Jacksonville, Fla., donated pallets of books and computers.

"We as the Navy will have opportunities to conduct engagements with the countries in Central America, Caribbean and South America and part of the strategy is to visit locations on a periodic basis and show the populace that the Navy is not just about fighting wars, but also humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and working to help other partners in the region to solve common issues like providing military-to-military exchanges," said Laco.

Wasp volunteers delivered backpacks and teddy bears from Hugs Across American to school children in Jamaica and Belize by Wasp Sailors and Marines. In addition, they traveled to Parry Town Basic School in Ocho Rios, Jamaica to help paint classrooms. With help from the U.S. Embassy, who provided the necessary paint and equipment, they were able to paint 12 classrooms, which held grades one through six for local children.

"When you have the opportunity to participate in a mission of this sort, there isn't a specific way to train – you go back to basics, to the things that your Sailors know and excel at – and then you modify slowly until each modification becomes a second nature," said Wasp Commanding Officer Capt. Lowell D. Crow. "Our crew not only made the necessary adjustments, but they made a seamless modification to their training schedules that allowed them to more than adequately complement the mission."

Wrapping up the deployment in December, Wasp completed CIT operations once again, this time with the Nicaraguan military and U.S. Coast Guard LEDET in an effort to disrupt the flow of narcotics through the Caribbean.

"The Wasp crew as a whole performed expertly, consistently adjusting and modifying to fit a rigorous schedule," said Crow. "The reward for them is fitting for so humble a crew: Being at home with their families and loved ones for the holidays."

Throughout the nearly three months at sea, Wasp continued to prepare for its upcoming INSURV Inspection. The crew also relaxed and enjoy some down time with three Steel Beach picnics sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department and the Wardroom, Chief Petty Officer Association and the First Class Petty Officer Association. The ship also held a talent show, chili cook-off and Bingo to help the crew take a break from daily operations.

In addition to Jamaica and Belize, Wasp also stopped in Panama and made several visits to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Coast Guard prepares for 2009-2010 icebreaking season

2009-12-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Cleveland December 15, 2009 - The Ninth Coast Guard District is preparing for the 2009-2010 icebreaking season in the Great Lakes.

http://www.uscg.mil/d1/cgcPenobscotBay/img/rotating_images/pbay_rot_img_08.jpg

Coast Guard icebreaking operations are designed to facilitate the movement of commercial vessels to meet the reasonable demands of commerce on the Great Lakes and to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with flood mitigation.

The Coast Guard conducts two major operations: Taconite and Coal Shovel. These operations ensure the most efficient movement of vessels through the entire Great Lakes region.

Operation Taconite, under the control of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., encompasses Lake Superior, the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac, Lake Michigan and northern Lake Huron.

Coal Shovel, under the control of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, encompasses southern Lake Huron, St. Clair/Detroit River systems, and Lakes Erie and Ontario, and includes the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Based on ice conditions, assets are dedicated to specific areas in coordination with our international partners and commercial icebreaking services.

To ensure the highest state of readiness and the Coast Guard’s ability to complete this critical mission, an additional icebreaker from the First Coast Guard District, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Penobscot Bay, a 140-foot icebreaking tug, homeported in Bayonne, N.J., will be temporarily assigned to the Great Lakes region. Penobscot Bay will augment the other eight Coast Guard icebreakers that call the Great Lakes home.

Penobscot Bay is scheduled to arrive, here, on December 22.

“We are taking all steps necessary to ensure we are ready to provide the best level of service and keep the fleet moving through the ice”, said Cmdr. Kevin Dunn, Chief of Waterways Management for the Ninth Coast Guard District. “We are ready to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to those who may be effected by ice or flooding.”

The Coast Guard encourages waterway users to plan their activities carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels. Owners of facilities on the ice should move them safely onshore or sufficiently away from the commercial channels. The Coast Guard strongly advises pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers to leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the immediate vicinity. Recreational users and island residents should stay tuned to local media resources for the status of waterway closures.

HMS Gloucester Returns Home for Christmas

2009-12-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

Nearly 6½ months after leaving her home port of Portsmouth in June 2009, HMS Gloucester will return home for Christmas on 21 December 2009 following a very successful deployment to the South Atlantic.

Her deployment in support of the Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands saw HMS Gloucester (the Fighting G) act as the lead Naval presence in the South Atlantic, supported by both HMS Clyde and RFA Gold Rover.

Whilst deployed ‘the Fighting G’ undertook Maritime Security Operations, which included the search for Drug Smugglers off the West Coast of Africa following the signing onboard of a new agreement between the UK and Cape Verde; the search for wreckage and potential survivors following the tragic loss of a Trans-Atlantic airliner; numerous military exercises with elements of the British Army and the Royal Air Force based in the Falklands; and a very successful visit to South Georgia, one of the UK’s remotest dependant territories. Other highlights include rounding Cape Horn and transiting the Patagonian Canals. Additionally the Ship’s Company were also put through their paces by FOST during a mid-deployment Operational Assurance Visit.

Each port visit also allowed for the Ship’s Company to engage in charitable work, whether that was cleaning British War graves, painting local schools, or conducting building works for underprivileged children in the slums that are an unfortunate fact of life in some parts of the world.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Gloucester, Cdr Iain Lower MA RN, who hands over his command to Cdr D George RN in January 2010 said, “This has been a very successful deployment. Our achievements reflect the effort put in by the Ship’s Company in preparing for this deployment. HMS Gloucester’s mission in the South Atlantic was to defend the British South Atlantic Territories, deter aggression and ultimately defeat any opposing force if required. We have also assisted in supporting the Government’s wider diplomatic efforts in Cape Verde, Brazil and Chile. It was a mission that we achieved in style. I would like to thank my Ship’s Company for all their hard work and also our Families and Friends who have supported us whilst we have been away. I think that I speak for all onboard when I say that we are looking forward to being at home with our loved ones for Christmas.”

“This deployment has also raised some interesting statistics.” says the Logistics Officer, Lt Cdr Douggie Ward RN, “During this deployment we have travelled over 20,000 miles; sailed on 3 out of 5 oceans - the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Ocean; and visited Europe, Africa, South America and Antarctica. We have received over 1000 spare parts (from light bulbs to helicopter spares) and spent nearly half a million pounds in Sterling and foreign currency. Our Chefs have cooked over 150,000 individual meals, and the Ship’s Company have munched their way through over 35,000 eggs, 24,000 Kg of potatoes and 2,000 Kg sausages and my shopping bill for all this food came to a grand total of £137,647.95”

HMS Gloucester handed over to HMS York at sea on 11 December 2009, who is now on her way to the South Atlantic. HMS Gloucester’s Ship’s Company will now enjoy some well earned leave, before hitting the deck running in the New Year in preparation for Gloucester’s next deployment in early autumn of 2010.

Guards missile cruiser Varyag arrived in Vladivostok

2009-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

On Dec 2nd, the Guards missile cruiser Varyag (Russian Pacific Fleet) has returned to the home base, the port of Vladivostok. The group, led by GMC Varyag also includes the Fotiy Krylov rescue tugboat and the Pechenga sea tanker.

On the shore the Commander of the Pacific Fleet Vice-Admiral Konstantin Sidenko, representatives of the Command of the Fleet, city and provincial authorities, relatives and friends of seamen greeted under the sounds of military band.

During the solemn meeting organized after mooring ship's company were presented with traditional roasted pigs and lots of gifts and certificates to the men meritorious during the campaign.

Let’s recall that the Pacific Fleet seamen were on an official visit to the port of Singapore.

According to the commander, objectives of the visit were fully implemented. Our crews properly represented Russia and St. Andrew's ensign in Singapore, what, undoubtedly, was the further development and strengthening relations between our countries and seamen. All the seamen are in good health, the equipment and mechanisms operated smoothly. No incidents were reported during the journey.

The special milestone of this visit was the attendance of the Guards crew by the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev.

As a result, the unit of the warships during thirty seven days left astern about six and a half thousand nautical miles.

USS Key West

2009-12-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

091210-N-3560G-001 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 10, 2009) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 772) returns to Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region. Key West completed a trilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge/Released)

Wuhu returns to base

2009-12-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Google Translation - The morning of December 7, the North Sea Fleet destroyer detachment, "Wuhu" the successful completion of ship combat readiness duty, Spratly Islands, sounding a siren homing into the port. Implementation of the mandate period, the ship by holding "professional military skills competition," "deck Literature", "inter-party Haitian oath", "Speech Contest" and other activities, cultivate sentiments among the troops, rally the troops morale, mental stability. More than 70 days at sea duty combat readiness, so that officers and men of physical and will get a better temper, have been leaders in the detachment acclaim. Chinese Military Photo Center Chun-Yang Chen Photo (Editor: SUN Li)

USS Anzio

2009-12-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

091204-N-2456S-010 NORFOLK (Dec. 4, 2009) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after completing a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Anzio served off the Horn of Africa as the flagship of the international anti-piracy task force, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Suits/Released)

3rd Annual Grand Illumination

2009-12-06T21:51:00.000-08:00

091205-N-2013O-055 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 5, 2009) - Japanese visitors tour the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), during the 3rd Annual Grand Illumination open base event at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). CFAY opened its gates to approximately 20,000 Japanese citizens who took the opportunity to enjoy holiday festivities and tours of the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73) and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ship JS Hyuga (DDH 181). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki/Released)

Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw continues Christmas Ship tradition

2009-12-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO – The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30), acting as the “Christmas Tree Ship”, is scheduled to arrive at Chicago’s Navy Pier for a two-day event, starting Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at 8 a.m. to distribute Christmas trees to more than a thousand families in need.

The distribution of the holiday trees to trucks from community organizations will begin off the decks of “Chicago’s Christmas Ship,” the USCGC MACKINAW, on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 10 a.m., after the first three trees are given to three families during the brief public ceremony.

Tours of the USCGC Mackinaw will also be available on Dec. 4 - 5 from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Mackinaw will arrive loaded with 1,500 Christmas trees purchased by Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee to be distributed to disadvantaged families throughout the Chicago area. The Mackinaw’s reenactment continues a treasured part of Chicago’s maritime tradition.

The Rouse Simmons was the original “Christmas Tree Ship” that came to Chicago with fresh evergreens and wreaths for holiday season during the early 1900’s. Rouse Simmons was a three masted schooner and was recognized by the Christmas tree tied to her mast as she entered port. The Simmons was the principal means of bringing Christmas trees to Chicago for over 30 years.

Chicago’s boating community reenactment of the olden days of the Rouse Simmons landing in Chicago is now portrayed by the Mackinaw. The trees will be taken off the Mackinaw by local youth volunteers, the Sea Cadets, Venture Crews, Sea Explorer Scouts and the Young Marines and loaded onto trucks for distribution by Ada S. McKinley Community Services.

The "Chicago's Christmas Ship" Committee is comprised of and supported by all facets of the Chicago’s boating community: the International Shipmasters’ Association, Chicago Marine Heritage Society, US Navy League, Chicago yacht clubs, Friends of the Marine Community, Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Chicago Yachting Association.

Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee will also host educational programs for local area schools aboard the Mackinaw. More than 300 children from the Chicago area will learn about the role of the Coast Guard, the “Christmas Tree Ship” tradition, observe a Sea Partners ecology presentation and experience a ship tour by Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Mackinaw replaced the original icebreaker, which served the Great Lakes since 1944, and was donated for use as a maritime museum located in Mackinaw City, Mich. This ship, which is home to a crew of 60, was built in Marinette, Wisconsin and commissioned in June 2006. It is one of the Coast Guard’s most technologically advanced multi-missioned cutters. In addition to its primary ice breaking and aids to navigation missions, the Mackinaw also performs search and rescue and maritime law enforcement.

The Mackinaw’s arrival is a culmination of efforts by the Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee, working together with the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Sea Partners Program, Chicago Navy Pier, private individuals, and the hard working generous boaters of the marine community to help make Christmas special for Chicago's families in need.

USS Wayne E. Meyer to Homeport in San Diego

2009-12-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Story Number: NNS091201-08 Release Date: 12/1/2009 1:27:00 PM 0 Comments

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will arrive in San Diego Dec. 4 where the ship will be homeported after transiting from the Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine.

The new destroyer, under the command of Cmdr. Nick A. Sarap, was commissioned in Philadelphia and placed into active service on the Delaware River Oct. 10. The ship is the 58th destroyer in its class carrying the 100th Aegis combat system; an advanced command and control, and weapon control system that uses powerful computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets.

Meyer honors retired Navy Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer who led the development of the Aegis combat system for the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.

In 1963, the secretary of the Navy chose Meyer to lead a special Navy Task Force for Surface Missile Systems. Meyer turned down a destroyer command to continue his work with missile, radar and fire control systems, and became the founding chief engineer at the Naval Ship Missile System Engineering Station, Port Hueneme, Calif. In this position, Meyer was promoted to rear admiral in January 1975.

In January 1977, he assumed duties as the founding project manager of the Aegis Shipbuilding Project. This project was ultimately responsible for the construction of all of the Navy's current cruisers and destroyers – with 89 ships built or in construction, and more in planning. This is one of the longest and largest naval shipbuilding programs in history. He retired from active duty in 1985.

Meyer will provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the nation's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

USS Texas (SSN 775) arrives at its new homepor, Naval Station Pearl Harbor

2009-11-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

091123-N-5212T-016 PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 23, 2009) The Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived at its new home port, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, during an inner-fleet transfer from Groton Submarine Base. The arrival of Texas to Pearl Harbor will mark the second of the Virginia-class subs to be stationed in the Pacific, following the historic arrival of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) in July. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Josh Thompson/Released)

U.S. Coast Guard cutter returns to Honolulu after 100-day patrol and Shanghai visit

2009-11-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 23, 2009

HOME FOR A WHILE — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Rush prepares to tie up in homeport in Honolulu after a three-month patrol through the Pacific, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. The 378-foot high endurance cutter's crew participated in the 2009 North Pacific Coast Guard Forum and paid a port call to Shanghai, where the crew participated in a search and rescue drill. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Angela Henderson)

HONOLULU — The Honolulu-based U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rush returned to home port here today from a three-month deployment to the Northwest Pacific and Asia.

During the deployment, the 378-foot high endurance cutter Rush’s crew conducted combined operations with maritime partners of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum to stop illegal high seas driftnet fishing and returned to China for the second time in four years.

In 2006, the Rush was the first U.S. Coast Guard cutter to visit China since World War II.

The Rush's crew made their second port call to China, where U.S. Coast Guardsmen engaged in professional exchanges with China’s civil maritime agencies. The Rush and China's Rescue and Salvage Bureau demonstrated different methods for recovering persons in the water and demonstrated various seamanship activities with the Ministry of Public Security Border Control Department.
These professional exchanges and social activities such as a basketball game served to enhance collaboration and cooperation in the area of fisheries enforcement at sea and enhance maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Preceding the professional exchanges in Shanghai, the majority of Rush’s deployment was dedicated to the enforcement of international fisheries agreements and the prevention of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activity in the North Pacific Ocean.
During the deployment, Rush embarked a Chinese fisheries law enforcement ship rider and patrolled in conjunction with other partner nations to stop illegal fishing activity.
The Rush is one of two 378-foot high endurance cutters based in Honolulu and has a crew of 135. The Rush’s primary missions include defense operations, enforcement of laws and treaties, and search and rescue throughout the Pacific.

Hunter killer sub Astute Arrives at her Home Port

2009-11-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

The biggest and most powerful attack submarine ever built for the Royal Navy – Astute – today sailed into her home base on the Clyde.

Measuring nearly one hundred metres from bow to stern, Astute is longer than ten London buses. When fully loaded, she will displace 7,800 tonnes of sea water, equivalent to 65 blue whales.

The Astute submarine has the latest stealth technology, a world-beating sonar system and is armed with 38 torpedoes and missiles - more than any previous Royal Navy submarine. She will be able to circumnavigate the globe while submerged, and advanced nuclear technology means that she will never need to be refuelled.

Astute will be followed in due course by her sister submarines Ambush, Artful and Audacious. These four comprise the first of the expected seven submarines in the Astute Class. The Astute class will carry the potent Spearfish Heavyweight torpedo which can destroy submarines or surface ships, and Tomahawk cruise missiles that can hit inland targets with pinpoint accuracy. The boats will have 50 per cent more firepower than the existing Trafalgar class submarines they will succeed in service.

After touring Astute, the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

“This is a significant milestone for Astute as she arrives for the first time in her homeport of Faslane. The Astute class of submarines will deliver a step change in capability for defence in terms of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, protecting the deterrent, providing land attack and intelligence gathering. Astute will now begin a set of sea trials ahead of her full acceptance with the Royal Navy next year.”

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, said:

“The Astute Class is truly next generation. They are immensely powerful vessels and they will form a key part of our future programme, giving the Royal Navy the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe.

“Astute is a joint warfighting asset and I look forward to her entry into service, along with that of her six sisters – which include Ambush, Artful and Audacious.”

Commodore Chris Hockley, the Naval Base Commander at HM Naval Base Clyde, said:

“I am particularly pleased and excited at the prospect of welcoming Astute to her home Base today. There has been significant investment and preparations made over several years to prepare us for this occasion.

“The Clyde will become a centre of specialisation for submarines, and, of course, submarine training. With the arrival of Astute I cannot think of a more exciting time to be a submariner.”

World's most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker to arrive in Juneau

2009-11-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea, the world’s most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker, will moor at the South Franklin Pier in Juneau Wednesday and is scheduled to open for public tours Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Polar Sea is returning to its homeport in Seattle after completing a 101 day deployment, 60 which were above the Arctic Circle. Although the crew of the Polar Sea has conducted multiple patrols in the Arctic, this would mark the cutter's first science deployment in more than a decade concluding the cutter’s Arctic West Fall 2009 deployments.

The first phase took place over the course of two weeks in mid-September and involved 34 scientists from the Naval Research Laboratory led by Dr. Richard Coffin. The scientists met the cutter off Barrow, Alaska and conducted coring operations to study sediment composition. They were also involved in taking water samples to study temperature, salinity and levels of oxygen at varying depths.

The second phase ran from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1. The main focus was the recapture of polar bears that were tagged with radio collars in the spring. Dr. Mirav Ben David and 24 scientists from various organizations traveled with the Polar Sea throughout the Arctic searching for polar bears. This study has already yielded unique data which correlates the theory that polar bears travel distances up to 600 miles. Considering the retreating ice edge this study is intended to shed new light on the polar bears’ ability to adapt to their ever changing environment considering the retreating ice edge.

Included in this science phase was a team of research divers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks who conducted 38 research dives for the purpose of investigating the biological diversity of Arctic Sea ridges in comparison to flat sea ice. Dive operations and ice coring were the main methods utilized to retrieve organisms, ice and water from submerged sea ridges. Also aboard was a marine mammal and sea bird observer from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who studied marine mammal and sea bird distribution relative to oceanographic and biological features in the Beaufort Sea.

The 399-foot Polar Sea was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Commissioned in 1978 the Polar Sea has operated around the world and is designed to perform science, ice-breaking and all Coast Guard missions in both Polar Regions. With a reinforced hull and up to 75,000 horsepower, the cutter can break up to 21-feet of ice or 6-feet of ice at a continuous speed of 4.5 mph and can carry two helicopters for science and logistics support. Berthing is available for approximately 150 crewmembers and as many as 35 scientists and technicians. The cutter is also equipped as a scientific platform with five internal laboratories and space for an additional seven portable laboratories on deck. Computers on board have the capability to process real-time satellite images to aid in ice navigation, science planning and weather forecasting. The ship’s ice breaking capabilities allow the crew to perform logistics, search and rescue, ship escort, environmental protection and enforcement of laws and treaties in places most ships cannot reach.

USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) returns to Naval Station Pearl Harbor

2009-11-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

091115-N-3560G-022 PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 15, 2009) The Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) returns to Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge/Released)

Great Expectations

2009-11-13T19:54:00.001-08:00

London November 12, 2009 - The Royal Navy is about to sign for it’s newest warship. Dauntless is due to arrive in Portsmouth in early December after a short delivery voyage from the BAe Yard in Scotstoun. This will be the first time in many years that the Royal Navy has received a destroyer in this way.
At the moment Royal Navy and BAe personnel are working more closely than ever in Scotstoun in order to achieve a smooth handover. With two highly successful sets of sea trials behind us, the planned basin trials and delivery voyage will serve to build final confidence in all the systems before the Royal Navy finally signs for the ship.
Acceptance Off Contract is a major event in the build process of a new warship. At this point the Royal Navy takes charge of the ship and all subsequent trials. It will also be the first time the whole ship’s company lives on board together and when most of the junior sailors will enjoy the greatly improved standards of living accommodation.
The occasion of Acceptance Off Contract is marked by hauling down the BAe Ensign and hoisting the White Ensign. As one chapter closes a new and exciting one begins. There is still an enormous amount of work to do until the ship is ready to deploy but we will be one step closer.

Jacksonville Sea, Sky Spectacular Draws Crowd

2009-11-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Jacksonville November 12, 2009 - Thousands of people gathered Nov. 7-8 at Jacksonville Beach in Jacksonville, Fla., for the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular.

With more than 20 performers, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, spectators had plenty of sky filled entertainment.

"We come every year, and we never get tired of it," said Emily Chase, a 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular participant. "There are just so many talented performers and, of course, we love the Blue Angels. This is also a great way to come out and support our military."

There were also over 24 different ground activities for people to partake in, such as a rock climbing wall, rides, booths and games.

"There were so many great things this year, and we went by the care package booth to learn how to send packages to our heros overseas," said Clarence Townsend, another participant.

People viewing the air show were not the only ones that enjoyed themselves; members of the Blue Angels said they really enjoyed their visit to Jacksonville.

"It's just an awesome show for us. Anytime we can fly over the water and bring in large crowds, we love it, and since Jacksonville is close to home for us and is the birth place of the Blue Angels, there is a reason why we are here every single year," said Lt. Cmdr. Frank Weisser, a Blue Angels pilot.

The Sea and Sky Spectacular is held annually, alternating between Jacksonville Beach and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Royal Navy Warship Sails In To London

2009-11-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Royal Navy warship HMS St Albans will visit the Pool of London on Wednesday 11 November.

The 4900-tonne, Type 23 frigate arrives alongside HMS Belfast at 9am on the Wednesday for the start of a five-day visit, during which time her ship’s company will be taking time out to maintain links with her affiliated town of St Albans, and also attending the town’s Lord Mayor's Parade, with her affiliated Livery Company, the Haberdashers'.

As the ship arrives on Remembrance Day, at 11am there will be a two-minute silence observed by all on board the two warships, while an RAF Hercules aircraft will fly over the Thames, dropping poppies in memory of those who fell in times of conflict.

Members of the ship’s company will be going to St Albans to take part in various civic activities on Thursday 12 November. This will allow members of the crew the chance to meet some of the people in their affiliated city and spend the day helping with local community projects.

Londoners, too, will get the chance to have a quick tour around the upper decks of the frigate on Friday and Saturday afternoons, access being gained via HMS Belfast alongside.

Of the visit, the Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, Commander Adrian Pierce, said: "We are very much looking forward to spending time in the Pool of London and with the people and organisations of our affiliate town of St Albans. It will also be a pleasure to welcome aboard anybody who is visiting or lives in central London and wants to get a brief taste of what life on a modern fighting warship is like.”

The mainstay of the modern surface fleet, the 13 Type 23 frigates form over 50% of the total frigate/destroyer force in the Royal Navy. Powerful and versatile, they have the capability to operate effectively anywhere in the world.

Originally designed for the principal task of anti-submarine warfare, they have evolved into multi-purpose ships with the capability to operate anywhere in the world. The effectiveness of these ships is enhanced by their stealth design, which reduces their radar signature significantly.

In addition to warfare roles, these ships also conduct embargo operations using boarding teams inserted from the ship's boats or helicopter, disaster relief work and surveillance operations.

San Juan Makes Historic Visit to South Africa

2009-11-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Story Number: NNS091105-02
Release Date: 11/5/2009 7:33:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Holmes,

Commander, US Naval Forces Europe-Commander, US Naval Forces Africa/Commander, US 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) pulled into Simon's Town, South Africa, Nov. 4, setting the stage for a series of first-ever, at-sea engagements with the South African Navy submarine force.

"This historic visit is a sign of our continued friendship with South Africa and another important step in our efforts to work together in addressing maritime issues," said Cmdr. Oliver Lewis, commanding officer of San Juan. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with a peer navy and submarine force, and believe both our Navy and [South Africa's] will benefit from this exchange."

During the visit, San Juan will be working with and learning from the South African Navy in various maritime pursuits including regional security cooperation activities, military-to-military exchanges and community relations activities. The boat's commanding officer and senior staff will also conduct office calls with South African military leaders who have a vested interest in maritime safety and security.

San Juan, a fast-attack submarine homeported in Groton, Conn., is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

HSV Swift Promoting Security Cooperation in Mauritania

2009-11-05T15:36:00.001-08:00

Story Number: NNS091105-01
Release Date: 11/5/2009 7:31:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NUOAKCHOTT, Mauritania (NNS) -- High-Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift pulled into Nuoakchott Nov. 5, to conduct a series of military-to-military interactions and theater security cooperation engagements.

While in port crew members of the Swift and the commander of the task force Swift is assigned to will host tours and receptions, as well as participate in meetings designed to further the maritime relationship between both nations' navies. U.S. Ambassador to Mauritania, Mark Boulware, will also co-host a reception on Swift.

"This port visit is a further step towards our mutual cooperation and interaction," said Capt. Martin Beck, Commander, Task Force 368. "It's been over a year since our last interaction [small training team] with the Mauritanian Navy, and we are excited to be back and working together again."

There is no official record of a U.S. military vessel visiting Mauritania in recent history and there has only been limited Navy interaction in the last several years, usually only involving small two to three person training teams or delegations.

Swift, a high speed vessel with a hybrid crew of US Navy sailors and civilian mariners is homeported in Naval Station Ingleside, Texas and Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. and is currently on a regularly sechedule deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Thach Completes Around the World Deployment

2009-11-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Story Number: NNS091105-05
Release Date: 11/5/2009 12:58:00 PM

From Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) returned to San Diego Nov. 5 after an independent five-month surge through all of the numbered fleets.

Thach was operating in support of Task Group Iraqi Maritime (TGIM), which operates in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG) and is primarily responsible for defending the critical Iraqi infrastructure located in the area, as well as protecting the sovereignty of Iraqi waters.

Thach and TGIM also trained Iraqi forces in maritime security operations. Thach's presence and the increased maritime security it provided helped increase knowledge of the maritime picture in the NAG.

Extended in the Persian Gulf, Thach's presence was paramount to reassuring the U.S. commitment to regional security, which promotes global economic stability and local prosperity.

Thach performed a variety of tasks during the deployment, including boarding and search and seizure exercises to prepare the ship to provide protection in the strategically sensitive NAG. Thach also conducted oil platform defense, counter-piracy and counter-smuggling operations.

The ship returned home via an around the world transit, crossing through the Suez Canal, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Panama Canal. Thach stopped in a number of exotic ports, including Saipan, Thailand, Bahrain, Jordan and the Azores.

Thach helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile Area of Responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Navy inshore patrol vessel visits Lyttleton

2009-11-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

HMNZS ROTOITI (MC 09-0224-014). ..4 November 2009

The first of the new Inshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZS ROTOITI, under the Command of Lieutenant Andrew Hogg, will conduct operational port visits to Lyttelton over the following two weekends:

Arriving 4:00 pm on Wednesday 4 November and departing at 10am on Monday 9 November, and
Arriving 4:00 pm on Thursday 12 November and departing at 10am on Monday 16 November.
This is the first time one of new Navy In Shore Patrol Vessels has berthed in Lyttelton and on this occasion, HMNZS ROTOITI (located at 2 East Berth, Lyttelton) will be open to the public from 9:00 am to 12:00 midday on Sunday 8 November. Lieutenant Andrew Hogg warmly invites the public of Christchurch and surrounding districts to visit the ship and meet members of the crew.

General Artigas Returns to Montevideo

2009-11-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday 27 October, close to 09:00 hours, arrived at the Port of Montevideo, the Command and Control ship ROU 04 "General Artigas".

The ship sailed in August, stopping in Fortaleza, La Cruz, Isla Margarita, Colon, Cartagena, Puerto Principe and Natal.

One of the activities planned for this trip was Panamax 2009 where the operation involving 21 countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and the United States.

This type of exercise is based on monitoring of maritime traffic strict especially against terrorist threats, reaching exercises performed procedures for boarding and prey, with and without opposition on the high seas to commercial vessels and military based on international law, using support of multinational forces.

Also, on this trip were transported, in order to relieve the sailors who were serving their mission year in the Republic of Haiti, 140 troops who were deployed in the five naval bases Uruguayan UN service, and also was transported of the material necessary for their logistical support mission for a year.

Currently the Navy is playing among others patrolling in the Haitian port of Fort Liberte, Gonaives, Yacmel, Port Salut and the own capital of Port-au-Prince.

USS New York

2009-11-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

091102-N-2022D-118 NEW YORK (Nov. 2, 2009) The amphibious dock landing ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) transits New York Harbor past the Statue of Liberty. The ship has 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow and will be commissioned Nov. 7 in New York City. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Eric M. Durie/Released)

Back at base

2009-10-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Published: 27 October 2009 kl 08.29
Corvettes HMS Stockholm and HMS Malmö together with support vessel HMS Trossö are now back in Karlskrona.

The naval vessels are now back in their home port of Karlskrona after a long voyage from Africa.
Photographer: Håkan Jönsson/Försvarsmakten
"Having left Djibouti on 25 September the journey has gone according to plan," said Naval base project manager William Nordström who had overall responsibility for the transport. The transport was done on the Eide Transporter, a heavy dock semi-submersible vessel that is effectively a self-propelled floating dock.

Throughout the voyage, engineering personnel from the Naval base ensured ventilation, power supply and other systems on the naval combat vessels continued to operate. Right now, personnel are hard at work offloading a number of storage containers and rectifying any transit damage caused to the combat vessels onboard the Eide Transporter.

The Eide Transporter is due to anchor in Karlskrona archipelago tonight in order to offload the vessels.
"The water is too shallow to do this quayside," said Nordström.

Naval base tugs are due to tow the vessels to the naval harbour. The Naval base has had overall responsibility for engineering maintenance aboard the vessels throughout the mission. Nordström went on to explain:
"I am delighted to say we have received confirmation that the Naval base has been successful in keeping the corvettes fully operational throughout the mission. Which means the ships maintained a high level of availability during the mission."

Food for the people of Somalia
The mission ran from 15 May to 15 September, during which time the Swedish vessels escorted 20,000 tons of food on behalf of the World Food Programme, to the famine hit people of Somalia. Around 10,000 merchant ships passed through the area during the course of this period. 34 merchant ships were subject to pirate attack, of which two attacks succeeded.

The corvettes have proved highly suitable for this type of mission as they are relatively small, fast and highly manoeuvrable. Another advantage was that the three units could fan out over a large area, and with fewer personnel than a normal size destroyer or frigate.

Next assignment
For some time, the Naval base has been readying the previously mothballed long distance warship the HMS Carlskrona for a follow up mission, ME-02. This mission is planned for April-August 2010. In contrast to the vessels deployed in the ME-01 mission, HMS Carlskrona will sail to the mission area under its own steam.

GW Makes Historic Visit To Hong Kong

2009-10-30T11:58:00.001-07:00

Story Number: NNS091029-08
Release Date: 10/29/2009 4:55:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class(SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) anchored out in Victoria Harbor Oct. 29, as the ship made the first port call to Hong Kong in its 17-year history.

Joining the more than 5,000 GW and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 Sailors in the visit, are the crews of the guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63), the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and the guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37).

"Visiting Hong Kong is a big deal for GW," said GW Operations Officer Cmdr. Anthony Calandra. "As the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, this port call helps us foster relations with China, which will help us work together to maintain maritime security in the region."

Renowned for its "East meets West" atmosphere and culture, Calandra said GW Sailors will have a memorable visit to Hong Kong.

"Our Sailors are going to meet some great people, see some great sights and enjoy some of the best cuisine and shopping available in this part of the world," said Calandra.

While in Hong Kong, GW and its escort ships will give back to their hosts by sending 300 Sailors to participate in 17 community service projects.

"These projects provide a great opportunity for our Sailors to exercise community spirit in multiple benevolent acts, which benefit the local community," said Cmdr. Dennis Young, GW command chaplain.

"Hong Kong and China are strategic partners with the U.S. and by getting involved with their communities, we create a spirit of goodwill between our countries," Young said.

As part of the projects, Sailors will do painting at the Hong Kong Society for the Blind, pack rice at a food bank and visit kindergartners at a local school.

Young said the outpouring of interest in community service projects speaks to the integrity of all Sailors and that their service is pivotal in building trust in the Pacific region.

Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the carrier is the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, Commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63). Homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, O'Kane and Crommelin are deployed in support of operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Future USS New York Sets Sail for the Big Apple

2009-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091030-06
Release Date: 10/30/2009 10:16:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael L. Leslie, Pre-Commissioning Unit New York Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Future USS New York (LPD 21) left Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Oct. 29 to begin her four-day transit to New York City where the ship's commissioning ceremony is scheduled to take place on Nov. 7.

Part of the ship's mission is to return the 7.5 tons of steel recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers to its home.

"We're going to bring New York home," said Cmdr. Curt Jones, the ship's commanding officer. "The sacred steel in the bow of the ship will get to go home, and we're proud of that."

The ship is scheduled to pull into New York City and sail up the Hudson River where it will dock on Nov. 2. City officials, a fireworks display and private boats anchored in the harbor will welcome USS New York and her crew.

"We'll be sailing up the Hudson on this ship," said Col. Mark Desens, commanding officer of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26, out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. "If you can't get excited about that, then you just can't get excited.

The ship's motto, "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget," speaks of the strong ties the ship and her crew has to the terrible events that took place on 9/11. Because of this connection, the ship will host on board receptions for first responders and their families Nov. 3 and Nov. 8.

"I know they feel a strong kinship to us and the feeling is mutual," added Desens. "I can't wait to meet them."

The ship will be open to the public on Nov. 4, and the 10-day celebration will also include tours, sporting events, theater shows and a visit to the World Trade Center site for crew members and their families.

"About ten percent of this crew is from New York," said Jones. "We like to think of the ship as a transition from that horrible day into what we have now, a global force for good."

Upon her departure from Naval Station Norfolk, the San Antonio-class landing platform dock ship carried 360 Sailors, 186 Marines, 60 naval Reserve personnel and members of both local and international media.

"This crew has done things in the last few weeks that set the standard," said Jones. "They are incredible."

Pre-Commissioning Unit New York is designed for 21st century expeditionary forces and fitted with improved aviation facilities that will have a mix of helicopters and the Marine Corps' new MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. In addition to housing two fully-loaded Landing Craft Air Cushions, the ship's well deck can also hold 14 of the Marine Corps' new Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles, transport combat-ready Marines to their objectives and provide combat support with its 30mm guns.

The ship will depart New York Nov. 12, and return to its homeport in Norfolk, Va., where the crew will begin preparing for their first overseas deployment scheduled for sometime next year.

Fitzgerald Arrives for Proliferation Security Exercise Deep Sabre II

2009-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091028-11
Release Date: 10/28/2009 3:51:00 PM
By Ensign Bill Morrison, Commander, 7th Fleet Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Singapore Oct. 26 for multinational exercise Deep Sabre II, a proliferation security initiative exercise.Fitzgerald will be participating in the exercise with military and civil agencies from 22 countries to develop maritime interdiction strategies targeting vessels that transport weapons of mass destruction. The exercise demonstrates the continued cooperation of the international community to counter weapons of mass destruction and promote peace and security on the world's seas."Fitzgerald is honored to accept the invitation extended by the Singaporean Navy to participate in this exercise. We are very appreciative of the opportunity to work side by side with navies from around the world to enhance our ability to prevent weapons of mass destruction," said Cmdr. Richard Dromerhauser, Fitzgerald's commanding officer. "This visit reaffirms the sound international commitment to maritime security, and it sends a clear message of strength and unity from the global community in the war on terrorism."Fitzgerald is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and patrols the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 48 million square miles with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.

USS Russell Returns from Western Pacific Deployment

2009-10-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091027-02
Release Date: 10/27/2009 6:06:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawai’i Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 300 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) arrived to a crowded pier of friends and family at Naval Station Pearl Harbor Oct. 26, following a three-month deployment to the Western Pacific.Russell deployed July 27 as an independent deployer to 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR). While in 7th Fleet's AOR, Russell participated in South East Asian Cooperation for Anti-Terrorism and the Indonesian portion of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). Cmdr. Rodney Patton, commanding officer of Russell, described the great effort and teamwork that Russell Sailors displayed while on deployment."I could not have asked of anything more from the crew during the deployment," said Patton. "They performed very well and carried out all tasks that Russell was assigned to do."Friends and families of Russell Sailors lined the pier with excitement as they waited for the ship to arrive. "The deployment wasn't as long as they usually are, but three months is still a long time and I'm just really excited to see him," said the wife of a Russell Sailor. Sailors were overjoyed to be home as they walked off the ship and into the arms of their loved ones."It is just really great to come home and see my family waiting here on the pier for me," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Shawn Daudaherty. "I've been anxiously awaiting this day for a while, and I'm happy it has finally came."CARAT is an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and various Southeast Asia nations. Participants historically include the navies of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.Guided-missile destroyers like Russell provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.

USS Nimitz

2009-10-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

091024-N-1056B-002 MANAMA, Bahrain (Oct. 24, 2009) Line handlers watch as USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrives for a scheduled post visit. The visit by Nimitz marks the third time in history that an US Navy aircraft carrier has docked pierside in Bahrain. The last carrier was the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) on May 19, 2009. The Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom as well as regional Maritime Security Operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr Corey Barker/Released)

YOUNG ENDEAVOUR WINS AUSTRALIAN SAIL TRAINING TROPHY

2009-10-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

MSPA 362/09 Friday, 23 October 2009

Australia’s national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour this week won the Australian Sail Training Association 2009 Billy Can Trophy after winning a Tall Ship Regatta in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Young Endeavour raced the Western Australian square rigged ship Leeuwin II over a sixteen nautical mile course. The ships sailed north along the coast before heading out to sea, then turning and racing to the finish line outside Fremantle Harbour.

Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe, Commanding Officer Young Endeavour said, “It was a great race, and a great opportunity for the local community to see two tall ships together under full sail.

“The Regatta was closely contested and both crews joined in the spirit of the event, firing simulation rounds from their cannons as they passed mid-race.

“The youth crew aboard Young Endeavour thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to race another tall ship and put into practice the new skills they have learned throughout their voyage,” said Lieutenant Commander Dawe.

The Sydney-based Young Endeavour is visiting Western Australia for the first time since 2001 as part of a circumnavigation of Australia. The ship arrived at Fremantle on Wednesday crewed by 24 young Australians from around the country.

During their eleven day voyage these young Australians have learned the skills to successfully sail a square‑rigged ship, taking command of Young Endeavour and sailing her along the Western Australian coast. They have participated in sail handling, working aloft and ship watch keeping, as well as helm and navigation activities, maintaining look‑out, and assisting the chef.

Since 1988 the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, has provided challenging training voyages for over 11,000 young Australians in the tall ship Young Endeavour. These voyages provide the youth crew with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience that increases self awareness, develops teamwork and leadership skills and creates a strong sense of community responsibility. Voyages in Young Endeavour are open to all Australians aged 16-23. For more information please visit http://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/.

USS Los Angeles Hosts Republic of Korea Navy

2009-10-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Story Number: NNS091022-05

Release Date: 10/22/2009 8:48:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Sippel

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Group 7 (COMSUBGRU)conducted bilateral talks with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) leadership Oct. 20 aboard USS Los Angeles (SSN 688).Rear Adm. Mike Connor, COMSUBGRU 7, hosted ROKN Commander, Submarine Flotilla 9 (COMSUBFLOT), Rear Adm. Ha Jin-Yong and ROKN Commodore, Submarine Squadron 93, Capt. Son Tai-Ki, during an underway tour of the nuclear fast attack submarine.The ROKN delegation visited to Guam as part of the 31st Submarine Warfare Committee Meeting (SWCM)- a semi-annual flag conference between COMSUBGRU 7 and COMSUBFLOT 9. Begun in 1994 during the establishment of the ROKN submarine fleet, the conference has evolved into a discussion between U.S. and ROK submarine forces, focused on submarine tactics, force integration and future submarine development.Connor said the tour aboard the Los Angeles while underway is another way to show ROKN the importance of joint military operations."The relationship between the Korean Navy and us is very important. It is especially important we know how to work and operate together and there is no better way to show them this than by taking them out to sea," said Connor. "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then experience is worth a million. Understanding each other's policies and capabilities is what prepares us for the future."Submarine Group 7 is comprised of submarines deployed to the Western Pacific and a permanently forward deployed submarine tender. Commander Submarine Force SEVENTH Fleet coordinates and controls submarine activities over a vast expanse covering nearly forty-eight percent of the earth's surface, ranging from the Western Pacific to the Indian Ocean.This underway on Los Angeles also marked the first time Ha has been out to sea with a U.S. Navy submarine."I have toured the submarines many times while [they were] pierside, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to actually go out to sea on one," said Ha. "I'm so proud of this experience, and I am very impressed. The submarines are much similar to the ones we have but I will still walk away with many lessons learned."Ha and Son toured the majority of the forward part of the submarine and saw firsthand some of the maneuvering capabilities of Los Angeles."I was very impressed by the procedural compliance of the crew," said Ha. "From the corpsman to the sonar techs, everyone knew what was going on and sailed with pride."USS Los Angeles, the fourth naval ship to be named after the City of Los Angeles, is the lead ship of her class and is currently on her last deployment. Scheduled to decommission later this year, the submarine has been operating at sea for 33 years. Presently it is the oldest commissioned unit in the inventory of the United States Submarine Force."Commanding this submarine has been everything I have ever dreamed it would be," said USS Los Angeles Commanding Officer Cmdr. Steve Harrison. "The ship has been able to sustain at a high level for 33 years. I feel the ship is extremely capable now more than ever, and the crew is proud of that. I was honored I could show off this great submarine today."

Hundreds Join Old Ironsides' Return to Sea for 212th Birthday

2009-10-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091021-35Release Date: 10/21/2009 3:17:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown, USS Constitution Public Affairs

ABOARD USS CONSTITUTION, Mass. (NNS) -- The oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, USS Constitution, performed an underway demonstration for the first time in more than a decade to celebrate the anniversary date of its launch, Oct. 21, 1797.The last time 'Old Ironsides' spent a birthday at sea was in 1997, in celebration of its bicentennial. This year, more than 300 people were aboard for the events; they included USS Constitution's crew, and members of the Naval History and Heritage Command, Boston's National Park Service and the USS Constitution Museum."Today marks the day when USS Constitution began her legacy of honor and service to our nation," said the ship's 71st and current commanding officer, Cmdr. Timothy Cooper, shortly after the vessel got underway. "Over two centuries of service, she has used both force and diplomacy to advance American interests all over the world. She is the most visible reminder of the beginnings of our Navy and her rich heritage continues to exemplify the finest traditions of honor, courage and commitment that define our service."While underway, the ship fired shots from port and starboard saluting batteries in honor of the 16 states that comprised America when USS Constitution was launched in the late 18th century; one additional shot was fired in honor of the ship. In accordance with a tradition among modern USS Constitution Sailors, on the ship's birthday two crew members were recognized by their shipmates and received the 2009 Command Leadership Award and the 2009 Berenson Award.Builder 1st Class Juanita Esquivel was the recipient of the 2009 Command Leadership Award. "Petty Officer Esquivel's selection by a vote of her peers shows she has earned the respect and trust of each and every crew member, junior and senior," noted the award citation. "Petty Officer Esquivel's professionalism and selfless devotion to duty reflected credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."Airman Mark Alexander was named the 2009 Berenson Award recipient. "Selection by the crew as the top tour guide from the crew, Airman Alexander's has earned the respect and trust of all crew members, junior and senior," his citation reads. "Known for giving extremely informative and creative tours, he represented USS Constitution, as well as the Navy, proudly and with enthusiasm. Each tour sends people away with a sense of pride in our Navy and its glorious history."In her years of active service, from 1798 - 1855, the three-masted wooden frigate fought in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. Today, Old Ironsides' is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, has a permanent crew of about 75 active duty U.S. Navy Sailors, and is visited by nearly half a million people every year."This morning, we are again calling upon USS Constitution to perform her duty," Cooper said shortly before the ship returned to Pier One at the Charlestown Navy Yard. "While I don't expect that we will be fighting any battles or negotiating any treaties, I do think that we will be proving that USS Constitution continues to do her part for our country."

USS Ford (FFG 54) returns to Naval Station Everett

2009-10-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

091020-N-2617T-005 EVERETT, Wash. (Oct. 20, 2009) The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54) returns to Naval Station Everett after a six-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin N. Taylor/Released)

Two Chinese warships leave to visit four countries

2009-10-20T11:58:00.001-07:00

The "Shijiazhuang" guided missile destroyer casts off to set sail. Photo by Wang Songqi.
　
On the morning of October 18, the North China Sea Fleet of the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) held a grand ceremony in Qingdao to send off the PLA naval ship formation consisting of the guided missile destroyer "Shijiazhuang"and the comprehensive supply ship "Hongze Hu" to visit Chile, Peru, Ecuador and French Polynesia.
With 500 officers and men, the ship formation is headed by Wang Fushan, deputy commander of the North China Sea Fleet. This is an important military diplomatic activity of China after the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy. During this visit, the ship formation will cross the equator and the International Date Line. According to the plan, the single trip of the formation will take 36 days and the total voyage will cover about 23,800 nautical miles.
According to relevant sources, the "Shijiazhuang" warship, a third-generation guided missile destroyer independently designed and made by China, is equipped with such advanced weapon systems as anti-warship, air defense, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare, possessing good regional air defense capability. The "Hongze Lake" supply ship is a 20,000-tonnage large military auxiliary and support ship with comprehensive supply capability for oceangoing ship formation.

October: HMS Illustrious visits Liverpool

2009-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

HMS Illustrious, the Nation’s Strike Carrier will be paying a high profile visit to Liverpool from 22 – 27 October 2009 as the centrepiece of the Royal Navy’s continuing celebrations to mark this year’s Centenary of Naval Aviation.
The ship which will be moored at the Queen Elizabeth Cruise Liner berth close to the Royal Liver Building, will be taking part in a busy programme of events, the highlight of which will be a Centenary Fly Past over the Carrier on Friday 23 October 2009.These days, the berths of the River Mersey are more used to receiving cruise liners than warships, and the sight of ‘Battleship Grey’ always draws large crowds. When HMS Ark Royal visited in June 2008, thousands took the opportunity to step aboard, and thousands more lined the banks of the river to wish her well when she sailed.

LHD 8 Completes Certifications Prior to Commissioning

2009-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091019-05Release Date: 10/19/2009 2:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin L. Webb, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8) returned to port Oct. 16 having completed three more critical certifications prior to the ship's commissioning.During the three-day underway, inspectors from Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific were onboard to evaluate and qualify Makin Island crew members to operate the ship's well deck for landing craft air cushion (LCAC) operations and to execute both underway replenishment (UNREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) evolutions.Makin Island Sailors and Marines completed their first well deck operations since mid-September, when they debarked landing craft utilities (LCUs) prior to pulling in after the ship's two month maiden voyage. Although LCAC operations are similar, it is a separate and necessary qualification for LHD 8's well deck."Working with the LCUs was definitely great preparation for the LCACs," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Ian De Leos. "It's a more dangerous evolution because of the line handling that's involved, but it helped us, particularly my junior Sailors, get familiar with the process of well deck operations out at sea." LHD 8's Deck Department has been preparing for the UNREP evolution since 2008 when 22 Sailors were sent to a team trainer in Norfolk, Va. During this fueling evolution, Makin Island successfully received more than 27,000 gallons of fuel from the USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200)."I've been on land training for this day for the last two years," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Liliana Serrano. "Once you get underway and know that you actually accomplished it with no incidents, it's a good feeling."On day three of the ship's underway, Combat Cargo worked with Air Department to prep and maneuver 16 separate cargo loads during flight operations. The crew completed 11 lifts/drops; more than ATG requires for a VERTREP certification."The inspectors and pilots were shocked by how well our rookie crew executed these evolutions," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AW/SW) Eddy Enriquez. "I would say that we worked together flawlessly and the 'Gung-Ho Spirit' shined through!""The success of the wide-variety of underway evolutions is a culmination of the crew's intense efforts to maximize training opportunities before, during and after ship delivery, as well as hone those skills during the Sail Around," said Capt. Robert Kopas, Makin Island's commanding officer. "I know that the crew will turn-out a commissioning ceremony second to none, and one that will live on in the memory of all who attend."Makin Island's crew is preparing for the ship's commissioning ceremony at Naval Air Station Coronado Oct. 24.

USS Missouri Drydocking

2009-10-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

091014-N-7498L-030 PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Oct. 14, 2009) The battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to begin a three-month, $18 million effort of extensive maintenance and preservation work. Missouri is the last battleship made by the U.S., and was the site of Japan's unconditional surrender ending World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released)

HNLMS Johan De Witt

2009-10-16T11:23:00.001-07:00

091014-O-XXXXV-143 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (Oct. 14, 2009) A Dutch seaman assigned to the Dutch navy amphibious ship HNLMS Johan De Witt (L 801) handles the mooring lines as the ship prepares to moor in Sierra Leone. Johan De Witt is in Sierra Leone for a two-day port visit to deliver medical and relief supplies to hospitals in Tunguma and Lungi. Johan De Witt, a Royal Dutch Naval vessel, is the first European-led Africa Partnership Station platform and is augmented by staff from Belgium, Portugal and the United States. (Dutch Air Force photo by Sgt. Major Gerben Van Es/Released)

USS Jarrett Returns to San Diego from Deployment

2009-10-15T14:09:00.001-07:00

Story Number: NNS091015-04Release Date: 10/15/2009 7:51:00 AM
From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate, USS Jarrett (FFG 33), will return to San Diego after an independent six-month deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Oct. 19."I am very proud of the performance of the crew during this deployment," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Ferdinand Reid. "From conducting drug-interdiction operations, and performing community service to operating with partner nations, the men and women of Jarrett, along with embarked air detachment and Coast Guard law enforcement detachments were a cohesive unit. They conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism and performed to a superior level. It is a great feeling to return from a deployment with the knowledge that this great team of warriors made a difference." Jarrett performed a variety of tasks during the deployment, including drug-interdiction operations that resulted in the apprehension of 12 narco-terrorists and the seizure or disruption of more than nine tons of illicit narcotics with an estimated street value of $266 million.The ship also made contributions to the Panamanian and Guatemalan people through six community service projects and four "Project Handclasp" deliveries. The donations had a positive impact on the lives of more than 4,000 children.Project Handclasp distributes educational, humanitarian and goodwill material overseas by U.S. service personnel stationed in overseas areas or embarked in U.S. Navy ships which visit these areas.Jarrett helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50 million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Coming Home

2009-10-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091015-12Release Date: 10/15/2009 3:17:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Frank Nealy, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 will return to their homeport of San Diego Oct. 21 after a five-month Western Pacific deployment.The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) will arrive in San Diego to be greeted by family members on the pier.The guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) will remain deployed in the Persian Gulf for a few extra weeks to provide maritime security operations (MSO), but are expected to arrive next month."This is the finest team of Sailors I've been fortunate to call shipmate," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, CSG 7. "I could not be more proud of each and every Sailor and their families. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group has been pretty busy the last few years, executing missions across the capabilities of our national maritime strategy – and answering the call with impressive results every time."USS Ronald Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 operated in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations, which encompasses the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean, for more than two months, providing 30 percent of all air support to U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan. In total, the air eing flew more than 1,600 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group were also vital in counterpiracy and MSO operations off of Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and protected vital Iraqi infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf."Every single Sailor knew how vital the mission was to accomplish," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, USS Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "Because they understood, regardless of their operational tempo, they performed the mission, not just to get it done, but to get it done well. They're selfless. Everybody did their job well, to provide service to our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen in Afghanistan."Additionally, Ronald Reagan's Sailors participated in 50 community relations (COMREL) projects during port visits to Singapore, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Thailand."Being able to afford our Sailors the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those who are truly in need, speaks volumes to the character of our Sailors," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW/AW/FMF) Marcus Taylor, who coordinated Reagan's COMREL projects. "I believe the Sailors that volunteer really should be commended for their selfless efforts. It is a clear display of maturity and devotion to being goodwill ambassadors for the Navy and the United States."After returning home, many Sailors of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group will take leave to spend time with family and friends."This is my second deployment in two years," said Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Adam Treptow, who will be going on leave to his hometown of Parker, Colo. "Homecoming is always an indescribable feeling. I'm too excited. This is a chance for me to get off the ship, relax, unwind and finally buy myself a new truck."The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, the "Stingers" of VFA-113, the "Eagles" of VFA-115, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.The Reagan is named after the 40th U.S. president, and carries the motto of "Peace through Strength," a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.

USS Ronald Reagan

2009-10-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

091013-N-1635S-002 PEARL HARBOR (Oct. 13, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) transits towards Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a scheduled port visit on the U.S. Navy's 234th birthday, Oct. 13. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment, operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott/Released)

2009 Ironman Triathlon World Championship

2009-10-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

091010-N-0000X-001 KONA, Hawaii (Oct. 10, 2009) Athletes participating in the swim portion of the 2009 Ironman Triathlon World Championship swim past the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) anchored off the coast of Hawaii. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

2009-10-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

091010-N-8797R-111 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 10, 2009) The amphibious transport ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) travels under the Golden Gate Bridge, leading the Parade of Ships into San Francisco for Fleet Week 2009. San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual event that has been celebrated since 1981. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terry L. Rhedin/Released)

Blue Ridge Arrives in Cairns

2009-10-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091012-03Release Date: 10/12/2009 6:41:00 AM
From USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff arrived in Cairns, Australia for a scheduled port visit as part of the ship's fall deployment to further positive relations with regional partners Oct. 12.The amphibious command ship crew and embarked staff will have the opportunity to enjoy an area of Australia known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. "The crew is full of anticipation about the Cairns visit," said Capt. Thom W. Burke, Blue Ridge commanding officer. "We just finished a week-long visit to Sydney, which was a sensational port visit. Now we are anxious to get out and see more of Australia, especially this beautiful city and its surroundings."While in Cairns, the 7th Fleet flagship will take in the sights during the numerous scheduled tours, participate in community outreach projects, and welcome local Cairns residents for guided tours of the ship, all in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie. "The U.S. and Australia have a proud, longstanding history of working together," Burke said. "Visiting Cairns is an outstanding opportunity for Blue Ridge to experience this breathtaking place." Blue Ridge departed its forward-deployed home of Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 2 and visited Guam Sept. 12-14, New Caledonia Sept. 23-26, and Sydney Sept. 29 to Oct. 6.Blue Ridge serves under commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Final harbour entry for navy ship

2009-10-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Auckland October 12, 2009 - HMNZS KAHAU's entrance to Auckland harbour tomorrow morning will be tinged with sadness as it will be her last operational visit to the city as she is about to be decommissioned.
The former In Shore Patrol Craft under the Command of Maurice "Muzz" Kennett and his crew of 18 will enter the harbour 10 am on Tuesday 13 October. On this occasion of farewell, and to acknowledge her final time at sea, she will be flying a 12 metre ‘paying off pennant'.
On arrival back to the Devonport Naval Base HMNZS KAHU will begin preparations for her formal decommissioning from operational service on Thursday 29 October.
Background
HMNZS KAHU was built by Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO). Her keel was laid 8 Dec 1978 and the build completed May 1979. She began service as the HMNZS MANAWANUI (Pennant # A09) 28 May 1979 and operated as a support vessel for the RNZN’s diving teams in a variety of under water tasks. Most took place in the Hauraki Gulf to Bay of Plenty region and had a clear naval aspect, but some civilian in nature, such as the exploration and salvage work on the sunken Soviet passenger liner Mikhail Lermontov in Port Gore, Marlborough Sounds, in March 1986.
In March 1988 the RNZN bought a larger ship to provide facilities for deeper diving and an increased range of dive activities which was commissioned as HMNZ Dive Tender MANAWANUI and the original MANAWANUI commissioned as HMNZS KAHU (pennant # A04) on 17 May 1988. From 1988 KAHU has operated as the navigation and seamanship training vessel, provided support the RNZN Dive School, and conducting operations with other Government Agencies such as Fisheries, Customs, Police and DOC.
Interesting Fact
By decommissioning date (Thursday 29 October) HMNZS KAHU will have steamed 191,332 Nautical Miles (around the world approx 71/2 times) and been underway for 22,411 hrs. The underway hours do not reflect the many additional hours KAHU has spent at anchor supporting dive training and multi-agency operations.
Particulars - HMNZS KAHU A04
Standard Displacement: 91 tonnes
Length Overall: 27 metres
Beam: 6.1 metres
Draught: 2.4 metres
Speed: 12 knots
Range: 1,000 nautical miles
Complement: 18 (composition changes with training requirements)
Propulsion: Two Cummins diesels (710 hp)
Twin shafts
　
Interesting Comparison between old and new
In Shore Patrol Craft (HMNZS KAHU and the former HINAU, MOA, WAKAKURA and HINAU) are 27 m in length and 91 tonnes.
In Shore Patrol Vessels (HMNZ Ships ROTOITI, PUKAKI, TAUPO and HAWEA) are 55m in length and 340 tonnes.

HMS Echo Comes Home After 18 Months At Sea

2009-10-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

After 18 months based in the South China Sea on successful military data-gathering operations, the survey vessel HMS Echo arrived home safely in Plymouth yesterday, Thursday 8 October 2009.During her deployment the ship has spent 380 days at sea conducting military data collection and maritime security operations.She has steamed 76,000 nautical miles (140,752km - the equivalent of three times round the equator), including 7,700 nautical miles (14,260km) in one month as part of the homeward transit.Part of her role involved conducting diplomatic visits in countries including Algeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong and South Korea.The multi-role hydrographic and oceanographic survey ship was the first Royal Navy warship to visit Bangladesh in 12 years.The ship's Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Derek Rae, said:"HMS Echo has maintained a continuous Royal Navy presence in the Far East for nearly 18 months, conducting important military data-gathering operations in demanding environmental conditions, and often a long distance from shore support."To achieve this has required team work from the whole ship's company who can be justifiably proud of what we have achieved and all have performed in the finest traditions of the Service."A highlight of the time away was taking part in an international maritime festival when HMS Echo represented the UK at the Indonesian Navy Fleet Review, culminating in an impressive sail-past off the coast of Sulawesi.More than 40 warships from across the world took part in the festival, including vessels from Malaysia, Thailand, China, Australia and an American aircraft carrier battle group. Throughout the fleet review the Indonesians proved to be excellent hosts, offering a fascinating insight into the more rural areas of this relatively youthful country.HMS Echo then visited Brunei and Singapore before commencing the 9,000-mile (14,500km) return journey to Devonport via Cyprus.Having visited Singapore on 12 occasions over the previous 18 months, it was with sadness that HMS Echo bid farewell for the final time during this deployment.Numerous war memorials visited in the Far East provided a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations of British Armed Forces, and Singapore will always occupy a special place in the hearts of HMS Echo's crew.In her time away from the UK, the crew have forged many friendships and close ties with the support network within Devonport Naval Base.Other memorable moments included crossing the equator whilst en route to an informative visit to Jakarta. Here the ship helped build links with the Indonesian Navy's survey branch, as well as taking part in a Foreign and Commonwealth Office-sponsored outreach programme.HMS Echo briefly joined the TAURUS 09 Task Group to play a key role in Exercise Commando Rajah off the coast of Brunei. The ship again represented the Royal Navy - this time at the South Korean Navy Fleet Review. In addition to these high-profile events the ship continued to conduct training which included teams from the Devonport-based Flag Officer Sea Training organisation who visited the ship in the South China Sea.During her time away HMS Echo was able to maintain an intensive programme due to the following factors:
operating independently of support from other ships for the majority of her deployment;
operating a watch-manning system allowing her to remain at sea for periods longer than expected of a conventionally manned warship;
running a rotational crew system, meaning the ship stays on deployment with crews changed regularly from the UK.
The ship now returns to Devonport to conduct routine maintenance and further training before returning to sea early next year for her next tasking.

Canadian frigate "Calgary" visit Valparaiso

2009-10-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

The visit of the Canadian frigate saw a
wreath at the Monument to the Heroes
of Iquique.

07/10/2009
Valparaiso. Public Relations Department of the First Naval District. After participating in the exercise Panamax 2009, called at the Molo de Abrigo de Valparaiso on Saturday, October 3, dela Halifax Class frigate, the HMCS "Calgary", belonging to the navy of Canada.

Upon his arrival in the port city, the commander of the ship, Commander William Quinn, presented his compliments to the commander in chief of protocol of the First Naval Zone, Rear Admiral Luis Torres Vasquez, and subsequently participated in a ceremonial wreath at the Monument to the heroes of Iquique, Sotomayor Square.

The ceremony was also attended by Chief of Staff of the First Naval Zone, the Head of Operations of the First Naval Zone, the commander of the frigate "Cochrane" and the Canadian Defense Attache in Chile.

The Canadian vessel in Valparaiso remain until Saturday 10 October, as part of an operational tour.

HMNZS PUKAKI ready for first visit to Nelson

2009-10-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

6 October 2009
The third of the new Inshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZS PUKAKI, under the Command of Lieutenant John McQueen, is preparing to conduct a special first ever visit to her homeport region. HMNZS PUKAKI will berth in Nelson from Thursday 15 October to Tuesday 20 October 2009.
During this historical visit, HMNZS PUKAKI will be involved in a Ceremony of Welcome, the ship will be open to the public, conduct a Charter Parade and host a large number of organised tours, to name but a few of the highlights planned. The Navy Band will perform in a number of venues around the district during the homeport visit.
The Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Ross Smith will be in Nelson for this visit and will attend the formal Charter Parade. The Lady Sponsor of HMNZS PUKAKI, Dame Alison Roxburgh, will be present throughout the homeport visit.
HMNZS PUKAKI will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday 18 October. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant John McQueen warmly invites the public of the Nelson/Marlborough region to tour their ship and to meet the members of the crew.
Media Opportunities
Thursday 15 October - There are limited spaces onboard PUKAKI to enter the Port of Nelson – uplift point is Coastal Wharf at 0630 am
Thursday 15 October – 1025 – 1030 – media interviews with Commanding Officer onboard PUKAKI
Thursday 15 October – Media Tour 2 pm – 3 pmThere is a local man onboard HMNZS PUKAKI for this visit> Leading Electronic Technician Joseph Goldsworthy (Blenheim)
Registrations of interest for the media opportunities to be sent to Lieutenant Commander Barbara Fleissner on 021 244 0638 ASAP
Particulars of HMNZS PUKAKI
Pennant Number: P3568Displacement: 340 tonnes Length overall: 55 metresBeam: 9 metresSpeed: 25 knotsRange: 3,000 nautical milesComplement: Core ship's company: 20 Government agencies: 4 Additional personnel: 12 Total: 36
Commanding Officer – Lieutenant John McQueen (North Shore, Auckland)
Executive Officer – Sub Lieutenant Matt McQuaid (Paraparaumu)
Programme
Wednesday 14 October
Am Navy Band Concert at Tapawera School
Pm Navy Band Concert at Tahunanui School
Thursday 15 October
0630 Uplift media from Coastal Wharf and transport to HMNZS PUKAKI
1000 HMNZS PUKAKI berths in Port of Nelson
1030 – 1130 Welcome Ceremony and Powhiri
1200 – 1330 Tours of PUKAKI by members of Welcome Ceremony
1200 – 1230 Navy Band Concert in Richmond Town Centre, Tasman
1400 – 1500 Media Tour of PUKAKI
1500 – 1600 Visit to PUKAKI by local potential recruits
1600 – 1700 Visit to PUKAKI by local Veterans, RSA Members and Ex Naval Mens Association
1930 - 2100 Navy Band Concert at The Suburban Club (RSA)
Friday 16 October
0815 – 1200 Charter Parade Rehearsal - Rutherford St
1230 – 1400 Commanding Officer PUKAKI official luncheon for three Regional Mayors
1430 – 1530 Visit to PUKAKI by local potential recruits
1600 – 1700 Visit to PUKAKI by local Sea Cadets
1730 Navy Band to lead local Masked Festival Parade
Saturday 17 October
1040 Guests arrive for Charter Parade – Rutherford St
1100 Charter Parade Ceremony
1245 – 1315 Navy Band performance in Montgomery Square
1230 – 1400 Mayoral Reception in Nelson Council Chambers
Sunday 18 October
1000 – 1500 HMNZS PUKAKI open to the public
Monday 19 October
0930 - 1130 Powhiri at Victory School
1200 – 1330 Commanding Officer PUKAKI hosted luncheon for VIP’s
1330 – 1430 Visit to PUKAKI by Victory School
1500 – 1600 Visit to PUKAKI by local Police, Fire, MAF and Customs personnel
1600 – 1700 Visit to PUKAKI by local Ports Authority and Coast Guard personnel
Tuesday 20 October
1000 HMNZS PUKAKI sails Nelson
ENDS
The Inshore Patrol Vessels are specifically designed to undertake a range of tasks for several Government agencies including Customs, Ministry of Fisheries, DoC, Police, MFAT, NZDF and Maritime New Zealand. Their introduction will enhance Navy's recruitment and retention as these ships frequent ports around the NZ coast.
Media point of contact and for registrations of interest in the media opportunities, please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Fleissner - Media Adviser – Navy – 021 244 0638.
Background
There are four Inshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZS ROTOITI, HMNZS HAWEA, HMNZS PUKAKI and HMNZS TAUPO. The ships are built to a modified Philippine Coast Guard “San Juan class” design. The Philippines Coast Guard currently operate 4 of this class and have been doing so since 2000.
Narrative Ship Data
The IPVs are versatile vessels capable of multi-agency operations in support of national security tasks.At 55 metres long and with a contracted 3000-nautical mile range (although the sea trials show that the range is likely to be in the region of 7000nm which is double the contracted requirement), they will contribute significantly to the patrolling of New Zealand’s 15,000km coastline, and our Exclusive Economic Zone out to 200 nautical miles. The primary role of the IPVs will be patrol and response to maritime security incidents within the inshore zone around New Zealand.
In addition to patrolling, an IPV’s tasks will include surveillance, response and boarding operations, and search and rescue. Secondary roles for the IPVs will be in New Zealand disaster relief and defence aid to the civil community.
The IPVs will have a complement of 20 naval personnel and four Government agency officers. They also have the capacity to host 14 additional personnel onboard for general naval training or other duties.
Additional Information
Compared with the Inshore Patrol Craft (1990s) and the Lake Class Patrol Boats (mid-70s to late 80s) the IPVs are like comparing a Ferrari with a Toyota Hilux. The IPVs are much faster (over the double the speed of the IPC) and highly manoeuvrable. With active fin stabilisers, they provide a comfortable ride, they are far more sophisticated (modern off the shelf equipment and automated systems including unmanned machinery spaces) and significantly more capable (long range, modern communications and surveillance systems) and they look smart!
The introduction of the IPVs will be an exciting time for the Royal New Zealand Navy. There would be many senior officers watching the young Commanding Officers with envy as the IPVs are significantly better than their predecessors.
Their introduction will enhance Navy's recruitment and retention as these ships frequent ports around the NZ coast.

Sailors, Marines Arrive in Manila to Participate in Relief Efforts

2009-10-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Story Number: NNS091005-07Release Date: 10/5/2009 8:43:00 AM
By Lt. David Shark, USS Denver Amphibious Task Group Public Affairs
MANILA, Philippines (NNS) -- The USS Denver (LPD 9) Amphibious Task Group (ATG), along with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Manila Oct. 4 to assist the government of the Philippines in their relief efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.Approximately 2,900 Sailors and Marines, along with trucks, helicopters and landing craft arrived on the dock-landing ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46).The amphibious transport dock Denver offloaded Marines from the 31st MEU and their equipment Oct. 2 and continued on to Indonesia to participate in Indonesia's relief efforts, following a recent series of powerful earthquakes in the country."Amphibious Task Groups are designed to be flexible," said Capt. Donald A. Schmieley, commander of Amphibious Squadron 11. "The combination of technology, personnel and experience that the ATG/MEU team brings with it is well-suited for missions like this."Denver ATG was previously scheduled to visit the Philippines for PHIBLEX, an amphibious landing exercise conducted with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Denver ATG is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. The group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Navy diving tender heads to Gisborne and Wellington

2009-10-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

HMNZS MANAWANUI (MC040054-43)
02 October 2009
Navy Diving Tender HMNZS MANAWANUI will make a port visit to Gisborne in time to participate in the Te Unga Mai Festival over the weekend 9 – 12 October.
Onboard MANAWANUI for the voyage to Gisborne will be five lucky students and two teachers from Hauraki Plains College and Otumoetai College. The students have won two special prizes in the 2009 Freemasons Big Science Adventures DVD competition, run by the Royal Society of New Zealand. Their prize is a four day adventure onboard MANAWANUI sailing from Auckland to Gisborne.
On this special visit to Gisborne, Commanding Officer of HMNZS MANAWANUI, Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe says, “This year is the 240th Anniversary of the first meeting between Maori and Pakeha at Gisborne and will be celebrated at the Te Unga Mai Festival. To mark this occasion HMNZS MANAWANUI will berth alongside in Gisborne and participate in a number of events across the weekend.
The opportunity to take part in this important festival is a real honour and along with my ship’s company, I am looking forward to meeting the people of Gisborne and celebrating Te Unga Mai. One of the highlights will be to take part in the waka racing on the Turanganui River on Sunday afternoon and the opportunity to give the local team a run for their money.”
Lieutenant Commander Phil Rowe and his crew of 20 personnel warmly invite the locals of Gisborne and surrounding districts to visit the ship when she is open to the public on Saturday 10 October from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
Other highlights of the weekend will have MANAWANUI’s crew taking part in many events on the Te Unga Mai programme and hosting special tours of the ship for students from local schools in the Gisborne and surrounding areas.

Navy ships' first time visit to Wellington

2009-10-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

HMNZS Pukaki (MC09-0306-002)
1 October 2009
The Wellington public will have a chance to visit two of the Navy’s fleet of four new In Shore Patrol Vessels when HMNZS PUKAKI and HMNZS TAUPO berth in the City at 9 am on Friday 9 October and remain until Wednesday 14 October.
During the visit, tours of the ships have been organised for local University and College students, ships personnel will be in attendance at official engagements around the city, and both ships will hold an open day for the public.
HMNZS PUKAKI – Pennant Number P3568 - under the command of Lieutenant John McQueen, has just completed a port visit to Akaroa prior to this Wellington visit. On departure from Wellington, PUKAKI will head to Nelson on 15 October for her very first homecoming visit to her homeport region of Nelson and Marlborough.
HMNZS TAUPO – Pennant Number P3570 - under the command of Lieutenant Grant Judson, has also completed a port visit to Akaroa prior to this Wellington visit. On departure from Wellington, TAUPO will head back to Auckland for final preparations for her own first homecoming visit to her homeport of Whangarei at the end of October.
Open Day to the Public
Lieutenant John McQueen and Lieutenant Grant Judson, on behalf of their respective crews of both TAUPO and PUKAKI, warmly invite the locals of Wellington and surrounding districts to visit both ships when they are open to the public at Queens Wharf on Saturday 10 October from 9 am – 11 am.
Specifications of both ships:
Displacement: 340 tonnes Length Overall: 55 metresBeam: 9 metresSpeed: 25 knotsRange: 3,000 nautical milesComplement: Core ship's company: 20 Government agencies: 4 Additional personnel: 12 Total: 36

USS James E. Williams (DDG 95)

2009-10-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

091001-N-0780F-052 SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 1, 2009) The guided-missisle destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) prepares to go underway after a routine port visit to Crete. James E. Williams is homeported in Norfolk and has been on a scheduled six-month deployment since April, operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

USS Georgia Departs Bahrain after Port Visit

2009-09-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

By Yeoman 1st Class Owen Fitzgerald, USS Georgia Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Ohio-Class submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) departed Bahrain Sept. 28, following a regularly-scheduled four-day port visit to the Kingdom. The visit marked Georgia’s first visit to Bahrain and the first-ever port call by an Ohio-Class submarine to Khalifa Bin Salman Port. “It is an honor that our second port visit during this deployment was to Bahrain,” said Capt. Brian A. McIlvaine, Georgia’s Commanding Officer (Blue). “My crew and I enjoyed visiting this wonderful country and developing long-lasting relationships.”
While in port, more than 30 Sailors from Georgia took part in two different Community Relations (COMREL) projects. Sailors volunteered several hours of their time to conduct landscaping and refurbishment projects at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya, and at the Al Rashad Center in Budayia.
“It’s really great to see our Sailors having a good time in Bahrain and helping out the local community,” said Master Chief Richard Rose, Georgia’s Chief of the Boat (Blue).
Georgia also hosted several visitors from the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) during their port visit to help familiarize them with how the U.S. Navy conducts submarine operations as well as help build relationships between the two nations. Visitors to the Ohio-Class submarine included the BDF Chief of Staff, Head of the Bahrain Navy, and Commander of the Bahrain Coast Guard.
Georgia is home-ported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Georgia and is currently operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

FS Jeanne d'Arc

2009-09-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

Cutter Tahoma returns to homeport

2009-09-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Sep 28th, 2009

KITTERY, Maine- Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma is scheduled to return to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, following a 60-day Caribbean patrol, Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Under a new command and with dozens of new shipmates, the Tahoma and its crew successfully orchestrated a variety of tasks and missions including helicopter and boat operations and an inspection.
Commanding Officer, Cmdr. James Spotts and Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Fisher led the crew through dozens of training evolutions throughout the patrol in order to ensure that Tahoma’s crew was mission ready.
Tahoma personnel logged hundreds of hours in the cutter’s two small boats conducting cooperative law enforcement and boat operations with the Haitian coast guard and several other U.S. Coast Guard assets. As a result of the operations, the Haitian coast guard is reestablishing a presence outside of its main operating territory of Cap Haitian, working towards the goal of expanding its presence on both the north and south coast of Haiti, over the next four to five years.
In keeping with the Coast Guard’s global efforts, Tahoma acted as a holding platform and transport for multiple sets of illegal immigrants who were all safely repatriated to their native countries.
Within days of setting sail from their homeport, the Tahoma crew responded to a search and rescue case, towing the motor vessel, Whitewater II, after the 63-foot fishing vessel lost all propulsion off the coast of New Jersey’s southern shores. The crew took the 70-gross ton vessel in tow for over 24-hours before transferring the vessel to a second Coast Guard cutter who returned the four person crew to safety without further incident.
Working with various Coast Guard air stations, the Tahoma participated in hundreds of helicopter operations involving day and night take-off and landing, refueling and medical evacuation evolutions with the HH-60 Jayhawk and HH-65 Dolphin aircrafts. In conjunction with training and readiness, the crew aggressively prepared for and executed a normally three day helicopter standardization inspection, which evaluates all aspects of shipboard-helicopter operations, in less than two days. As a result of their performance, knowledge and expertise, the cutter passed the inspection and received praise from the evaluators for the maintenance of equipment and adherence to protocol and procedures.
In addition, crew members stood thousands of hours of watch, responded to two shipboard emergencies and made repairs to both, ship service diesel generators and both, main diesel engines.
Tahoma is a 270-foot cutter home ported in Kittery, Maine and is currently underway with primary missions including maritime law enforcement, illegal immigrant operations and drug interdiction.

EU NAVFOR meets Tanzanian Authorities

2009-09-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2009 - EU NAVFOR Netherlands Flagship HNLMS Evertsen visited Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between 24 and 26 September.
During the visit the EU NAVFOR Force Commander, Commodore Pieter Bindt, had a meeting with the Tanzanian Deputy Minister of Defence, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, the Tanzanian Chief of the Navy, Major General S.S. Omar, the Vice Director Europe from the Tanzanian ministry of foreign affairs, Mr. Chris Mvula, and representatives of the World Food Program, Mrs. Sheila Grudem and Mr. David Wakiaga
　
According to Mr. Mvula, the detrimental effects of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are particularly felt in the region. Fewer ships arrive in ports, insurance rates are up, flow of goods is interrupted and seafarers and stability is threatened.
　
In his address to guests and hosts during a social function onboard the flagship, Dr. Nchimbi stated that "Tanzania, as a responsible member of the UN, will work with other nations and organizations to fight piracy."
The Tanzanian Chief of the Navy joined the Netherlands Minister of Defence, Eimert van Middelkoop, during a day at sea with Counter Piracy capability demonstrations by HLMS Evertsen on 26 September. According to Major General S.S. Omar, "the solution to the piracy problem will have to be found on land."