January 4, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. As Fridays go, this is a very light naval news day. Hope everyone has a good weekend. We'll see you back here on Monday. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 28 December VIETNAM (RUSSIA) Russian Admiralty shipyard (St. Petersburg) has launched the second KILO-II class submarine, HO CHI MINH CITY, for the Vietnamese navy. (rmks: Another add to the DB's) 03 January CANADA Destroyer HMCS ATHABASCAN suffered “damage to the hull” when drifting several hours after a towline broke during a storm … had spent several weeks at an Ontario shipyard, but scheduled repairs weren't completed on time and it had to be returned to Halifax before the St. Lawrence Seaway closed for the winter. (rmks: I didn't know the SLS closed in winter. I thought the CCG operated ice-breaker to keep the route open) INDIA Navy, coast guard, marine police and other security forces begin two-day coastal security exercise “Hamla II” off the east coast (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu) … various kinds of terrorist attacks will be simulated at different sensitive establishments like ports, oil rigs and merchant vessels. IRAN (related) Saudi Arabian coast guard has detained 21 Iranian nationals aboard two boats within Saudi territorial waters near a Gulf coast island. IRAN (“Velayat.91”) The Iranian navy has wrapped up six-day exercise “Velayat-91”. SPAIN Combat supply ship SPS CANTABRIA sails from Ferrol for Australia … from February for nine-months support the Australian navy … return to Spain by end 2013.
January 7, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. As the first full week of the new year begins, there is some very interesting navy-related news. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 31 December MEXICO (USA) The US Congress approved transfer of US Navy OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class frigates USS CURTS and McCLUSKY to the Mexican navy … both to formally decommission from the US Navy early this year … will be handed over “for free”, with Mexico to pay for refurbishment at a US shipyard. (rmks: Very interesting news. It looks like the Mex navy will take a technological leap and gain some real teeth – albeit frigate-sized) USA Besides the a.m. transfer to Mexico, the US Congress has approved transfer of another eight OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class frigates to Taiwan (4), Thailand (2) and Turkey (2). (rmks: Some media report on caveats with transferring ships to Turkey – following “Greek lobby intervention.” Turkey already has two ex-OHPs now dubbed the Genesis class. It seems old animosities still simmer in the east med. Although the Greeks technically can't stop the xfr, they can kick up a fuss, which could serve as the basis for a great scenario or two!) 03 January GERMANY – USA German TYPE 124 air defense frigate FGS HAMBURG sails from Wilhelmshaven for Norfolk (USA) … join US Navy HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group in work-up (COMPTUEX, JTFEX) and subsequent deployment to the Mediterranean and the US 5th Fleet area of operations. (rmks: Increasing joint ops in CVBGs could be a signal of the ailing condition of the US fleet. OpTempo could begin to be taking its toll) 04 January ALGERIA Local media report on final decision to end for good negotiations with Russia on three TIGR (STEREGUSHCHIY) class corvettes … acquire three Chinese JIANGKAI-II class (054A) frigates instead. (rmks: Don't just love it when the ChiComs lowball the Russkies in arms deals. This might make for another interesting scenario series in the Med area) CHINA Chuandong Shipbuilding in Chongqing is to build three new ships (1,600-tons, 83.3 x 11.6 x 4.0m, 35 crew) for the Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) … to be delivered within 13 months. (rmks: These new OPVs will be added to the FLECs harassment force) PIRACY +++ The Keystone Kops (aka the Anti-Piracy Forces (KK)): US Navy destroyer USS GONZALES sails from Norfolk for maritime security and anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean region. (rmks: Probably to - temporarily - join CTF-151) +++ KK: Chinese frigate HUANGSHAN temporarily has left the Gulf of Aden … currently conducting a 5-day port visit to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). (rmks: As usual, no pirates were harmed in reporting either of these pieces ... BLAST IT ALL!) UKRAINE The Ukrainian navy is establishing a new river patrol force (division level) … three patrol boats taken over from army artillery … two boats GURZA-M (Project 58155) under construction at a Kiev factory since Oct 2012, for delivery this year. 05 January PIRACY +++ Somalia Basin: A merchant vessel reported under attack by one skiff … approx. 450 nm ENE of Mogadishu … pirates fired small arms and even RPG, but ship managed to evade being hijacked. +++ KK: British businessman Simon Murray is creating private navy “Typhon” to “combat Somali piracy” … armed vessels include a 10,000-ton mother ship and high-speed armed patrol boats … recruiting some 240 former marines and other sailors, led by former British Royal Navy commodore Jonathan Handley … protect convoys taking the most economic but also most dangerous route along the African east coast and through the Mozambique Channel. (rmks: It will be interesting to see if the Queen issues a Letter of Marue to these privateers. Go get'em!) +++ KK: Heading home after completing anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, Japanese destroyers JDS SUZUNAMI and KIRISAME arrive at Colombo (Sri Lanka) for a two-day “goodwill and supply” visit. (rmks: Dittos about the lack of harm to the cockroaches (excuse me, the pirates) RUSSIA The Caspian Sea Flotilla “in spring” will take delivery of three SERNA class landing craft, “by summer” will commission BUYAN-M missile corvettes GRAD SVIYAZHK and UGLICH, and “this year” get two new supply ships. (rmks: My goodness the CF is becoming beefy!) UNITED KINGDOM MoD: In case of Scottish independence, VANGUARD class nuclear submarines (SSBN) cannot move from Faslane to Devonport naval Base (Plymouth) … no safety clearance there for submarines carrying Trident nuclear missiles. (rmks; It will be interesting the see how this plays-out in Brit politics) USA After an increasing number of “negative results”, the US Navy will double its INSURV ship inspections … also make INSURV a standard procedure ahead of every operational deployment. (rmks: Me thinks this is another symptom of the actual operability condition of the US fleet. OpTempo is definitely taking it toll) 06 January RUSSIA MoD: The Russian Navy will receive about 50 “warships” and 80 support vessels within the next three years. (rmks: Obviously, this is the vodka version) RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) For about one week there has been no (media) update at all on location, movement or status of Black Sea Fleet ships in the Mediterranean nor Baltic / Northern Fleet ships heading there. One may well assume that all three task groups now are in the Mediterranean, possibly rendezvoused … to spend the Orthodox Christmas holidays (until 08 Jan) somewhere at anchor. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS RUSSIA – NORWAY (May) Annual bilateral exercise “Pomor 2013” of Russian Northern Fleet and Norwegian navy scheduled in May, 2013 … Russian navy to participate with a UDALOY class destroyer. RUSSIA - SWEDEN (2013) Russian Baltic Fleet and Swedish navy “later this year” will conduct a bilateral submarine rescue exercise … announcement does not mention date or place.
January 8, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Some interesting nuggets in today's navy news report out of Canada and South Africa. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 07 January CANADA Much delayed Joint Support Ship program might once again be heading for trouble … new report by parliamentary budget official allegedly to state higher costs along with reduced capabilities. (rmks: That's gotta suck. It's sad to say, but it seems all of the major naval procurement programs of the RCN have been doomed to be filled with difficulties and delays) CHINA Frigates YIYANG and CHANGZHOU and supply ship QIANDAO HU arrive at Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) for a scheduled 5-day visit. (rmks: Former 12th anti-piracy task group, returning from the Gulf of Aden; before also visited Sydney, Australia. This is going to be an interesting liberty call). PHILIPPINES While the expected transfer of two Italian navy MAESTRALE class frigates has not come about yet, other countries now competing for contract … Australia, Croatia, Israel, South Korea and the U.S. reported to have made offers (for two frigates). USA +++ A US Navy BQM-74e target drone was found and recovered in waters off the central Philippines … appears to have been floating for some time. (rmks: Initial media reports spoke of a reconnaissance drone) +++ General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded contracts with a total value of US$4.8B for continued design work on new OHIO replacement SSBN, two more VIRGINIA class submarines, and long lead items for another three VIRGINIA. 08 January USA Frigate USS THACH to sail from San Diego for six-month Counter-Illicit Trafficking operations in the 4th Fleet Area of Operations (off Central America) … US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment routinely embarked. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS PIRACY (end Jan) Keystone Kops (aka the Anti-Piracy Forces): The South African navy has scheduled frigate SAS AMATOLA to resume anti-piracy operations in the Mozambique Channel at end of January … following several-month break due to “unavailability of suitable platforms”. (rmks: Sources have attributed recent absence of South African warships to political disagreement with neighbors Mozambique and Tanzania)
January 9, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Interesting news in today's installment. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 12 December 2012 INDIA MoD issued a request for information for acquisition of new medium-range anti-ship missiles to be carried by surface platforms. (rmks: It is likely these systems would replace antiquated SSM's in the INS inventory. As the competition heats up, it will be interesting to see if they stick with their Russian supply chain or if they try to acquire a western system) 07 January AUSTRALIA Towards the end of her current Middle-East deployment (national operation “Slipper”) frigate HMAS ANZAC arrives at Colombo (Sri Lanka) for a three- day port visit … replacement sister ship HMAS TOOWOOMBA already enroute to the region. USA Update: The US Navy BQM-74e target drone recovered in waters off the central Philippines was launched from destroyer USS CHAFFEE in September during an air defense exercise off Guam … then carried by sea current to Philippine waters. 08 January IRAN (related) The Iranian coast guard has seized two Saudi fishing boats for illegal fishing, had intruded into Iran’s territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. (rmks: Since the Mullahs claim practically ALL of the gulf, these poor schlubs entered Iranian waters as soon as they untied their moorings and got underway. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out) PERU Local SIMA Callao shipyard … with technical assistance of South Korean DSME … expected to start construction on two 7,300-ton dock landing ships (LPD) this year … labeled "Buque Multipropósito” … similar to Indonesian navy MAKASSAR class design … MoU with DSME signed in Apr 2012. (rmks: Once completed they would be among the largest naval vessels in operation in Latin America) PIRACY Somalia Basin: Responding to an attack on a merchant ship (on 05 Jan), French frigate FS SURCOUF (EU NavFor) and US frigate USS HALYBURTON (NATO) intercepted two suspected pirate boats and arrested 12 men … held on board SURCOUF, pending legal proceedings. (rmks: More than likely nothing will happen, besides being granted French citizenship. No pirates were harmed in anyway, during the reporting of this piece ... BLAST IT ALL) SOUTH KOREA Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has confirmed contract to build the first two 3,000-ton KSS-3 submarines for the ROK navy … up to nine KSS-3 expected to be procured. (rmks: It's interesting to see this candle is finally being lit) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Italian Fincantieri delivers corvette ABU DHABI (P 191) and first FALAJ-2 class fast missile boat GHANTUT (P 251) to the UAE navy. Second FALAJ-2 to follow “in a few months” … reportedly to be named SALAHLAH instead of QARNEN. (rmks; Look like it's time to update the Harpoon DB's again) UNITED KINGDOM TYPE 42 destroyer HMS EDINBURGH returns to South Atlantic operations (Falkland Patrol) … had spent two weeks at Simon’s Town (South Africa) for crew relief (holidays) and scheduled mid-deployment maintenance. 10 January RUSSIA With defense minister SHOIGU and navy commander ADM Chirkov attending the ceremony, the Russian navy will formally commission first BOREJ class submarine RFS YURI DOLGORUKIY.
January 10, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. More interesting developments in today's installment. Some items definitely worth tracking from a scenario design perspective. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 08 January INDIA The Indian coast guard commissions inshore patrol vessel IGCS RAJKAMAL into service … fourth of eight 50-m/300-ton IPV built by GRSE NETHERLANDS During a ceremony in Amsterdam, the Netherlands navy celebrates its 525th anniversary, at the same time the 200th anniversary of its prefix “Royal”. (rmks: Huzzah!) RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) Black Sea Fleet landing ships RFS AZOV and NIKOLAY FILCHENKOV spotted passing the Turkish Straits northbound, returning to the Black Sea … no official statements. (rmks: Speculations on transporting material on loaded in Tartus, Syria, but unclear whether they actually had berthed there. Return could, however, also be in preparation for upcoming exercise, which according to initial announcement will include amphibious elements in the Black Sea, near Novorossiysk) 09 January ARGENTINA Sail training ship APA LIBERTAD arrives back home at Mar del Plata naval base, given a triumphant homecoming (greeted by president Kirchner) three months after it had been seized in Ghana on behalf of a hedge fund suing over defaulted government bonds. CHINA (Territorial Disputes) +++ The Chinese government has appropriated E1.2B to the maritime province of Hainan … for infrastructure on disputed islands (read that Spratly Archipelago) in the South China Sea … plans include construction of airstrips, piers and other facilities incl. military fortifications. (rmks: Establishing infrastructure on uninhabited islands already in the past has served to assert territorial claims. Nothing like poking a stick in the eye of five or six of your neighbors to get the solidarity flowing) +++ The Philippines has asked China to explain the deployment of a patrol ship to disputed territory in the South China Sea … also requested China to specify the limits of the territory it will “guard”, however, with no response thus far. (rmks: Man, the Philippine government is naive. I'm no expert, but I can answer these questions. Answer to the first question – the deployment is to re-enforce or presence on this claim, whether it's our or not! Answer to the second question – The limits of our claim includes the entire freaking western Pacific, including the Philippines you morons) EGYPT The fiercest winter storm to hit the Mideast in years has also disrupted Suez Canal operations over the past three days and led to the temporary closure of several Egyptian ports. INDIA The Indian navy successfully test-fired an “improved maneuverability” variant of Brahmos supersonic anti-ship missile … fired over “maximum range” of 290km hit a moored target. IRAN (related) Latest figures show inflation in Iran at 27.2 % while revenues from oil export have dropped by 45 %. PIRACY Nigeria: West African pirates have freed three Italians kidnapped on 23 Dec from offshore support vessel ASSO VENTURO off the Niger Delta … no information on probably paid ransom. (rmks: Can anyone explain why we are molly-coddling these jerks? Oh, no pirates were harmed in reporting this piece ... BLAST IT ALL! Will a naval force deal with these idiots like they are supposed to!) 10 January PHILIPPINES Plans to acquire ten coast guard “multi-role response vessels” from Japan to be “finalized” during today’s visit of Japanese foreign minister to Manila. (rmks: These are likely older Japanese Coast Guard vessels slated for decom and sale on the international secondary market. Looks like the Philippines found a good deal) UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS PAKISTAN – SAUDI ARABIA (12 Jan) Biennial, bilateral naval exercise “Naseem Al-Bahr” (gentle sea breeze) will commence on 12 Jan in waters off Pakistan … no details yet. USA (Mar) Littoral Combat Ship USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) is scheduled to depart San Diego (California) in March for an eight-month deployment to Singapore. (rmks: We'll see if all the spit and bailing wire holds together)
January 12, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. As the weekend begins, there are some interesting developments occurring in East Med. These merit closer examination. Hope everyone has a nice weekend. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 09 January INDIA Cochin shipyard has launched the ICGS AADESH, the first of twenty 50-m Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ordered in 2010 by the Indian coast guard, with deliveries through 2017. 10 January CHINA (Territorial Disputes) Several Chinese aircraft, among them J-7 and J-10 air force fighter aircraft, spotted approaching the Senkaku (Diaoyu) islands region, but turning back before entering Japan’s territorial airspace … Japan air force scrambled F-15 interceptor aircraft from Okinawa. (rmks: Does anyone else notice how the ChiComs seem to be upping the ante?) FRANCE Aircraft carrier FS CHARLES DE GAULLE has begun a scheduled maintenance period … until July at Toulon naval yard (rmks: It is probably nothing long term. Its likely the flat top could get back underway in a moment's notice) NORWAY International tender for a15,000-ton logistic support ship closed … six shipyards responded: local Bergen, Spanish Navantia, French DCNS, Italian Fincantieri and South Korean Daewoo and Hyundai. (rmks: Anyone want to lay odds on who the winner will be) PHILIPPINES Acquisition of ten Japanese patrol vessels for the Philippine coast guard obviously still pending … statement after meeting with Japanese foreign minister: “Japan will consider …” PIRACY West Africa: The European Union announced a E4.5M project to enhance security and safety of maritime routes across seven African countries (Benin, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Sâo Tomé & Principe, Togo) … CRIMGO (Critical Maritime Routes in the Gulf of Guinea Programme) will provide training for coastguards, establishing a network to share information. (rmks: Sound like more funding for the Keystone Kops) RUSSIA With defense minister SHOIGU and navy commander Adm Chirkov attending the ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard (Severodvinsk) - and president Putin making a “conference call” - the Russian navy formally commissioned first BOREJ class submarine RFS YURI DOLGORUKIY. (rmks: Obviously the event wasn't high on Czar Vlad's social calendar) RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) Black Sea Fleet ALLIGATOR class landing ship RFS SARATOV passes the Turkish Straits enroute the Mediterranean … before, had embarked vehicles and special forces. (rmks: This could be interesting) TURKEY The MoD’s procurement agency (SSM) has begun negotiations with local RMK Marine for series production of another six HEYBELIADA class (MilGem) corvettes. USA +++ The LOS ANGELES class submarine USS JACKSONVILLE suffered damage to its sail and periscope (rmks: which reportedly was NOT extended) when colliding with an unidentified vessel in the Persian Gulf … shortly after passing the Strait of Hormuz … no injuries, nuclear propulsion systems not affected … damage assessment underway in Bahrain … the other vessel (fishing trawler?) most probably did not even notice the incident. (rmks: Expect another commanding officer to lose his job) +++ SecDef Panetta has asked the DoD to begin taking precautionary steps in case Congress can't reach an agreement on a final spending plan … freeze civilian hiring, delay some contract awards and curtail some maintenance. +++ With aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE decommissioned, the new USS GERALD R. FORD not yet available and the continued requirement of two carriers present in the 5th Fleet area of operations, the US Navy will have extended nine-month Carrier Strike Group deployments “for a number of years to come”. (rmks: This will really suck for the crews and the equipment) 11 January RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) +++ Led by missile cruiser RFS MOSKVA, ships of “all four fleets” (rmks: expect Pacific Fleet anti-piracy group to deploy north from the Gulf of Aden) are “set to begin largest Russian naval exercise in decades” in the Eastern Mediterranean … ahead of exercise ships replenished from fleet tanker IVAN BUBNOV … before, BUBNOV for its part had loaded fuel, water and foodstocks at Larnaka (Cyprus). (rmks: This is definitely interesting news. It hasn't changed from the supposed vodka version reported a week or so ago) +++ Black Sea Fleet landing ship RFS SARATOV to rendezvous with task force … media: “next week” will berth at Tartus (Syria) +++ Four Russian civilian passenger ferries (APOLONIA, ANT-1, ANT-2, NIKOLAJ KONAREV) reportedly earmarked and in stand-by (in Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea and Black Sea) for possible evacuation of Russian citizens from Syria.
January 14, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Well, the fun weekend was made bittersweet by the loss of the Seattle Seahawks to the Atlanta Falcons, on a bum call by the referees. On a more positive note, Thanks for boosting NNSoTD over the 11,000 views benchmark. Here are some interesting updates to begin your week. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 11 January RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) +++ Baltic Fleet task group with frigate RFS YAROSLAV MUDRIY and tanker LENA entered Valetta (Malta) for short replenishment visit … then continue to join Black Sea Fleet task group in the Eastern Med, for joint exercises (incl. ASW and night-time replenishment) +++ Northern Fleet task group with destroyer RFS SEVEROMORSK scheduled to visit Souda (Crete/Greece) from 14 – 18 Jan. (rmks: Sidebar ... the statement claims the SEVEROMORSK is already on a anti-piracy mission) +++ Coinciding with RFS SEVEROMORSK visit to Souda, “Russian naval infantry soldiers will visit the Souda NATO training center to get additional training”. (rmks: Either boarding teams embarked on RFS SEVEROMORSK or possibly Baltic Fleet landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN, which for ten-days have not being mentioned in any statements). +++ Black Sea Fleet landing ship RFS SARATOV has met with a generator failure … repairs underway in the Aegean Sea … rendezvous with RFS MOSKVA task group delayed. (rmks: That's gotta suck) RUSSIA +++ Second BOREJ class submarine, RFS ALEXANDER NEVSKIY, to be delivered to Russian navy “in June or July.” (rmks: Naval Day end of July comes to mind) +++ Official keel laying ceremony of 5th and 6th BOREJ of an “improved” version “this year” … according to Russian paper will be named RFS ALEXANDER SUVOROV and MIKHAIL KUTUZOV. (rmks: I'm surprised Czar Vlad hasn't gotten his moniker on one of them. Obviously, Russkie naming rules are different from western standards) USA Reacting to increasing public criticism on “highly flammable” uniforms, the US Navy has set up two boards to “review whether flame-resistant clothing should be made available for every sailor at sea”. 12 January CANADA Frigate HMCS TORONTO set to deploy to the Middle East … “support maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea” until fall 2013 (with crew change) CHINA (Territorial Disputes) China has updated old maps by including 130 islands and islets in the South China Sea which are also claimed by other countries … new maps now also show the Japanese Senkaku islands as Chinese Diaoyu. (rmks: The ChiComs must have learned their cartography skills from the Palestinians) FRANCE Attempted rescue operation for French hostage in Somalia included helicopter carrier FS MISTRAL (staging French army helicopters) and air defense destroyer FS CHEVALIER PAUL … MISTRAL in early Dec had sailed from Toulon under pretext of routine West Africa naval presence mission “Corymbe”, instead covertly had deployed around Africa to be in position off Somalia. HAITI The US Coast Guard has repatriated to Haiti some 160 Haitians, who were intercepted at sea off the coast of the Bahamas last week. PAKISTAN – SAUDI ARABIA Pakistan and Saudi navies have begun biennial bilateral exercise “Naseem-Al-Bahr X” … until 22 Jan in the Gulf of Oman, off the Makran coast … in-port phase and at-sea phase (15-20 Jan, with live firing) … increase interoperability in the domains of traditional as well as non-traditional warfare (“maritime security”), share and refine tactics, techniques and doctrines in anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air operations … Pakistan navy contributing three frigates, one submarine, missile boats, mine hunters, naval aviation and special forces … Saudi navy deployed frigate MAKKAH, patrol boat TABUK, mine hunter SHAQRA and fleet tanker BORAIDA. PHILIPPINES Update: The Philippine coast guard is confident to receive ten “multi-role response boats.” (rmks: Still no details on type from Japan. The PI is arranging the deal under a “loan agreement” in 2014 and is set to recruit some 300 new personnel) PIRACY Somalia: Cockroaches (excuse me, pirates) have released the last crew members of MV ORNA. The ship (hijacked in Dec 2010) had been released in Oct 2012, however, six crew members (Syrian, Sri Lankan) had been held back as no ransom had been paid for them … now released after “negotiations”, allegedly without ransom. (rmks: They pirates blinked in the stare-down over the hostages. The Keystones Kops are likely to take advantage of this situation ... NOT!) RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) +++ With crew unable to fix failed generator, Black Sea Fleet landing ship RFS SARATOV has been escorted by (Northern Fleet) salvage tug SLIVA SB-406 to the Eastern Mediterranean … proceed to Tartus (Syria), for repairs alongside repair ship AMUR PM-56, currently Tartus station ship. +++ Black Sea Fleet landing ship RFS NOVOCHERKASSK passes Turkish Straits back into the Black Sea. (rmks: Recent movements of landing ships might suggest “shuttle ferrying” from Tartus, Syria) 13 January IRAN (related) Israel PM Netanyahu: “Iran is currently holding at the red line I specified in the UN” The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has conducted exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, off Bandar Abbas … overseen by IRGC Navy Commander RAdm Reza Torabi. USA Off Norfolk, amphibious assault ship WASP “successfully” completed another three-week trials of F-35B combat aircraft (two USMC aircraft) 14 January USA While repairs to aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ continue, the NIMITZ CSG’s surface action group (USS HIGGINS, STOCKDALE, WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE, SHOUP) is scheduled to sail from San Diego for a West Pacific deployment … “focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, to help establish conditions for regional stability” (rmks: Signal to China ... maybe)
January 14, 201313 yr USAReacting to increasing public criticism on “highly flammable” uniforms, the US Navy has set up two boards to “review whether flame-resistant clothing should be made available for every sailor at sea”. 13 January IRAN (related) Israel PM Netanyahu: “Iran is currently holding at the red line I specified in the UN” The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has conducted exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, off Bandar Abbas … overseen by IRGC Navy Commander RAdm Reza Torabi. 1. That needs two boards? 2. Ultimately, Iran loses heavily in any military confrontion with the West - any damage it caused would be at the loss of pretty much its entire air force and navy. The game isn't frankly worth the candle for them.
January 15, 201313 yr Author USAReacting to increasing public criticism on “highly flammable” uniforms, the US Navy has set up two boards to “review whether flame-resistant clothing should be made available for every sailor at sea”. 13 January IRAN (related) Israel PM Netanyahu: “Iran is currently holding at the red line I specified in the UN” The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has conducted exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, off Bandar Abbas … overseen by IRGC Navy Commander RAdm Reza Torabi. 1. That needs two boards? 2. Ultimately, Iran loses heavily in any military confrontion with the West - any damage it caused would be at the loss of pretty much its entire air force and navy. The game isn't frankly worth the candle for them. Sorry, I missed that one about the US, yesterday. Why two boards? One to investigate doing something and the second to provide oversight of the first board. Meanwhile, the problem never really gets solved. I may sound a little pessimistic, but that's how the politics game in the US is played.
January 15, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Ah another Tuesday is upon us. Have a great day, everyone. Some interesting naval news nuggets. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 03 January DENMARK Defence Logistics Organization (FMT) has sold the three decommissioned NIELS JUEL class corvettes to Danish company … soon to be towed from Korsoer naval base to Lindoe for scrapping. 07 January AUSTRALIA Austal at its Henderson facility, launches the first of eight CAPE class patrol boats for Customs and Border Protection Service. (rmks: Press release does not give a name nor number for the large PB). 11 January USA After five-and-a-half years as a forward-deployed submarine stationed in Guam, submarine USS BUFFALO (SSN 715) departs for her new homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii … third submarine to change-out in Guam in the last two years. The change-out comprised of CITY OF CORPUS CHRIST (SSN 705) with OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723), HOUSTON (SSN 713) with CHICAGO (SSN 721) and KEY WEST (SSN 722) with now BUFFALO. 14 January CANADA The federal government is soliciting proposals for how it might use biofuels to replace traditional diesel in Royal Canadian Navy vessels. CHINA (Territorial Disputes) Chinese authorities are planning to survey “all marine and island territories within Chinese territory” for marine resources … survey will begin sometime in the first half of this year, to be completed by Dec 2016 … statement especially mentions the South China Sea. (rmks: If its Tuesday, the ChiComs are poking their neighbors with sticks) FRANCE Offshore Patrol Vessel FS L’ADROIT is set to sail from Toulon for the Middle East region … showcase at IDEX/NAVDEX in Abu Dhabi (UAE) from 17-21 Feb … while in the region might also be employed in anti-piracy operations. INDIA (RUSSIA) Russian Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) prepares third TALWAR (Batch 2) class frigate INS TRIKAND for first sea trials … started degaussing … delivery scheduled this summer. (rmks: Anyone want to bet, this actually happens) RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) +++ Northern Fleet task group with destroyer RFS SEVEROMORSK, tanker DUBNA and salvage tug ALTAI arrive at Souda Bay (Crete) for a scheduled port visit until 18 Jan … embarked soldiers to conduct anti-piracy training at NATO facility. +++ Baltic Fleet ROPUCHA class landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN pass the Turkish Straits towards the Black Sea. SYRIA (related) A Saudi paper claims Syrian president Bashar Assad and family members living on board a Russian warship off the Mediterranean coast … protected by Russian forces … travels by helicopter to attend official meetings and receptions … experts: “report likely false”. (rmks: This is probably one of those typical Mid-East rumors, but in Syria's current situation, it may have a grain of truth. Ol' Bashar may have his family on one of those Russkie amphibs and very well could relocate there, if and when the black flag goes up) USA Sasebo (Japan)-based USS BONHOMME RICHARD Amphibious Ready Group (BONHOMME RICHARD, TORTUGA, GERMANTOWN) set to begin Spring Deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility … participate in an Amphibious Integration Training (AIT) and Certification Exercise (CERTEX), in annual multinational combined joint exercise Cobra Gold (Thailand), and conduct various other exercises. USS TORTUGA already sailed from Sasebo, with BONHOMME RICHARD and GERMANTOWN to follow at a later date … Okinawa-based 31st MEU to be embarked. 15 January THAILAND The Thai navy has purchased Evolved Sea Sparrow (ESSM) air defense missiles from US manufacturer Raytheon … to be installed on two HTMS NARESUAN frigates, currently being upgraded. (rmks: This one will be interesting to see, if it get's pulled-off. US missiles on a ChiCom platform. Integration will be a bear, unless Raytheon is providing and open architecture CMS to go with the ESSMs)
January 15, 201313 yr Re CdG going into Toulon; it might get deployed off West Africa if the Mali op goes on.
January 16, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Hump day is here. Here are some naval updates to help you through the day. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 14 January ARGENTINA Logistic support ship APA BAHIA SAN BLAS sails from Puerto Belgrano for Antarctica … besides resupplying Argentinean research facilities also provide support for the reconstruction of Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (bringing along materiel and some 95 Brazilian personnel) 15 January CHINA (Territorial Disputes) +++ In the ongoing conflict over the Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands, the Japanese coast guard in the long term will increase its presence at the island group … additionally deploy patrol vessel JDS KUROSE (PM 35) in August and patrol ship JDS CHIKUZEN (PLH 06) in October. +++ As part of a “program to map China’s territorial islands and reefs,” China plans geographical survey of Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea. (rmks: As the old saying goes – Give them an inch, they will take a mile. What better way to exacerbate things, than by bring in survey equipment. Instead of letting the embers in the fire die dowm, the ChiComs are dumping a gallon of high-test on the fire) IRAN (related) A loophole in an Indian insurance scheme has allowed Iran's state-run tanker company NITC to bolster oil exports by chartering a vessel insured by India's state-run firms. (rmks: Man, I really love how the sanctions are working) PIRACY Japan: In the first case prosecuted under Japan's 2009 antipiracy law, two Somali men have appeared in Tokyo District Court … may be imprisoned from five-years to life … in March 2010, had attacked but failed hijacking Japanese-owned tanker M/V GUNABARA … taken into custody by US forces and handed over to the Japanese coast guard. (rmks: This will be interesting to watch. Wow, a case is finally going before a real judge) SOUTH KOREA The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announces purchase of eight AW159 Wildcat naval helicopters from AgustaWestland … deliveries over two-years starting in 2015. (rmks: First Wildcat export sale; beats US competition. Sikorsky is probably not having a good board room morning. These choppers will likely deploy on the Dokdo class) THAILAND The prime minister has instructed Thai navy commander Surasak Rounroengrom "to head off” the influx of Rohingya migrants (from Myanmar/Bangladesh). More than 840 Rohingya migrants have been rounded up in three raids over the past week. UNITED KINGDOM Fleet tanker RFA WAVE KNIGHT sails from Portland for a several-month deployment to the Caribbean … conduct counter-drug operations, but also prepared for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. USA +++ Commander Naval Surface Forces, VAdm Copeman, warns of readiness drop-off … don't have enough sailors, training, or spare parts to keep up with operational demands … amid shrinking budgets may need to sacrifice ships to ensure the other ones are fully manned and equipped. (rmks: How the mighty have fallen. It's a sad day when my navy starts resembling that of our British cousins) +++ Dock landing ship USS GERMANTOWN departs home base Sasebo (Japan) for Spring Deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility … joins USS TORTUGA which already sailed on 14 Jan … both belong to USS BONHOMME RICHARD Amphibious Ready Group, with the amphibious assault ship itself to follow soon. UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS INDIA (28 Jan) Upon completion of overhaul / modernization, Russian Zvezdochka (Severodvinsk) will hand back KILO class submarine INS SINDHURAKSHAK to the Indian navy on 28 Jan.
January 17, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Some interesting development occurring in MENA (Middle East – North Africa) that bear keeping an eye on. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 14 January USA The USS HARRY S TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group departs Norfolk to begin its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) … preparing for upcoming regular Mid-East deployment ... German frigate FGS HAMBURG plus Canadian frigate HMCS VILLE DE QUEBEC and supply ship PRESERVER operating with the CSG. 15 January UNITED KINGDOM TYPE 23 frigate HMS SOMERSET returns to sea for the first time in nine-months, following an extensive modernization. 16 January IRAN (related) +++ Notwithstanding current sanctions (rmks: which ain't working to begin with), Iran plans to sign long-term oil export contracts with Chinese refiners. +++ IAEA delegation for talks in Tehran … one issue reportedly access for inspectors to Parchin military site. (rmks: I predict a snowflake has a better chance of surviving in Hades, before talks about access begin) PIRACY +++ General: IMB annual report: Attacks fell to 75 in 2012 from a record 237 in the prior year … while the number of hijacked ships fell by 50 percent to 14, the threat of vessel seizures remains as pirates are still seeking targets. (rmks; Don't get your hopes up, the current economic situation has finally caught up with the pirates. If things turn around, you'll see the numbers begin to up-tick again) +++ Keystone Kops ((KK) aka Anti-Piracy Forces): The 23rd Iranian anti-piracy task group (JAMARAN, BUSHEER) is to complete its six-week deployment “next week” … 24th group (composition not yet known) preparing to deploy for a total of three-months, with forays to the Mediterranean as well as South East Asia. (rmks: Since when was piracy a problem in the Med? I'm not a genius, but something tells me there are other reasons for this deployment) +++ KK: RAdm Duncan Potts (UK) hands over operational command of the EU NavFor (exercised from Northwood, UK) to RAdm Robert Tarrant (UK). (rmks: Huzzah! Another on-paper command. I wonder how effective it will be in dealing with the cockroaches – excuse me pirates.) NOTE: No pirates were harmed in reporting any of these stories ... BLAST IT ALL! RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) Black Sea Fleet ROPUCHA class landing ship RFS AZOV once again passes the Bosporus towards the Mediterranean. (rmks: Only on 8 Jan had passed the Turkish Straits northbound. My goodness, the Russkies are a busy lot) USA US Navy AVENGER class mine hunter USS GUARDIAN has run aground on a coral reef in the Sulu Sea, appr. 80 nm east-southeast of Palawan (Philippines) … no injuries, no indications of a fuel leak, but for the time being remains stuck … crew working to "determine best method” of safely extracting it. (rmks: What is happening to my Navy?) 17 January NATO NATO standing mine counter measure task group SNMCMG-1 re-assembling after winter break at Gdynia (Poland), with Polish navy taking command … composition: ORP XAWERY CZERNICKI (Poland, flag); BNS BELIS (Belgium); FGS WEILHEIM (Germany); HNLMS URK (Netherlands); HNoMS HINNOEY (Norway); ORP CZAJKA (Poland). UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTS RUSSIA (end Jul) Sevmash at Severodvinsk plans formal keel laying ceremony for third YASEN (Proj 855M) class nuclear submarine on the occasion of this year’s navy day (end Jul).
January 18, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend. Science fair projects with the kids await me. Enjoy the time off and see you again on Monday! Summary to follow: 18 January BANGLADESH The Bangladesh navy completed 16-day exercise “Sea Thunder 2013” … a total of 57 ships/boats participated … first-time live firing of C-704 anti-ship missile from former British CASTLE class patrol corvette BNS DHALESHWARI. (rmks: Hopefully the DB guys have updated the HUCE and ANW db's with this info) CHINA +++ Two new TYPE 903 FUCHI class fleet tankers TAI HU (889) and CHAO HU (890) have begun sea trials. +++ PLA naval aviation participated in “recent” East Sea Fleet live-firing exercise far out in the East China Sea … “dozens of J-10 fighter jets … organized into ten formations … target more than a 1,000 kilometers away … under ECM conditions.” (rmks: It looks like the ChiComs are getting ready for the time when their stick-poking becomes serious) INDONESIA Defense Minister: “… Intend to procure three frigates from Great Britain” … team to go to UK soon … technology transfer to enable domestic yards building more such ships. (rmks: No further details, but BAE might have a customer for their TYPE 26 “global combat ship”) POLAND Polish navy deliberating procurement of more NSM coastal defense missile systems from Norwegian Kongsberg. RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) +++ General Staff “source”: Baltic Fleet landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN in Novorossiysk loading munitions, which will be brought to Tartus (Syria) (rmks: UNsure if the recipient is the Syrian and Russian forces based there, or both) +++ Black Sea Fleet ROPUCHA class landing ship RFS AZOV heading for Tartus (Syria). Northern Fleet task group (RFS SEVEROMORSK, DUBNA, ALTAI) completes port visit to Souda Bay (Crete(Greece) +++ Speaking of the NF - Before heading for Souda Bay, Northern Fleet task group (RFS SEVEROMORSK, DUBNA, ALTAI) had spent three days at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. (rmks: Likely during the holidays) RUSSIA Rosatom has launched tenders for (first) two Project 22.220 nuclear powered ice breakers … delivery in Jun 2019 / Dec 2020 …”largest and most powerful in the world” … operate in ice up to 3 meters … to work in the mouths of the Siberian rivers and along the Northern Sea Route. USA Update: Minehunter USS GUARDIAN ran aground at the Tubattaha Reef, an internationally protected (World Heritage Site) marine sanctuary … well marked in sea charts and outside all usual shipping routes … boat had completed a visit to Subic Bay and was enroute (unnamed) next port … meanwhile, 72 out of 79 crew members transferred to a support vessel … US navy (MSC) salvage team underway.
January 21, 201313 yr Author Updates are graciously provided by Marine Forum, with additional information from Naval Today and the Naval Open-Source Intelligence Blog. The commentary is my own. Surprisingly, it was a rather busy weekend! Congrats to the 49'ers and Raven in winning their conference championships and advancing to the superbowl. Hope everyone is able to enjoy a little time of on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here are some navy highlights from around the globe to help get your day started. Enjoy! Summary to follow: 17 January SOUTH KOREA The ROK Navy has commissioned frigate ROKS INCHEON, type ship of new FFX class frigates … currently three batches planned: Batch I six ships similar to INCHEON, Batch II another eight somewhat modified ships, Batch III planned for the future. 18 January AUSTRALIA Defense Minister: “… Explore the possibility of cooperation over mutual design work for the British Royal Navy’s new TYPE 26 Global Combat Ship … design could meet the needs of also the RAN.” (rmks: The on-again/off-again saga of the Type 26 reminds me of a soap opera. Hopefully, the relationships will not be as sappy, incestuous and/or perverse) PIRACY India: Nearly a year after the arrest of two Italian marines (rmks: Read that - embarked security team on Italian cargo vessel) on charges of killing two Kerala fishermen, the Indian Supreme Court rejected Italy's plea for quashing the case … at the same time ruled that Kerala government had no jurisdiction to prosecute the foreigners and ordered their trial by a Union government constituted special court. (rmks: The bureaucratic wheels keep on spinning) RUSSIA Three-weeks after roll-out from Sevmash building hall, third BOREJ class submarine RFS VLADIMIR MONOMAKH has been put to water … immediately afterwards starting first pier-side mooring tests. (rmks: It is likely with this commissioning, the last of the Typhoons will go into mothballs) SOUTH KOREA South Korea plans to deploy 50-60 Israel-made Spike guided anti-tank missiles to the islands of Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong … close to border in the Yellow Sea … guard against potential attacks from the North. (rmks: That is likely to serve as burr under the DRPK saddle. Spike is a light anti-tank missile that producer Rafael has been developing for a variety of applications including naval warfare) UNITED KINGDOM The Royal Navy has formally taken delivery of submarine HMS AMBUSH, second ASTUTE class submarine. (rmks: Walk softly and carry a big stick AMBUSH) USA Update: Efforts to free grounded mine hunter GUARDIAN on high tide not successful … all 79 crew members temporarily evacuated to nearby support vessels USNS BOWDITCH (T-AGS 62) and MSV C-CHAMPION … faulty digital map, providing “erroneous digital chart data” may have contributed to the grounding. (rmks: This is likely going to kick-up dust with the boys at L-3 Communications, the supplier of the USN's digital displays) 19 January CHINA (Territorial Disputes) +++ After Chinese fighters tailed Japanese warplanes near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands recently, Japan says it may fire warning shots and take other measures to keep foreign aircraft from violating its airspace. (rmks: This is called upping the ante and usually never results in anything good) +++ After a ten-day lull, three Chinese patrol ships (probably CMS) have entered waters near Senkaku/Diaoyu islands … ignore Japanese coast guard demands to leave. (rmks: Back to sticking-poking ops, which will result in even more ante-upping) RUSSIA (Mediterranean Deployment) The “largest naval exercises in the past few decades” in the Mediterranean and Black Sea has officially begun … involve task forces from Black Sea, Northern and Baltic fleets (rmks: PF no longer mentioned), strategic bombers, tactical aircraft, air defense units, paratroopers and naval infantry … “focus on interoperability of task forces from several fleets while on a mission in a far-off maritime zone” … continue until 29 January with over 60 scenarios, including anti-submarine warfare missions, missile and artillery firing, simulated beach landing and convoy escort missions. For the record: MoD statement mentions the following surface combatants as participants: RFS MOSKVA, SMETLIVIY, YAROSLAV MUDRIY, SARATOV, AZOV, KALININGRAD, ALEXANDER SHABALIN. RUSSIA Russia is planning to construct shipbuilding and ship-repair facilities on the Black Sea coast to ensure proper maintenance of its civilian and military fleets in the region. (rmks: Most former Soviet shipbuilding infrastructure in Black Sea in today’s Ukraine – who is not on good relations with its former master. Having Russian-specific facilities will allow for faster (relatively speaking when it comes to Russkie shipbuilding technology) turn-around and will free-up existing yard space for Ukraine to ramp up production, supporting its fleet) USA +++ Update: Strong waves have dislodged grounded minehunter USS GUARDIAN from her original position and pushed her further into the coral reefs … “situation is worse” but still no signs of oil slick … US Navy / Military Sealift Command ships USNS BOWDITCH and M/V C-CHAMPION remain on station; two contracted private tugs (TRABAJADOR and ?) on scene … destroyer USS MUSTIN and salvage ship SALVOR enroute … Philippine navy / coast guard has deployed frigate RIZAL, support vessel MANGYAN (?) and patrol boat LOMIBAO … PCG commandant has ordered the deployment of anti-pollution marine vessel CORREGIDOR to help control eventually possible oil spill. +++ Ahead of its upcoming deployment to Singapore, Littoral Combat Ship USS FREEDOM (in San Diego) is being painted with a four-color “camouflage” look. (rmks: It's interesting that the USN is repainting this over-priced lemon, thinking it will add teeth to its abilities. I'm sorry I sound pessimistic about its mission prospects, but I have never been a fan of the LCS program) 20 January BANGLADESH Blogger: BN navy spokesman (in a video) has claimed “submarine deal finalized”, with delivery in 2016. (rmks: Its estimated the boats will come from China, but no details. The ChiComs have been the BN's primary naval systems provider over the last couple of years. It makes sense – the stuff is cheap and it keeps the supply chain for support and logistics short) PAKISTAN – SAUDI ARABIA Sea phase of bilateral exercise “Naseem-al-Bahr X” concludes with live missile firing from Pakistan navy P-3C Orion (Harpoon) and Saudi frigate MAKKAH (MM-40 Exocet) … Pakistan navy participants finally named as frigates SHAMSHEER and ZULFIQAR, fast patrol boats ZARRAR and KARRAR, and tanker NASR. RUSSIA Yaroslavl Shipyard has begun construction of third DUGONG class (Project 21820) landing craft … lead boat built by Volga Shipyard. USA Flight operations on the F-35B (STOVL) variant suspended for precautionary reasons after a problem was discovered with the fuel-hydraulic system. (rmks: Once more the F-35 is proving to be another over-priced lemon program) 21 January INDIA Just one month after taking delivery from Goa Shipyard, the Indian navy will commission patrol ship (NOPV) INS SARYU, first of four new 105-m “coastal surveillance ships” … three sister ships to follow by end 2014. USA Update: Latest photo shows minehunter USS GUARDIAN shifted from her original position, now abreast to waves … situation “complicated” … US Navy specialist team and naval divers arrived at Palawan … … environmentalists fear that salvage operations might lead to exacerbate damage to the reef.
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