February 13, 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.Here’s the first evening edition of the NNSoTD. Enjoy!Summary to follow:08 FebruaryRUSSIABlack Sea Fleet MOMA class intelligence vessel RFS KILDIN has ended a (probably Syria-related) several month Mediterranean deployment, passing the Turkish Straits enroute home port Sevastopol.THAILAND (multinational)US Navy MSC ship USNS CAPT. STEVEN L. BENNET (T-AK 4296) completes cargo operations at the port of Chuk Sa Met (Thailand), delivering 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force cargo ahead of upcoming multinational exercise “Cobra Gold 2013”.11 FebruaryCHINAInternet-published photos suggest 4th Type 052D (LUJANG-III) destroyer under construction.PHILIPPINESThe Philippines has asked Japan for a US$110M loan to purchase 10 patrol boats for its coast guard another source: Japan prepared to donate the boats with transfer to start from April. (rmks: Perhaps the US could work a deal out to cover the damage caused by the Life on the Reef Affair)PIRACYKeystone Kops (aka, Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Belgian navy frigate BNS LOUISE-MARIE has ended her operation off Somalia in support of EU operation “Atalanta”, heading home … had joined EU NavFor on 23 Nov. (rmks: After doing absolutely NOTHING to curb the piracy problem)RUSSIA (SYRIA)“Source” alleges during recent Mediterranean exercises, Baltic fleet landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN delivered “military export goods” to Syria. (rmks: Makes sense. The Russkie have a history of dealing with the Syrian despots – both father and son)RUSSIAWith a three-month delay, corvette RFS MAKHACHKALA (Proj 21630) finally has been adopted by the Caspian Sea Flotilla.SAUDI ARABIASaudi Arabia is looking into buying patrol boats worth 1.5 billion Euros from German shipbuilder Luerssen. (rmks: That quite a boost for the German shipbuilder)USA+++ Destroyer USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) departs Norfolk for her maiden deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility … participate in Ballistic Missile Defence operations.+++ Amphibious assault ship USS BOXER has been hosting exercise “Iron Fist 2013” off the coast of California … from 04 – 15 Feb … involves elements from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Japanese army.12 FebruaryNORTH KOREANorth Korea has conducted its third underground nuclear test … South Korea on alert for another possible follow-on test … USA, Japan and South Korea “discuss possible reactions” … UNSC to convene for emergency meeting. (rmks: They forgot to add … where absolutely nothing of significance will be accomplished to correct the problem with the DPRK)
February 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.It looks like with my work schedule, NNSoTD is going to become NNSoTW (W for weekly). Lthough I thouroughly enjoy Harpoon, my family is a greater priority. You will get the same updates and witty comments, only in a weekly format. Here is the first. Enjoy!08 FebruaryRUSSIABlack Sea Fleet MOMA class intelligence vessel RFS KILDIN has ended a (probably Syria-related) several month Mediterranean deployment, passing the Turkish Straits enroute home port Sevastopol.THAILAND (multinational)US Navy MSC ship USNS CAPT. STEVEN L. BENNET (T-AK 4296) completes cargo operations at the port of Chuk Sa Met (Thailand), delivering 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force cargo ahead of upcoming multinational exercise “Cobra Gold 2013”.11 FebruaryCHINAInternet-published photos suggest 4th Type 052D (LUJANG-III) destroyer under construction.PHILIPPINESThe Philippines has asked Japan for a US$110M loan to purchase 10 patrol boats for its coast guard another source: Japan prepared to donate the boats with transfer to start from April. (rmks: Perhaps the US could work a deal out to cover the damage caused by the Life on the Reef Affair)PIRACYKeystone Kops (aka, Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Belgian navy frigate BNS LOUISE-MARIE has ended her operation off Somalia in support of EU operation “Atalanta”, heading home … had joined EU NavFor on 23 Nov. (rmks: After doing absolutely NOTHING to curb the piracy problem)RUSSIA (SYRIA)“Source” alleges during recent Mediterranean exercises, Baltic fleet landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN delivered “military export goods” to Syria. (rmks: Makes sense. The Russkie have a history of dealing with the Syrian despots – both father and son)RUSSIAWith a three-month delay, corvette RFS MAKHACHKALA (Proj 21630) finally has been adopted by the Caspian Sea Flotilla.SAUDI ARABIASaudi Arabia is looking into buying patrol boats worth 1.5 billion Euros from German shipbuilder Luerssen. (rmks: That quite a boost for the German shipbuilder)USA+++ Destroyer USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) departs Norfolk for her maiden deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility … participate in Ballistic Missile Defence operations.+++ Amphibious assault ship USS BOXER has been hosting exercise “Iron Fist 2013” off the coast of California … from 04 – 15 Feb … involves elements from 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Japanese army.12 FebruaryNORTH KOREANorth Korea has conducted its third underground nuclear test … South Korea on alert for another possible follow-on test … USA, Japan and South Korea “discuss possible reactions” … UNSC to convene for emergency meeting. (rmks: They forgot to add … where absolutely nothing of significance will be accomplished to correct the problem with the DPRK)13 FebruaryIRAN (related)+++ Iranian-owned (NITC) Aframax tanker M/V CRYSTAL stuck in Mangalore (India) as part of crew went on strike over outstanding payments … would not accept Rupees … Iran is facing increasing problems paying for goods and services as EU/US sanctions choke its financial conduits. (rmks: Couldn’t happen to a nicer group of despots)+++ Iranian IAEA ambassador speaks of “progress” in latest (just completed) talks but does not elaborate … no word from IAEA officials. (rmks: Hmmm, me thinks the mullah’s mouthpiece, doth speak with a forked tongue)NETHERLANDS – GERMANYThe navies of the Netherlands and Germany will expand amphibious warfare cooperation … as part of European Amphibious Initiative. (rmks: No details as of yet)PIRACYKeystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: French frigate FS COURBET relieves sister ship FS SURCOUF in EU NavFor … sailed from Toulon on 03 Feb in a four-month deployment … boarding team from Estonia embarked. (rmks: And they did what???)RUSSIA+++ Northern Design Bureau chosen to design a new destroyer … construction contracts expected in 2-3 years, presumably to Northern Shipyard (St. Petersburg) … at least three ships to be built … statement gives size similar to SLAVA class missile cruisers. (rmks: I guess the DD is the new CG, much like 50 is the new 30)+++ The DefMin has formally decided to commence series production of LADA class submarines … initially complete submarines RFS KRONSHTADT and SEVASTOPOL.SPAIN (AUSTRALIA)Spanish combat support ship SPS CANTABRIA has arrived at Melbourne (Australia) … in a bilateral agreement support Australian navy training and exercises until November.SYRIA (related)Russia will continue shipping (“only defensive”) weapons to Syria. (rmks: Russia has seen to it that there is no internationally binding arms embargo on Syria, but due to EU sanctions may have to resort to use of naval vessels for larger shipments). (rmks: Birds of a feather …)USA+++ Needle Hitting a Needle Update: In another BMD test in the Pacific, cruiser USS LAKE ERIE successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai (Hawaii) … detected and tracked by a satellite system that sent data to the cruiser which then destroyed the target with a SM-3 missile. (rmks: First live-fire intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile using space-based sensors)+++ Pentagon and US Navy have lifted flight restrictions on the Marine Corps version of the F-35 fighter jet, clearing the way for testing and training flights to resume after a nearly month-long grounding.14 FebruaryCANADAInternal NDHQ audit: Planners may have underestimated costs of new joint support ships … also based calculations on inflation rate lower than the industry standard. (rmks: In other words, a key NSPS program is delayed further. Par the Canadian course)INDIARussian Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) has begun sea trials of third TALWAR Batch 2 class frigate INS TRIKAND in the Eastern Baltic … training of Indian crew to start in April; delivery scheduled in late June.IRAN (related)+++ Iran recently sought to acquire tens of thousands of ring-shaped magnets (banned from export to Iran under UN resolutions) used in centrifuge machines … experts: a sign that it may be planning a major expansion of its nuclear program that could shorten the path to an atomic weapons capability. (rmks: If you believe they are only for a “peaceful” nuclear power program, I have some prime ocean front property in the Mojave Desert to sell you … dirt cheap)+++ IAEA spokesman does not see any progress … latest talks unsuccessful … no timetable for any inspections nor visit to suspected Parchin facility agreed. (rmks: What would you expect from the UN)+++ Unconfirmed reports that Iranian scientists went to North Korea to observe recent nuclear test. (rmks: Nay that can’t be right. They obviously went for the Kimchi)ITALYAn Italian navy task force has begun several-week operations in the Eastern Mediterranean … aircraft carrier CAVOUR, destroyers CAIO DUILIO and LUIGI DURAND DE LA PENNE, frigate ZEFFIRO; fleet tanker STROMBOLI … visits to Greek and Turkish ports and exercises with both navies.THE KOREASSouth Korean armed forces reportedly have begun “large scale” exercises, involving all services.NATOVAdm Peter Hudson (UK Navy) takes over command of new NATO Maritime Headquarters during a brief ceremony in Northwood.PIRACYKeyston Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Italian TYPE 212A submarine ITS SALVATORE TODARO returns to Taranto, completing a six-month deployment to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia Basin in support of anti-piracy operations(rmks: Would someone mind telling me how a freaking submarine is a useful anit-piracy platform unless it can actually DO the job of a submarine)RUSSIARosoboronexport director: “Of the nine countries that are planning to modernize or develop their submarine fleets, three have chosen the AMUR-1650 project.” (rmks: Although they did not name any countries. This could be the vodka version)RUSSIANorthern Fleet maritime patrol aircraft Il-38 May and Tu-142 Bear F have started patrolling the Arctic Ocean on a regular basis. (rmks: Adding to strategic bomber aircraft patrol flights. As I have previously stated, Russia is one of the only serious players when it comes to defending its Arctic claims)SOUTH KOREAThe ROK navy has unveiled indigenous “high precision” new cruise missiles … land-attack capable, could “hit any target in North Korea” … Haeseong-2 to be carried by KDX-II/III destroyers, Haeseong-3 by TYPE 214 submarines.15 FebruaryAUSTRALIAOfficial christening ceremony for helicopter carrier (LHD) HMAS CANBERRA at Williamstown dock … on schedule to enter service in 2014.THAILANDThai navy frigates HTMS CHAO PHRAYA and BANGPAKONG as well as offshore patrol vessel HTMS PATTANI arrive at Manila (Philippines) for a scheduled port visit until 19 Feb.
February 17, 201313 yr 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. PIRACY Keyston Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Italian TYPE 212A submarine ITS SALVATORE TODARO returns to Taranto, completing a six-month deployment to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia Basin in support of anti-piracy operations (rmks: Would someone mind telling me how a freaking submarine is a useful anit-piracy platform unless it can actually DO the job of a submarine) Covert surveillance and monitoring of motherships or pirate ports. Submarines don't just blow things up.
February 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. PIRACY Keyston Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Italian TYPE 212A submarine ITS SALVATORE TODARO returns to Taranto, completing a six-month deployment to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia Basin in support of anti-piracy operations (rmks: Would someone mind telling me how a freaking submarine is a useful anit-piracy platform unless it can actually DO the job of a submarine) Covert surveillance and monitoring of motherships or pirate ports. Submarines don't just blow things up. I know subs are used in covert ops, but in such a wastefilled program like anti-piracy ops, a submarine is an asset that is too expensive to bring to the table since the overall return on the investment is so very low.
February 18, 201313 yr I know subs are used in covert ops, but in such a wastefilled program like anti-piracy ops, a submarine is an asset that is too expensive to bring to the table since the overall return on the investment is so very low. Training exercise for the submarine under the political guise of anti-piracy. Little more than that.
February 23, 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.This is the first of (hopefully many) issues of the expanded, weekly edition of Naval News Summary. Hope you enjoy reading through it and thinking about possible Harpoon scenarios.01 FebruaryVIETNAMRussian Admiralty shipyard (St. Petersburg) cuts first steel for 6th (final) KILO-II class submarine to be built for the Vietnamese navy. (rmks: This ought to put a kink in the ChiComs collective colon)07 FebruaryCOLOMBIAThe Colombian Navy ordered two 250-ton Coastal Patrol Vessels from South Korea's STX … possibly domestic license production.11 FebruaryFRANCEOn return transit from hostage rescue operation off Somalia (12 Jan), helicopter carrier FS MISTRAL has conducted a port visit (05 – 11 Feb) to Cape Town (South Africa).NIGERIAThe Nigerian navy officially commissions three French-built OCEA FPB-72 Mk2 patrol boats and two Israeli-built SHALDAG fast patrol boats … all delivered in recent months. (rmks: Looks like time to do another HUCE db update)12 FebruaryRUSSIAIn a highly unusual flight, two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H strategic bombers during a patrol flight over the West Pacific proceed far south to circle Guam. (rmks: Tigers doing what tigers do. You can’t change their stripes, no matter how much the libs say they changed)14 FebruaryUSASouthern Partnership Station 2013: HSV-2 SWIFT departs Mayport (Florida) to begin SPS 13 … until 26 May conduct subject matter expert exchanges and partner building in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations … currently scheduled to visit Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. (rmks: Just returned from Africa Partnership Station; very short turn-around, with crew change)15 FebruaryCHINA (Territorial Disputes)Japan: Three Chinese government (paramilitary) ships temporarily entered disputed waters around disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands … Japan lodged official protest. (rmks: More stick-poking ops)CHINA+++ New Type 056 corvette HUIZHOU (596) to be stationed at Hong Kong.+++ A North Sea Fleet task group (QINGDAO, YANTAI, YANCHENG) returns to home port Qingdao, completing an 18-day training mission to the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, open Pacific and South China Sea.ITALY - ISRAEL“High Seas Task Force” with aircraft carrier ITS CAVOUR, two destroyers, one frigate and one fleet support ship off Israel … search & rescue exercise with Israel navy SA’AR-4.5 missile corvettes SCS HEREV and ROMAT.NORTH KOREA(Off Topic): North Korea is said to have informed China on more nuclear tests and long-range missile launches planned this year.PIRACY+++ Keystone Kops ((KK) Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Spanish METEORO class patrol vessel SPS RAYO departs from Cartagena for the Horn of Africa … until early May will join EU NavFor in support of operation “Atalanta” … afterwards circumnavigate Africa with a number of port visits … return home in July.+++ KK Update: A Swedish coast guard Bombardier Dash 8 maritime patrol aircraft has completed a four-month deployment in support of EU operation “Atalanta” … from October, 2012, had operated out of the Seychelles.(rmks: Cutting more grooves in the water with absolutely zilch to show for it)SYRIA (related)(Already in early January), Finland customs reportedly halted a shipment of tank spare parts intended for Syria … lacking export permits … preliminary indications point to the shipment originating in Russia. (rmks: Say it ain’t so! Russia supporting Syria. I would have never guessed! (Says I with tongue firmly implanted in cheek))16 FebruaryITALY – RUSSIAItalian Fincantieri and Russian Rubin announce resumption of mutual design of S-1000 diesel-electric coastal submarine … export-oriented project initiated in 2004 but frozen four years-ago. (rmks: This is VERY interesting news. This may be the first western export for the Club-S missile system, which is likely to be one of the primary weapon systems)PIRACY+++ KK Update: The 14th Chinese task group sails from Qingdao for the Gulf of Aden … destroyer HARBIN, frigate MIANYANG and supply ship WEISHAN HU … before starting anti-piracy operations will proceed to Pakistan to participate in Pakistan-hosted multinational naval exercise “Aman-13”, scheduled to be held in North Arabian Sea from 04 – 08 March.+++ Yet Another KK Update: Russian destroyer RFS MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV arrives at Daressalam for the first ever Russian warship visit to Tanzania … until 20 Feb. (rmks: Recently relieved in anti-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden and set to return to Pacific Fleet)QATAR (multinational)Qatar is hosting multinational exercise “Gulf Falcon” scheduled to run through 07 Mar.SRI LANKASri Lanka navy offshore patrol vessel SAGARA has rescued at least 38 Myanmar nationals (Rohingya) from a distressed vessel some 250 nm from the Sri Lankan coast … another 100 people reportedly missing.TAIWANThe ROC Navy considers deploying “within the year” Hsiung-Feng III supersonic anti-ship missiles also on KANG DING (LA FAYETTE) and YI YANG (KNOX) class frigates. (rmks: This is also likely to cause a kink in the ChiComs collective colon. Especially since the missile was marketed against the backdrop of a torched ChiCom aircraft carrier)UNITED KINGDOMTRAFALGAR class submarine HMS TIRELESS requires emergency repairs following a radiation leak (coolant) encountered during training off Scotland … “no risk to crew nor environment” but could be in Devonport Naval Base (Plymouth) dry dock for up to 10 months. (rmks: Originally planned to decommission this year, but service extended by four years due to delayed arrival of new ASTUTE class boats. The greenies are liable to have a hissy-fit over this one)USA (Life on the Reef Update)SMIT Salvage crane ship JASCON 25 arrives at Tubbataha Reef.VIETNAMRussian Rubin submarine design bureau confirms the first two KILO-II class (Proj. 636) submarines built for Vietnam to be delivered and another two to be put to water “this year”.YEMEN (IRAN related)Yemeni President: Intelligence has shown that another ship loaded with Iran weapons for Shiite Yemeni rebels is waiting to sail from Iran … Iran vehemently denies any involvement. (rmks: And do you expect anything less from the Mullahs? Supporting terrorism, who us? No, this is a cultural improvement shipment. That and a case or two of Qurans)17 FebruaryIRAN+++ The Iranian navy plans establishing a new naval base at Pasabandar (Gulf of Oman, just west of the border with Pakistan) … reflects “ambitions to exert its naval power outside the Persian Gulf.” (rmks: To quote a previous Iranian CNO, “”It is the PERSIAN Gulf, after all)+++ Navy commander, RAdm Habibollah Sayyari: task group will visit China “soon” … Iranian navy will “station” ships at the Strait of Malacca. (rmks: I think the Iranian navy public affairs office had an extended hookah break with a wee bit too much hashish, before cutting that press release)IRAQThe U.S. Navy delivered two more 35-meter patrol boats (PB-310 and PB-311) to the Iraqi navy at the Umm Qasr naval facility …10th and 11th vessels in the 12-boat procurement.PIRACYWest Africa: (Nigerian) pirates attack and board merchant vessel ARMADAH TUAH some 55 nm off the Niger Delta … abduct an unknown number of foreigners. (rmks: Once again … where are the Keystone Kops when you need them. No pirates were injured making this report. BLAST IT ALL!)SAUDI ARABIA – SUDANSaudi and Sudanese “naval forces” begin first ever joint exercise “to strengthen security in the Red Sea” … to run through 21 Feb. (rmks: Probably small scale joint patrolling with some situational picture data exchange)UAEThe 2013 IDEX international Defense exhibition – with associated NAVDEX – has begun in Abu Dhabi … until 21 Feb.USAThe USS KEARSARGE Amphibious Ready Group with 26th MEU completes three-week exercise COMPTUEX off the US east coast … preparing for upcoming deployment.18 FebruaryCHINA (Territorial Disputes)+++ China Marine Surveillance (CMS) ships HAIJIAN 72 and HAIJIAN 84 sail from Guangzhou for “regular patrol missions in the South China Sea.” (rmks: Likely prepping for more stick poking ops against the Philippines)+++ Japan: Following a similar intrusion on 15 Feb, three Chinese patrol ships (paramilitary China Marine Surveillance) once again entered into Japan’s territorial waters surrounding the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. (rmks: More stick-poking ops)EGYPTStrikes have shut down parts of the port of Port Said for a second day, but thus far have not disrupted Suez Canal traffic.GREECEIn a solemn ceremony the Greek navy officially decommissions ELLI class frigate HS BOUBOULINA … probably to provide spare parts for remaining sister ships. (rmks: The sorry state of Greek navy affairs. I ain’t laughing about this one. My beloved navy may use as their operations template in a couple of years)INDIABlacklisting Italian Finmeccanica for ten years following alleged bribery in helicopter procuring most likely to affect construction of indigenous aircraft carrier INS VIKRANT … Finmeccanica subsidiaries contracted with supplying equipment such as radars … more delays expected to the program which already is three years behind schedule.IRANDefMin BGen Vahidi: “... Plan to start using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in naval missions … will unveil different types of multi-purpose drones in the near future” … another source: “God willing, the newest hi-tech, long-range drone will be unveiled on May 24.” (rmks: This one will be interesting to see)IRAN (related)Referring to the recent North Korean nuclear test, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu concludes that “mere economic sanctions will not stop Iranian nuclear program” … “must be supplemented with credible threat of military action.” (rmks: Finally a politician who understands the current state of MENA political affairs)JAPAN (multinational)Annual meeting of naval academy instructors opened at Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force Staff College in Tokyo … countries represented include Japan, USA, South Korea, Australia - and China. (rmks: Who was that last one? Man, that’s like having the fox guard the henhouse)LEBANON (ISRAEL)According to a Lebanese paper, an Israel navy submarine “recently” has been spotted off the Southern Lebanese coast(rmks: DOLPHIN class, probably on routine reconnaissance mission; no claims it operated within territorial waters)POLANDThe 3rd Fleet (Gdynia) has begun five-day exercises in the Eastern Baltic … involve frigate ORP GEN. KOSCIUSZKO, missile corvette ORP PIORUN, MCM vessels MEWA and GOPLO, submarine SOKOL, salvage ship LECH, tanker BALTYK, and naval air assets … secure shipping lanes and maritime transport, counter sea blockade. (rmks: This scenario might make for interesting game play)UNITED KINGDOMTYPE 23 frigate HMS ARGYLL to sail from Plymouth on a several-month deployment initially to West Africa (counter-drug mission) and then across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.USA (Life on the Reef Update)Dismantling of the stricken minesweeper USS GUARDIAN set to begin today … works involve SMIT Salvage crane ships SMIT BORNEO and JASCON 25, Malaysian salvage tugs TRABAJADOR and VOS APOLLO, US Navy salvage ship USNS SALVOR.USA+++ The next round of at-sea trials of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) will be hosted by aircraft carrier USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH.+++ Southern Partnership Station 2013: HSV-2 arrives at Big Creek (Belize) … first station in SPS-13.19 FebruaryAUSTRALIAFrigate HMAS PARRAMATTA rescued 91 people who were aboard a suspected asylum seeker boat that capsized en route to Christmas Island.CHINA (Territorial Disputes)With Philippines: China rejected the Philippines' attempt to seek international arbitration over conflicting claims to territory in the South China Sea … stating the proposal was “historically and legally incorrect and included unacceptable accusations against China.” (rmks: Could somebody tell me when China became the king of the freaking sea? I thought things had to get tied-up in the UN for a billion years first)GREECEFrench president Hollande during a visit to Athens said to have attempted reviving the Greek navy’s frozen frigate programme … proposing “very favourable financial conditions” for up to six FREMM type ships. (rmks: Okay, so where is the money coming from? The Frenchies aren’t going to give them away, out of the kindness in their hearts)PIRACYKK Ops in Somalia Basin: Netherlands navy frigate HNLMS DE RUYTER (EU NavFor) intercepts suspected pirate group (two skiffs reported by a Panamanian vessel) some 200 nm north east of Eyl (Somalia) … with helicopter approaching, material was thrown overboard and the two skiffs split up in an attempt to escape … with support from helicopter of Spanish frigate SPS MENDEZ NUNEZ (EU NavFor) both stopped and seized … nine suspected pirates held on board DE RUYTER for further investigation and evidence collection in order to assess the possibility of prosecution. (rmks: Wow, they actually conducted an anti-piracy op. Holy Smokes! Still, no pirates were harmed reporting this story. BLAST IT ALL!)RUSSIA (possibly SYRIA-related)+++ Four Russian navy landing ships to deploy from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea … Baltic Fleet landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN (rmks: after recent exercises still in the Black Sea) already enroute; Black +++ Sea Fleet landing ships RFS SARATOV and AZOV to follow by end February … join Baltic Fleet frigate RFS YAROSLAV MUDRIY and auxiliary ships still operating in the EastMed. “Military source”: “…main task could be taking part in a possible evacuation of Russian citizens.” (rmks: You know things are looking pretty bad when the rats start look for a way off the sinking ship)SOUTH AFRICASince March 2012, the South African navy has been tasked with fishery patrol duties after civilian contractor suspended due to corruption … now the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is to take back its fleet of patrol vessels as the SAN has “failed to keep them operational” — six of them have lost their certification of being fit for sea.USA+++ “Sequestration” cuts may force the US Navy to cancel 10 destroyer and frigate cruises; cancel the USS BATAAN Amphibious Readiness Group deployment; halt work-ups for the USS RONALD REAGAN and CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Groups; reduce exercises and port calls; defer repairs and cancel overhauls; cancel F-35B testing aboard amphibious assault ship USS WASP. (rmks: The cuts are starting to hit bone)+++ Naval bases and installations throughout the continental United States begin annual Force Protection and Anti-Terrorism exercise “Citadel Shield” … run through 01 Mar.20 FebruaryAUSTRALIADefMin Smith in Stockholm (Sweden) to discuss Swedish involvement in Future Submarine Project. (rmks: The Collins class replacement soap opera enters its next act)IRAN (related)+++ Iran will build a US$4B oil refinery at Gwadar (Pakistan) … with regards to US/EU financial sanctions, Pakistan will pay with food products. (rmks: Don’tcha love how those sanctions are working?)+++ EU/US offer easing of some sanctions (on precious metal trade) if Iran shuts down its Fordo plant and moves abroad all Uranium at the site. (rmks: With sanctions like these, you don’t need easing!)MYANMAR - THAILANDTwo Myanmar navy missile boats (MYANMAR class 561, 562) arrive at Phuket (Thailand) naval base … first visit in 18 years … stay until 23 Feb … Thai navy plans return visit to Yangon next month (frigate HTMS TAPI, missile boat HTMS WITTAYACOM).POLAND+++ Construction of domestically built corvette SLAZAK (Project Gawron) to resume … revised tactical-/technical requirements to be decided by June, ship may be delivered in 2016+++ By end of March determine acquisition of new submarine+++ Contract for first new mine hunter CORMORANT II expected in May, with delivery in first quarter of 2016.RUSSIA+++ Arms industry official: New (Project 955A) BOREJ class submarines will also carry 16 Bulava SLBM ... previously planned increase to 20 “not necessary”.+++ "A number of reasons“ have prevented Russian shipbuilders to keep 2012 delivery dates for submarines and warships … only submarine RFS JURY DOLGORUKIY delivered, while submarines RFS ALEXANDER NEVSKY and SEVERODVINSK as well as corvettes RFS BOIKIY and STOIKIY and frigate RFS ADMIRAL GORSHKOV deferred to 2013.+++ Baltic Fleet landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN pass the Turkish Straits, leaving the Black Sea for the Mediterranean … will join frigate RFS YAROSLAV MUDRIY for another upcoming exercise. (rmks: Black Sea Fleet landing ships RFS AZOV and SARATOV to follow soon; reportedly also contingency for possible Syria evacuation operations)UKRAINEThe Ukraine has asked Russia to provide dock capability (at Sevastopol) for its only FOXTROT class submarine. (rmks: All dock capacity is on the Russkie Navy side of Sevastopol Harbor)21 FebruaryUSAThe USS EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group is set to depart Norfolk for the 5th Fleet area of operations … relieve the USS JOHN C STENNIS CSG (deployed since 27 Aug, 2012) … German frigate FGS HAMBURG to be integrated in EISENHOWER CSG. (rmks: FGS HAMBURG originally planned to sail with USS HARRY S TRUMAN, the deployment of which has been cancelled because of budget woes).UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTSIRAN (related) (23 Feb)Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces on 23 Feb will begin three-day exercise “Great Prophet 8”… inland, around cities of Kerman, Siriz and Sirjan (north of Strait of Hormuz) … aims at practicing asymmetric warfare and testing latest military equipment.21 FebruaryCANADADelivery dates of (fully operational) Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopters still unclear … Canadian air force chief confident, 50-year-old Sea King helicopters can stay in the air long enough for their troubled replacements to arrive.CHINA (Territorial Disputes)With Japan: Chinese fishery protection (FLEC) vessel temporarily entered territorial waters (12-mile zone) off Japanese-controlled but disputed Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. (rmks: What did I tell you, stick-poking ops, as usual)GREECE – FRANCEFrance reportedly offered leasing of two FREMM class frigates to the Greek navy … allegedly to be two frigates originally destined for the French navy (FS PROVENCE and LANGUEDOC), which should become ready in 2015/16 … French DefMin to visit Athens next week. (rmks: For the time being just a French “idea,” which is triggering a lot of speculation – like where in the heck the Greeks are going to get the money to even pay for a lease)IRAN (related)+++ The US has ”cautioned” Pakistan against having Iran build an oil refinery at Gwadar (Pakistan) … activities that are "sanction-able" under US laws. (rmks: And you think this is going to stop them!)+++ The “Group of Six” is prepared to make "a substantial and serious offer" to Iran during next round of talks scheduled next week in Almaty, Kazakhstan. (rmks: Hagle once said, “History teaches that mankind learns NOTHING from history.” Chamberlain thought he was making a “substantial and serious offer” to Hitler in Munich in late 1930’s, much to the Czechs regret)KUWAITADSB (Abu Dhabi, UAE) has won the Kuwait navy's future landing craft program … two 64m landing craft, one 42-m landing craft and five 15-m composite fast landing craft … all to be built at ADSB facility in Abu Dhabi … construction to start in mid-2013 and last two years.MALAYSIA – PHILIPPINESStandoff between Malaysian security forces and a group of armed Filipinos (“Sulu Army”) who on 09 Feb landed in eastern Malaysian state of Sabah to occupy some territory … Philippine navy and coast guard deployed six vessels and a patrol aircraft vessels to the Sulu Sea … also joint patrols with Malaysian naval forces.PIRACY+++ KK Update: Russian destroyer RFS SEVEROMORSK will take part in an exercise with NATO anti-piracy forces (operation “Ocean Shield”) … practicing a military operation to free hostages.+++ KK Update: Portuguese navy frigate NRP VASCO DA GAMA in four-day work-up with Spanish navy off Cadiz … preparing to join EU NavFor from 15 Mar.RUSSIA+++ Refurbishment of Pacific Fleet SOVREMENNIY class destroyer RFS BURNIY continues with main engine to be repaired by end of this year … entered shipyard in 2005.+++ Sea trials of new corvette RFS SOVERSHENNIY (Proj 20380 STEREGUSHCHIY class) deferred by one year to 2014 … “Source”: builder Komsomolsk on Amur “incapable of completing the ship”.+++ Russian navy develops new “camouflage” paint scheme for warships … to be approved by end August with first ships to be painted in 2014 … scheme individualized for each type with coloring options to vary between fleets - in the Northern and Pacific Fleets will be darker colors, in the Baltic, Caspian and Black Sea - lighter. (rmks: This one has the hmmm factor. You don’t need a degree from Annapolis to figure out why they want to camouflage their ships. Oh I know, to make them more environmentally friendly. Yeah, that’s gotta be it)+++ Northern Fleet Commander, Vladimir Korolev, promoted to the rank of Admiral.SINGAPOREThe MoD has awarded a contract to Sikorsky for an additional two S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters … delivery in 2016.(rmks: adding to six S-70B already delivered)USA (Life on the Reef Update)Work to cut up and remove the USS GUARDIAN from Tubbataha reef expected to begin this weekend … had been delayed when floating crane SMIT BORNEO contracted to be used during the work was deemed “inadequate” … now pipe-lay crane JASCON 25 on scene … work to last until at least 23 Mar.UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTSFRANCE (06 Mar)Mission Jeanne d’Arc 2013: Helicopter carrier FS TONNERRE and destroyer FS GEORGES LEYGUES depart Brest on 6 Mar to start this year’s cadet training cruise (J-13) … three phases: Mediterranean / Red Sea with visits to Jordan and Saudi Arabia; join EU anti-piracy operation “Atalanta”; South/South East Asia with visits to Vietnam, Singapore and India.PAKISTAN (multinational) (04 Mar)The Pakistan navy will host multinational naval exercise “Aman-13”, scheduled to be held in North Arabian Sea from 04 – 08 March … “navies of 50 countries invited to participate.” (rmks: 4th exercise in “Aman” series which began in 2007)UNITED KINGDOM – LIBYA (April)A Royal Navy frigate is scheduled to make a port call to Tripoli (Libya) in the spring … media claim visit in April to coincide with a "defence and security industry day" in Tripoli … "opportunity for UK defense and security to promote equipment and services to the Libyan navy.”
March 5, 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.Navy News Summary – Volume I, Edition 2Little late getting the 2nd Edition out, as it was a rather busy weekend. Thanks to everyone who has made this a popular read on the HarpGamer web site, with over 12,000 views. Hopefully these news nuggets help to spur some serious thought about modern and relevant naval warfare scenarios.22 FebruaryCHINA (Territorial DisputesWith Japan: Commentary on official Chinese MoD website: “… we need to change the constant “tolerance” strategy toward Japan's provocations.” (rmks: If they call stick-poking ops “tolerant,” I’d hate to see was their bossy ops look like)NATOWith unusual “extremely sparse public information,” NATO has kicked off annual anti-submarine warfare exercise “Proud Manta” off Sicily (Italy) … run through 18 Mar … according to Russian (!!!) website, participating surface ships from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, USA … Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey providing one submarine each … air assets from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, USA.USA+++ The Pentagon suspended the flights of all F-35 aircraft after a routine inspection revealed a crack on a turbine blade in the jet engine of an F-35 test aircraft in California. (rmks: Why do I get the feeling the JSF is another white elephant project?)+++ The USS BONHOMME RICHARD Amphibious ready Group has completed exercise “Cobra Gold” (Thailand) and continues its Spring Deployment to the West/Southwest Pacific region.23 FebruaryBANGLADESHPatrol vessel BNS GOMATI (former British ISLAND class) arrives at Colombo (Sri Lanka) …stopover until 26 Feb … then continue for Karachi (Pakistan) to participate in upcoming multinational exercise “Aman 13”.CHINABeijing has approved funding for major projects to “develop core technologies for nuclear-powered vessels” … regarded as a first official indication of plans to build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. (rmks: This is interesting)EGYPT“Civil disobedience” continues in Port Said … shut down the administrative buildings of the Suez Canal terminal … eastern port and shipyard nonfunctional … boat owners organized a naval demonstration in the Suez Canal … military spokesman: navigation in the Suez Canal is running normally; traffic not disrupted.GREECEGovernment spokesman: Greece has formally requested to lease two frigates and four maritime patrol aircraft from France. (rmks: No details)IRAN (related / non-naval)+++ IRGC claims to have “successfully taken control” of a foreign drone and “forced it to land” … near current “Great Prophet 8” exercise in south-eastern Iran. (Then turns right around and reports …)+++ Update: IRGC spokesman denies capturing a foreign unmanned aircraft … own drone used during the drill as a supposed enemy aircraft. (rmks: I just love the Iranian press)+++ Navy commander RAdm Sayyari: Naval forces are equipped with submarine-launched unmanned aerial vehicles … capable of carrying out defensive, offensive and reconnaissance missions. (rmks: He forgot to include their goats are also used as mobile SAM carriers as well)NORTH KOREA (USA)North Korea is planning to display captured (in 1968) USS PUEBLO in the new “Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum,” being built in Pyongyang to serve as a base for "anti-U.S. education." (rmks: What’s the old saying about apples not falling far from the tree. Looney tinpot dictator father, looney tinpot dictator son. BTW, the USS PUEBLO is still a commissioned US Navy ship)PAKISTANFast missile boat JURRAT and submarine KHALID arrive at Muscat (Oman) for a four-day visit.(rmks: returning from IDEX/NAVDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE)PHILIPPINES:DND undersecretary: Option to acquire second-hand frigates has been waived … studies found out that acquiring such vessels in the long run will be more costly than buying new ships. (rmks: In laymen’s-speak the PI navy doesn’t have the manpower to staff the things and don’t have the money to recruit addition squids to man the Italian MINERVA class frigates)RUSSIADepPM Rogosin has denied media reports (which had quoting him) that MISTRAL helicopter carriers are “incompatible with Russian fuel” as mere “media speculation.” (rmks: No ice-capable hull, can’t use Russkie DFM. Man’ it sounds like the Russians have some of the same problem with bureaucratic white elephant projects as the USN)24 FebruaryCHINA (Territorial Disputes)+++ “Routine fishery administrative” patrols around Nansha islands (Spratly Archipelago) in the South China Sea will be the top priority in 2013 … to better “safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese fishermen.” (rmks: In other words, stick-poking ops won’t be curtailed anytime soon)+++ With Japan: Just hours after a Chinese FLEC (Fishery Law Enforcement Command) ship entered Japanese territorial waters off the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands in the East China Sea, also three (paramilitary) China Marine Surveilllance (CMS) ships sailed into the 12-nm zone. (rmks: That’s what I like about the ChiComs, they are about as subtle as a sledgehammer)IRANOff Bandar Abbas, IRGC naval forces have tested new short-range anti-ship missile “Zafar” … mounted on light speed boats … “radar-seeker” … employed against small and medium naval targets.JAPANJapanese navy ice breaker JDS SHIRASE reportedly has joined the civilian whaling fleet … off the Australian Antarctic Territory … help protect against anti-whaling activists (SEA SHEPHERD).NEW ZEALANDReplenishment tanker HMNZS ENDEAVOUR sails for Australia … three-week training and on-duty regional response tanker for Australia and New Zealand.MALAYSIA – PHILIPPINESThe Philippine navy is prepositioning landing craft (LCU) AT 296 TAGBANUA off Malaysian Sabah province … standby for possible repatriation of some 180 Filipinos of the “Sulu Army” who have been occupying Malaysian territory for two weeks … talks continue with the group to end its action.USA (Life on the Reef Update)Salvage work (dismantling) set to begin … crane ship M/V JASCON 25 managed to position some 20m from the stricken vessel … total of nine vessels on scene: three Singaporean (SMIT Salvage) crane ships (JASCON 25, SMIT BORNEO, ARCHON TIDE), Malaysian salvage tugs TRABAJADOR (with barge S-7000) and INTREPID, US Navy salvage ship USNS SALVOR and T-AKE USNS WALLY SHIRRA, Philippine coast guard vessel DAVAO DEL NORTE (tasked with “closely monitoring”).25 FebruaryCHINAThe first new TYPE 056 corvette / light frigate was officially delivered to the navy ... hull number 582; Google translates Chinese character name as BENGBU (???) … while overall 10th ship of this new class has been put to water. (rmks: Chinese bloggers tentatively named it the JIANGDAO class, but this is not an official designation)FINLANDKeel-laying ceremony at STX Finland Oy’s Rauma Shipyard for new 96-m Finnish coast guard patrol ship.IRAN (related / non naval)New US sanctions keep importers of Iranian oil from paying with dollars or euros … under penalty of expulsion from the US banking system, customers such as China, Japan and India will be restricted to using their own currencies for the purchases.IRANIranian navy task group with frigate SABALAN and supply ship (rmks: dubbed “helicopter carrier”) KHARG “for the first time since Iranian Revolution” has entered the Strait of Malacca for the South China Sea… port visit planned to Zhanjiang (China) and – on return transit – to Colombo (Sri Lanka) … possibly also to India.MALAYSIA – SINGAPOREMalaysia is hosting bilateral exercise “Malapura” with the Singapore navy … in the Malacca Strait until 08 Mar … 23rd such exercise conducted since 1984 … carry out joint planning and training plus drills in conventional naval warfare and maritime security. Participants include frigate LEKIU and corvettes KELANTAN, SELANGOR (Malaysia); frigate SUPREME and corvettes VALOUR, INDEPENDECE (Singapore). (rmks: If only the vaunted KHARG would stray into the gun range. Nah, I better not go there)NEW ZEALANDFrigate HMNZS TE MANA begins four-month deployment … visits and exercises scheduled in Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and South Korea … return in June.PIRACYSomalia Basin: Nine cockroaches (excuse me, suspected pirates) apprehended on 19 Feb and detained on board Netherlands frigate HNLMS DE RUYTER are handed over to the Seychelles’ authorities for prosecution.RUSSIA+++ Mooring tests (propulsion system) of third BOREJ class submarine RFS VLADIMIR MONOMAKH to be completed by June; immediately afterwards start sea trials. Second boat RFS ALEXANDER NEVSKIY to conduct three more rounds of sea trials ... to start when ice permits (rmks: which should be May/Jun) ... scheduled to be delivered to the navy by year-end.+++ The Russian navy is considering a “permanent Mediterranean task force” to be established in 2015 … modeled after former Soviet Mediterranean Eskadra … Black Sea Fleet ships to provide backbone … accomplish scheduled and urgent missions on the Mediterranean theater of operations. (rmks: It is likely it will be based in Tartus, if Assad is still in power by then, that is)+++ The Russian navy is said to plan a new frigate for the Baltic Fleet … optimized for ASW to counter “extremely silent” submarines such as German Type 212A … basis to be hull of incomplete frigate RFS TUMAN (third Proj.11540 NEUSTRASHIMIY class ship) … design works to be completed this year with tender in 2014 and delivery in early 2017.SYRIAAfter protesters have effectively blocked all land-routes from Lebanon to Syria, desperately needed fuel is being shipped by sea from Lebanese Zahrani and Jiheh refineries to Syrian ports of Tartus and Banias.UNITED KINGDOM - ARGENTINAArgentinian official claims the UK, in a breach of international agreements, has deployed submarines “capable of carrying nuclear” arms to the South Atlantic (Falklands). (rmks: Note to all Argie navy public affairs officers, lay off the sauce before addressing the public)USA+++ AVENGER class minesweeper USS WARRIOR will replace shipwrecked sister ship USS GUARDIAN (rmks: administratively decommissioned on 15 Feb) in Sasebo(Japan) as forward-based MCM unit … currently deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations … will be transported from Bahrain by a heavy-lift transport ship on 02 Mar and delivered to Sasebo sometime in late March.+++ Two US Navy divers died while conducting routine underwater maintenance in Maryland … deaths are under investigation.26 FebruaryCHINA (Territorial Disputes)With Japan: China has placed buoys near disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea … just outside Japanese waters … intended to “monitor maritime weather and ocean conditions” … Japan suspects acoustic sensors to locate and track submarines.IRAN (related / non-naval)(Unconfirmed) media reports allege Iran has started Plutonium production at its Arak plant.PIRACY+++ West Africa: (Probably Nigerian) pirates released six crewmember abducted off the Niger Delta on 17 Feb from offshore support vessel ARMADAH TUAH 101. Officials claim no ransom paid.+++ Denmark: A Danish court has handed long term prison sentences to four Somali pirates; three got 24 years, the fourth “only” 16 years.RUSSIABaltic Fleet TARANTUL-II class missile corvette R-129 has been named KUZNETSK (relationship with same-name city)USAHospital ship COMFORT has left Baltimore … permanent relocation to Norfolk Naval Station.27 FebruaryCHINAAircraft carrier LIAONING (former VARYAG) has sailed from Dalian … reportedly headed for “permanent base” Qingdao.27 FebruaryCHINA (Terrorial Disputes)South China Sea: Three Chinese Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) ships (HIAXUN 21, HAIXUN 31, HAIXUN 166) depart from Sanya (Hainan) for “regular patrol missions” in the South China Sea … second patrol after two ships began a similar mission in the South China Sea, sailing from Guangzhou on 20 Feb. (rmks: MSA ships usually not found at the forefront of “dispute action.” I guess the ChiCms are pulling out the stops, when it comes to stick-poking ops. It guess they figure, the more the merrier)CHINA+++ X'ian MA60 maritime patrol aircraft has begun series production … destined for paramilitary maritime organizations, such as China Marine Surveillance (CMS) … derived from X'ian's MA60 civil airliner … 10-hour endurance will double reach of Y-12 currently employed by CMS.+++ Aircraft carrier LIAONING has arrived at the Qingdao naval base, said to become home base.EGYPTOperations at the Suez Canal Container Terminal returned to normal after 10 days of civil unrest … traffic on the waterway itself reportedly had not been affected.FRANCEFollowing exercises with the Moroccan navy and Atlantic crossing, FREMM frigate AQUITAINE has arrived at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) … long-range operational testing(rmks: … and exploit opportunities to showcase and promote this latest French warship to other nations)PIRACYUSA: In Norfolk, a federal jury has convicted five Somali men of piracy for the 2010 attack on US Navy dock landing ship ASHLAND … a piracy conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. (rmks: Which means they will probably released on good behavior, into the American public with all sorts of welfare options in a couple of weeks)28 FebruaryBANGLADESHPrime Minister Sheikh Hasina confirms planned acquisition of two submarines and a coast guard cutter but gives no details on source nor timetable. (rmks: Submarines widely believed to come from China; coast guard ship should be former USCG HAMILTON class USCG JARVIS)CANADAThe Parliamentary Budget Officer warns the Joint Support Ship program is severely underfunded … while budget foresees Ca$ 2.6 billion it is more likely to require at least C$4.13B.CHINA (Terrorial Disputes)With Japan: Three Chinese patrol boats once again sailed into territorial waters around the Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands, while a China Marine Surveillance (CMS) Y-12 patrol aircraft approached the airspace … but turned around when Japan scrambled fighter jets.INDIAIndia is planning to have its first naval communications satellite launched “this year” … by commercial European Ariane-5 rocket.PIRACYSomalia: Somalia's president has offered an amnesty to young pirates … " negotiating indirectly through the elders”.RUSSIA+++ The Russian navy reportedly (Izvestiya) has decided to suspend building STEREGUSHCHIY class corvettes … both Proj 20380 and 20385 … only GREMYASHCHIY to be completed … planned RFS PROVORNYY and SPOSOBNYY to be replaced with “a new project” … Proj 20380 not meeting requirements; Proj 20385 too expensive and “over-armed”.+++ Update: Proposed permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean Sea may consist of up to ten combat and auxiliary ships … HQ to be set up at the Black Sea Fleet … ships from Northern Fleet, Baltic Fleet and Black Sea Fleet to deploy on “rotational basis” … use ports in Cyprus, Montenegro, Greece and Syria as resupply points.(of note: Novosti report features photo of aircraft carrier RFS KUZNETSOV).+++ Black Sea Fleet landing ship RFS AZOV supports amphibious exercises, putting naval infantry and vehicles ashore at the Black Sea Opuk training range.SRI LANKASA’AR-4 missile corvette SURANIMALA sails for Karachi (Pakistan) to take part in multi-national naval exercise “Aman-13” (04-08 Mar).SWEDENGerman P+S shipyard at Wolgast has delivered the last of four new patrol vessels for the Swedish coast guard.(rmks: should be KBV-034 HAERNÖSAND)THE KOREAS+++ North Korea may conduct a large-scale nationwide military drill in early March … raising the possibility of fresh military provocations following the inauguration of a new government in South Korea.+++ South Korea and US plan two-month large scale exercises to start on 01 Mar … incl. annual “Key Resolve” … may involve US Navy Carrier Strike Group.USA+++ The US Navy considers basing 14 of its new Littoral Combat Ships in Norfolk (Virginia) by the end of the decade, but Mayport (Florida) remains preferred location.01 MarchLittoral Combat Ship LCS-1 USS FREEDOM left San Diego on 01 Mar for her first operational deployment … spend eight months in Singapore for regional maritime security operations. (rmks: Any odds on the number of days out of Pearl, she breaks down?)
March 5, 201313 yr 01 March Littoral Combat Ship LCS-1 USS FREEDOM left San Diego on 01 Mar for her first operational deployment … spend eight months in Singapore for regional maritime security operations. (rmks: Any odds on the number of days out of Pearl, she breaks down?) Devastating but true comment
March 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.Navy News Summary – Volume I, Edition 3The effects of Sequester are beginning to take effect on the US Navy this week. Meanwhile, Other navies – the ChiComs and Russkies are on a build-up. Hmmm, I wonder if there a correlation here. As Spring is springing, things could get very interesting around the globe, naval-wise. Enjoy the summary!27 FebruaryMALAYSIANGV Tech shipyard in Sijangkang, near Kuala Lumpur, has launched training vessel KD TEGUH SAMUDERA … second of two training ships ordered in 2011; domestically built with technical assistance from South Korea's DSME.PIRACY+++ Nigeria: Shortly after pirates released six sailors abducted from offshore supply ship ARMADAH TUAH 101, the Nigerian navy (with patrol vessel NNS PATHFINDER) started an operation in the Niger Delta … apprehended 33 suspected pirates, seized a vessel used in transporting stolen oil, and destroyed over 50 illegal bunkering sites. (rmks: Why are they suspected? If they are caught with all the tools of a pirates, they should be DECLARED pirates. For pity’s sake, if we show there are consequences for their actions, piracy will drop to nothing in no time)+++ Keystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces (KK)) Update: Belgium navy frigate BNS LOUISE-MARIE returns to home port Zeebrugge, ending a four-month deployment in support of EU operation “Atalanta”. (rmks: No having done squat to curb the piracy it was deployed to stop)28 FebruaryPIRACYGulf of Guinea / KK Update: US-led multi-national anti-piracy exercise “Obangame Express 2013” comes to a successful close … staged from Douala (Cameroon) … share information and refine methods in order to help Gulf of Guinea maritime nations better monitor and enforce their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones … participants from Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivorie, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Netherlands, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Spain, Togo and the US. (rmks: The proof will be in the pudding. I hate to be Johnny Stormcloud, but I don’t see all this cooperative doing nothing – other than wasting money. The exterminators need to act like exterminators. That’s the only thing the cockroaches understand)01 MarchBRAZILPresident Dilma Rousseff inaugurated a shipbuilding plant at the Brazilian navy base on Sepetiba Bay (south of Rio de Janeiro) that will make metal hull structures for four conventional diesel-electric SCORPENE attack submarines … in joint venture of French DCNS and local Odebrecht, to be delivered from 2015 … eventually build a fifth, nuclear-powered submarine, to be operational in 2025.IRAN (related / non-naval)Indian Mercator Lines has stopped offering its OMVATI PREM tanker for transporting Iranian oil ... only ship backed by local insurance and available for charter by Indian refiners.PIRACYKK Update: French frigate FS SURCOUF (with embarked British Royal Navy helicopter) returns to home port Toulon, ending three months of operations with EU NavFor. (rmks: Another waste of several million good Euros, with zilch to show for it)UNITED KINGDOMDuring a ceremony at Naval Base Clyde, the second ASTUTE class submarine HMS AMBUSH is commissioned into the Royal Navy.UNITED KINGDOM – USARoyal Navy and US Navy conclude eight-day mine-countermeasure exercise in the Persian Gulf … sweep a corridor of sea free of mines so a (fictional) important ship could safely sail through it … first such exercise this year …participants included three of the UK’s four Gulf-based minehunters (HMS QUORN, RAMSEY, SHOREHAM), their mother ship HMS CARDIGAN BAY and frigates HMS NORTHUMBERLAND and MONMOUTH; US Navy contributed Gulf-based AVENGER class minehunters USS SCOUT and DEVASTATOR.USA+++ 7th Fleet flagship USS BLUERIDGE arrives in Hong Kong for a scheduled port visit.+++ Raytheon delivered the first Standard Missile-6 all-up-round to the US Navy. (rmks: It will be interesting to see what kind of improvements this bring to the anti-air arsenal of the navy’s surface force)02 MarchCHINA+++ RUMINT (Rumor Intelligence) that paramilitary China Marine Surveillance (CMS ) and Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) may be amalgamated into one maritime agency under one command. (rmks: Putting all the stick-pokers in one basket)+++ China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) is offering submarine S-20 for export … diesel-electric powered variant of YUAN class. (rmks: It looks like the Russkies are going to have some competition for their KILO)RUSSIANaval pennant hoisted during ceremony at Kronshtadt (Baltic Sea) on third (and last) BUYAN class “artillery ship” RFS MAKHACHKALA … will be showcased at St. Petersburg IMDS (03-07 Jul), afterwards relocate via inland waterways to the Caspian Sea with future home port Astrakhan.USA+++ Due to sequestration, the Department of the Navy has released a new list of cuts … four of the nine Carrier Air Wings will “stand down”, starting in April with the one assigned to aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN, followed by STENNIS, VINSON and EISENHOWER; two more reduced to mere sustainment levels … frigate USS THACH, underway since January for anti-drug mission in 4th Fleet area, will be recalled … hospital ship USNS COMFORT's planned humanitarian deployment to Central and South America plus six more single ship deployments cancelled ... four appearances by the Blue Angels cancelled. (rmks: How the mighty have fallen)+++ Mobile Landing Platform USNS MONTFORD POINT (MLP-1) christened during a ceremony at NASSCO in San Diego … expected to be delivered to the US Navy in fiscal 2013 and be operational in fiscal 2015.03 MarchAUSTRALIAProject Air 7000 may be expanded to procure up to 12 Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (previously 8) and up to 7 Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton UAV (previously 4) … replace 18 P-3C Orions due for retirement around 2019INDIAThe Indian navy has concluded several-week joint exercise “Tropex” (together with air force and coast guard) in the Arabian Sea … participant included more than 50 warships / boats from both Western and Eastern Fleet, incl. nuclear submarine INS CHAKRA. (rmks: Annual event practicing and evaluating operational concepts)IRAN (related / non-naval)Iran is building about 3,000 advanced (new generation) uranium-enrichment centrifuges. (rmks: I wonder why they need more centrifuges? It can’t be for weapons grade uranium, because we all know they aren’t building a bomb. Said with tongue firmly implanted in cheek)NORWAYThe Ministry of Defense has approved selling the former naval submarine base Olavsvern (near Tromsoe) to a group of investors who plan to make it a service center for the Arctic offshore oil and gas industry.PHILIPPINESArrival in the Philippines of patrol ship RAMOBN ALCARAZ, the second former USCG HAMILTON class ship, has been moved to August due to ongoing refurbishment (rmks: Looks like they are going to add some teeth to the old girl)RUSSIA (VIETNAM)During upcoming visit to Vietnam, Russian DefMin Shoigu will also visit Cam Ranh … discuss using the port for Russian navy logistic stopovers but restoration as full-fledged foreign naval base not on the agenda. (rmks: It will be interesting to see what the Viet’s will do)04 MarchCHINA (Territorial Disputes)Three Chinese paramilitary CMS ships and a fishing boat entered the waters near the disputed Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands … advising Japanese coast guard patrol that the “islands belong to China.” (rmks: And so the stick-poking continues)CHINA+++ Internet forum on Project 056 corvettes: “Word on the street is that both Hudong No3 and Huangpu No3 are Project 056A with enhanced ASW capabilities, possibly better hull sonar and towed array sonar”.+++ China’s 2013 Defence budget to increase by 10.7 percent … “serving regional stability and world peace.” (rmks: This is called the peace through superior firepower approach)IRANFrigate SABALAN and supply ship KHARG dock at Zhangjiagang (China). (rmks: Birds of a feather …)NORTH KOREANorth Korea reportedly bolstering combat readiness of frontline units along the Northern Limit Line … re-deployed semi-submersible vessels and coastal artillery … indications are for a major military drill coinciding with joint US-South Korean exercises (said to have never happened before).PAKISTANThe Pakistan navy has kicked off multi-national exercise “Aman 13” … until 08 Mar in North Arabian Sea … focused on “terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain” … participants and/or observers from more than 30 navies, with Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia (Special Operation Force only) Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA providing a total of 18 ships, 9*SOF/EOD teams and a number aircraft. (rmks: 4th and thus far largest exercise in “Aman” series which began in 2007)PIRACYKK Update: Russian Pacific Fleet anti-piracy task group with destroyer RFS MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV, tanker IRKUT and salvage tug ALATAU has ended anti-piracy operations and commenced home transit … 26 -30 Mar will call at Langkawi (Malaysia) to join Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA-2013) … another port visit planned from 14 – 18 Apr to Busan (South Korea) … expected back home in Vladivostok by end Apr.RUSSIAYantar shipyard is preparing Baltic Fleet frigate RFS NEUSTRASHIMIY for a “long-range mission.” (rmks: It’s likely it’s been drafted into KK service)UKRAINEAs Russia has not been using the Nitka Naval Pilot Training Center to its full capacity, Ukraine is considering leasing out the carrier-deck pilot training site in Crimea also to “other countries” … with India and China regarded possible candidates. (rmks: Pretty much saw that one coming last year)USABoth Lockheed Martin and Austal have been formally ordered to each build two more Littoral Combat Ships … LCS-13 through LCS-16 … deliveries by 2018 … part of contracts from 2010, now funded. (rmks: While we are downsizing good ships, we are building high-priced junk. Par for the liberal course)05 MarchINDIAA Chetak naval helicopter crashed during routine training flight off Vishakhapatnam … two crew rescued from water, another two missing.IRAN (related)US CentCom, Gen James Mattis, has warned (Iran) not to test US resolve in the Gulf after the US Navy scaled back its presence in the area …”no adversary should underestimate American military power in the region.”ITALYFincantieri in Riva Trigoso cut first steel for 6th Italian navy FREMM type (BERGAMINI class) frigate … to be delivered in early 2017.NORTH KOREAAhead of expected new harsh sanctions to be decided by the UN Security Council, North Korea has vowed to formally cancel the 1953 cease-fire that ended the Korean War.(rmks: another push to entice the US into direct peace talks)RUSSIA+++ Newly-built submarine rescue ship RFS IGOR BELOUSOV is scheduled to start mooring tests in October this year … delivery planned in 2014.+++ Former Chief of Staff, Main Naval Staff, Adm (ret) Viktor Kravchenko: “For the time being, the Russian navy lacks the means for establishing a permanent Mediterranean squadron.” (rmks: Obviously he’s not marching in lockstep with Czar Vlad’s administration)+++ Zvezdochka shipyard (Severodvinsk) reportedly is to refit and modernize two laid-up SIERRA-I class (Project 945) submarines RFS KARP and KOSTROMA (refuel nuclear reactors; replace navigation and sonar systems) … by 2017.USA+++ The USS EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group has passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean enroute the Gulf region.+++ Sequestration: The US Navy has canceled upcoming deployment of frigate USS KAUFFMAN to the Caribbean and along the South American coastline, where it was to take part in anti-drug operation “Martillo”06 MarchCHINAPhoto published on the Internet suggests decommissioned LUDA class destroyer 161 used as target in what seems to have been a missile firing exercise (extensively damaged). (rmks: The date of the event is unclear; could also be “historic” picture)EGYPTWhile unrest at Port Said and other cities continues, the chairman of the Suez Canal Authority insists traffic in the Suez Canal has remained unimpeded and “fully secured” by the armed forces.FRANCEHelicopter carrier FS TONNERRE and destroyer FS GEORGES LEYGUES sail from Brest to start this year’s cadet training cruise (Mission Jeanne d’Arc 2013) … three phases: Mediterranean / Red Sea with visits to Jordan and Saudi Arabia; join EU anti-piracy operation “Atalanta”; South/South East Asia with visits to Vietnam, Singapore and India.IRANUpdate: IRIN commander RAdm Sayyari now says the task group has docked at Zhanjiang (South China Sea) … other sources still claim Zhangjiagang (near Shanghai).NORTH KOREANorth Korea has declared restricted areas off its east and west coasts, indicating upcoming major military exercises, possibly including live missile firing.SOUTH KOREAIndigenous anti-submarine torpedoes reportedly “not fit for combat” … test-firings show only five out of eight torpedoes hit their target. (rmks: From a bubblehead perspective, those odds really suck)UNITED KINGDOMTYPE 42 destroyer HMS EDINBURGH has completed her South Atlantic patrol and commenced home transit … enroute to conduct a number of visits to foreign ports … on 06 Mar arrived at Mayport (Florida, USA). (rmks: This is set to be her last hoorah cruise – final deployment before decommissioning)USA+++ After the USS EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group entered the Mediterranean, cruiser USS HUE CITY and German navy frigate FGS HAMBURG split from the carrier for a port visit to Alicante (Spain).+++ Sequestration: The US Navy also cancelled planned anti-drug deployment for San Diego-based frigate USS RENTZ.+++ Life on the Reef Update: Official decommissioning ceremony to be held for USS GUARDIAN at her home port Sasebo (Japan) … crew to take over sister ship USS WARRIOR … dismantling GUARDIAN at Tubbataha Reef has begun, with stack and upper deck house already removed.07 MarchCANADAIrving Shipbuilding (Halifax) has been contracted with designing Arctic offshore patrol ships … construction expected to start in 2015 … the government has promised to build between six and eight of the vessels. (rmks: That is, if there aren’t any OTHER delays)ISRAEL – GREECE - USAThe navies of Israel, Greece and the US begin two-week (until 21 Mar) exercise “Noble Dina” … around Crete and in the Eastern Mediterranean … focus on search & rescue but also defending offshore natural gas platforms, air operations and anti-submarine warfare … annual event established in 2011, after relations between Israel and Turkey soured (rmks: and “Noble Dina” with Greek navy replaced “Reliant Mermaid” with Turkish navy).NETHERLANDSIn cooperation with the Netherlands coast guard, patrol ship HNLMS FRIESLAND in the Caribbean intercepted a shipment of nearly 1,500 kg cocaine. (rmks: FRIESLAND is currently deployed as Caribbean station ship)NIGERIA - UNITED KINGDOMNigeria and UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral military cooperation, to tackle local terrorism and maritime insecurity.PIRACYKK Update: (Routine rotational) change of command of multinational CTF-151 … RAdm Giam Hock Koon (Singapore) takes over from Cdre Muhammad Hisham (Pakistan) during ceremony in Bahrain.SRI LANKAA Sri Lanka navy patrol boat intercepted a trawler carrying 54 persons illegally bound for Australia.THE KOREASNorth Korea officially has cancelled the armistice, denounced “all non-aggression pacts” with the South, cut the “hot line” and threatened “preemptive nuclear strike” (against USA) … begun submarine operations ahead of upcoming military exercises. (rmks: Kim Jong-un should be wise enough to not actually planning to go to war - which would mean the end of his regime, however, “tit-for-tat” incidents could escalate beyond control; expect precautionary forward deployment of US Navy BMD-capable ships).UNITED KINGDOM – USAWhile there is no program to fit TYPE 45 destroyers with Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) capability, HMS DARING will join the US Navy in BMD-trials … testing her Sampson radar in detecting and tracking ballistic targets.(rmks: no time table yet).YEMEN (IRAN)The Yemeni navy reportedly has seized Iranian cargo vessel JIHAN while it was smuggling weapons into a Yemeni fishing boat near the Bab el- Mandeb Strait … no date given … second allegedly Iranian arms shipment intercepted this year.(rmks: Tehran, of course, vehemently denies. It’s as clear as glass to me – the stuff is part of a cultural enrichment program)08 MarchPHILIPPINES – MALAYSIAThe Philippine navy has intercepted two boats carrying 121 people … “Sulu Army” members who after a more than two-week stand-off had ended their “invasion” to Malaysian Sabah province, heading back to Philippine territory.USADeparture of the USS KEARSARGE Amphibious Ready Group from Norfolk, originally planned today, has been rescheduled for 11 Mar due to forecasted high winds and a potentially heavy sea state.UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTSUSA (08 Mar)The KEARSARGE Amphibious Ready Group (KEARSARGE, SAN ANTONIO, CARTER HALL, with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit) will deploy from Norfolk/Little Creek/Camp Lejeune on 08 Mar … regular rotation of forces in 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (rmks: Will replace USS PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group, deployed since mid Sep)USA (06 Apr)USS ARLINGTON scheduled to be commissioned on 06 Apr … ceremony at Norfolk naval base.RUSSIA (20 Mar)Yantar shipyard (Kaliningrad) now plans keel laying for 4th ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH class (Project 11356) frigate, ADMIRAL BUTAKOV, on 20 Mar … however, “date is preliminary and may be again postponed” … launch of type ship ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH “in autumn” (this year) with delivery in 2014.(rmks: keel laying for ADMIRAL BUTAKOV originally scheduled on 12 Oct, 2012, but deferred with no reasons given).SINGAPORE (14 May)International Maritime Defence Exhibition IMDEX Asia 2013 to be held from 14 – 16 May at the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore.
March 14, 201313 yr Littoral Combat Ship LCS-1 USS FREEDOM left San Diego on 01 Mar for her first operational deployment … spend eight months in Singapore for regional maritime security operations. (rmks: Any odds on the number of days out of Pearl, she breaks down?)Time to start counting.
March 16, 201313 yr Author Believe-it-or-not, she actually made it to Pearl. No news on her condition. No comes the big leap - making it form Pearl to Singapore.
March 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.Navy News Summary – Volume I, Edition 4Some pretty interesting stuff going on – especially in the Gulf region with Iran. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Enjoy the summaries!05 MarchISRAELSecond DOLPHIN-II (AIP) submarine, RAHAV, rolled out from building hall at German HDW shipyard (Kiel) … delivery in 2014. (rmks: first DOLPHIN-II, HYH TANIN, still in Kiel, probably for crew training)06 MarchVIETNAM – RUSSIAVietnam and Russia “this year” will sign an agreement allowing the Russian navy to use Vietnamese ports for logistic stops. (rmks: What’s that old saying about once the camel’s nose is in the tent)07 MarchGREECE – TURKEYGreece has renewed territorial claims over disputed waters in the Aegean Sea, where it hopes to find vast oil and gas deposits … risks sparking confrontation with Turkey. (rmks: Ah, if it’s spring it must mean the old Greek-Turk animosity is in season)IRANFrigate SABALAN and supply ship KHARG leave Zhangjiagang (rmks: yes, now it’s again this port near Shanghai vs. the Chinese South Sea Fleet base at Zhangjian) … conduct short Passex with Chinese navy units, then head for the Strait of Malacca and subsequent port visit to Colombo (Sri Lanka).PIRACYSomalia: Somali pirates released two ships: chemical tanker ROYAL GRACE (hijacked on 04 Mar, 2012, off the Omani coast) and suezmax tanker SMYRNI (hijacked on 10 May, 2012, in the Arabian Sea) … both ships heading for Salalah (Oman). (rmks: Really magnanimous of the cockroaches)SENEGAL (multinational)US-led maritime security cooperation exercise “Sahara Express 2013” kicks off at Senegalese naval base Dakar … annual event since 2011 … at sea activities as well as seminars / discussions (focus on information sharing) with governmental and non-governmental participants from Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, France, Gambia, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, UK, and US.UNITED KINGDOMRoyal Marine Commandos at Naval Base Clyde have (recently) taken delivery of two former MOD Police ISLAND class patrol boats MULL and RONA. (rmks: What in the heck are the Brit Jarheads going to do with boats)USAAircraft carrier USS EISENHOWER arrives off Marseille (France) for a scheduled visit until 10 Mar. (rmks: Stopover enroute Middle-East deployment)08 MarchFRANCESupply/Command ship FS SOMME sails from Brest or the Indian Ocean region … to join multinational CTF-150 in anti-terror operation “Enduring Freedom”.NORTH KOREAState TV showed Kim Jong-un visiting troops at the coast, riding in a naval patrol craft. (rmks: Whopty-freaking do. He is obviously putting on his brave clown face)IRAN (related / non-naval)+++ India is set to halt all crude imports from Iran because refineries processing the oil will no longer be insured due to US/EU sanctions … India is Iran’s second-largest crude buyer.+++ Already in Sep 2012, Iran and North Korea signed a “scientific-cooperation pact” … said to bear a “close resemblance” to one North Korea signed with Syria in 2002, after which Pyongyang had begun secretly constructing a plutonium-producing nuclear reactor in eastern Syria. (rmks: Whacko’s they’re all alike. The bad thing is – all of ‘em want nukes)MEXICOThe Mexican navy freed 104 Central American migrants kidnapped by an organized crime group.USA+++ Frigate USS UNDERWOOD decommissioned during ceremony at Mayport (Florida) … sister ship USS KLAKRING to follow later this month. (rmks: They are both likely candidates for the secondary market. Anyone want to lay odds on who will claim them?)+++ Second Joint High Speed Vessel, future USS CHOCTAW COUNTY (JHSV-2), successfully completes builder's sea trials off Mobile, Ala. … delivery this summer.09 MarchCHINA (Territorial Disputes)China Marine Surveillance (CMS) has set up a new detachment at the “city of Sansha” … enhancing administrative management to effectively cover the whole South China Sea. (rmks: Sansha is China's youngest “city,” established only in July last year on Yongxing Island in the South China Sea).EGYPTEgyptian protesters in Port Said untied moored speedboats used to supply shipping on the Suez Canal, apparently hoping they would drift into the waterway and disrupt passing vessels … officials: Suez Canal traffic has remained unaffected from unrest.USA - SOUTH KOREAFour US Navy destroyers arrive in South Korea … to support current (01 Mar – 20 Apr) bilateral exercise “Foal Eagle 2013” … USS LASSEN and FITZGERALD berth at Donghae, USS JOHN S. McCAIN and McCAMPBELL pull into Pyeongtaek. (rmks: All four forward-based at Yokosuka, Japan).YEMEN (IRAN)Update: The Yemeni government officially denied reports that the Yemeni navy (on 07 March) had seized an Iranian cargo vessel involved in smuggling weapons … publication of the story on the interior ministry`s website was an ”unintentional mistake”.10 MarchCHINA+++ Paramilitary China Coast Guard, Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) and (maritime) Customs, currently under separate ministries, will be amalgamated into one body, overseen by the State Oceanic Administration (NOA) … set to be approved on 14 Mar … in addition to this move, a “high-level consultation and coordinating body”, the National Oceanic Commission, will be set up to “formulate oceanic development strategies and coordinate important oceanic affairs.” (rmks: NOA already commands China Marine Surveillance – CMS; statements do not mention Maritime Security Agency – MSA – subordinate to ministry of transport. The administration for stick-poking ops just became an official entity)+++ Fanyu Yinghui shipyard (Guangdong) launched new China Rescue vessel BAI HAI JIU 203.EGYPTWhile traffic in the Suez Canal thus has remained unaffected from civil unrest, 14 ships reportedly changed their destination from Port Said to ports in Israel or Cyprus … after rumored threats to block port facilities and “close” the waterway.INDIAThe government is “finalizing” new defence procurement procedures which in all contracts will give priority to domestic companies … foreign suppliers will only be “last option”.INDIA – MYANMARTwo Myanmar navy ships (one frigate, one corvette) begin a port visit to Visakhapatnam (India) which will be followed by first-ever joint exercises with the Indian navy (Passex; “joint patrol”) in the Bay of Bengal.IRAN - OMANIranian navy commander RAdm Habibollah Sayyari in official visit to Oman … plan to expand naval cooperation and stage more joint naval exercises. (rmks: Now this is interesting)IRAN (related / non-naval)The Iranian Ground Forces plan to test-fire three types of new indigenous missiles during an upcoming exercise, probably to be conducted by the end of the current Persian calendar year (ending on 20 Mar)MALAYSIAA Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) patrol vessel intercepted a boat loaded with 126 Rohingya migrants … leaky boat that was on the verge of sinking … without food and fuel … believed to have been at sea for 25 days.SPAINSpanish navy sail training ship JUAN SEBASTIAN DE ELCANO sails from Las Palmas (Canary Islands) to start a 100-day cadet training cruise … cross the Atlantic for visits to San Juan (Puerto Rico, Colon (Panama), Miami and Newport (USA) … then Den Helder (Netherlands), Santander (Spain), Bayonne (France) and, finally, Marin (Spain).11 MarchBRAZILThe second of three AMAZONAS class offshore patrol vessels, APA (P 121), sails from Portsmouth (UK) … BAe System to hand over third ship, ARAGUARI, in June. (rmks: Three ships originally ordered by Trinidad & Tobago coast guard which then cancelled contract)INDONESIA – UNIFILIndonesian navy frigate DIPONEGORO sails for the Mediterranean … join UNIFIL Maritime Task Force off Lebanon for six months.UKRAINEThree dolphins from a mammal squadron escaped to open sea during an exercise … disappeared since. (rmks: reportedly carry “arms” attached to their heads)12 MarchCHINA+++ Ice conditions permitting, a commercial Chinese shipping company plans to use a “shortcut” through the Arctic Ocean to Europe and/or the US … in summer this year. (rmks: Follow the route ice breaker XUELONG explored in summer 2012. The thing is – whose claim are they brazenly going to trek through).+++ New JIANGDAO class (Proj 056) missile corvette BENGBU (582) officially joined the East Sea Fleet at Zhoushan.INDIAThe Indian navy reportedly is prepared to lease a second AKULA class submarine from Russia … might even finance completing one such boat under construction at Amur shipyard.IRAN – IRAQThe Iranian IRGC navy (Pasdaran Sea) and the Iraqi navy have signed an agreement on increased cooperation … up to mutual visits and joint exercises. (rmks: Should particularly apply to Shatt-el-Arab border region)NEW ZEALANDNew Zealand is planning to reinstate an anti-submarine warfare suite in its six P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft … about 12 years after a previous government axed the aircraft's ASW capability.PIRACYIndia - Italy: The Italian government has decided that two Italian naval infantry soldiers, detained in India since last year after killing two fishermen (mistaken for pirates) and allowed to go to Italy for voting in last month's elections, will not return to India … Indian government “not amused,” take the issue to foreign ministry level. (rmks: Both had been allowed home for a Christmas “leave,” after which they had returned to India. What did they think – they would actually come back!)THE KOREASNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un made another visit to coastal artillery sites opposite South Korean-held islands in the Yellow Sea … state TV wording, however, not as “belligerent” as in recent days.TURKEYThe Turkish navy now “permanently commissioned” first new LCT-class landing ship (C-151). (rmks: Delivered in March, 2012, to be “temporarily” commissioned for a one-year warranty period)UNITED KINGDOMTYPE 42 destroyer HMS EDINBURGH begins a port visit to New York (USA) … until 17 Mar. (rmks: Returning from her final South Atlantic deployment to be decommissioned when getting home).13 MarchCHINA (Territorial Disputes)With Vietnam: China Marine Surveillance ships HAIJIAN 262 and HAIJIAN 263 drove out two Vietnamese fishing vessels from “China’s territorial waters,” around the Paracel Archipelago (Xisha Islands). (rmks: Which they don’t actually own, was apparently left on the cutting room floor)MALAYSIA – PHILIPPINESPhilippine coast guard and navy have intensified patrols in the Sulu Sea off Malaysian Sabah province … 34 ships and boat reportedly operating to prevent further “Sulu Army” members from infiltrating to Sabah … already intercepted two boats loaded with armed fighters.PIRACYKeystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces (KK)) Update: In the Gulf of Aden, the 13th Chinese anti-piracy task group (HUANGSHAN, HENGYANG, QINGHAI HU) has handed its mission over to the 14th group (HARBIN, MIANYANG, WEISHAN HU) … both groups to operate jointly for another five days; 13th group then to commence home transit (rmks: with port visits enroute to be expected). (rmks: More groove cutting in the water and burning DFM, for nothing. That ought to be the KK’s motto)RUSSIA+++ Defence minister Shoigu has ordered all services to look for savings options … identify projects too costly or redundant … aim is not to reduce the overall budget but to allocate available means more prudently.+++ “Sources”: In a “reform of the reform,” combat aircraft may be returned to the Baltic Fleet … one regiment with Su-24 Fencer and Su-27 Flanker to be stationed at Chernyakhovsk airfield … some aircraft later also to fly out of Chkalovsk which is being reconstructed (to be completed by end 2013) … second regiment with An-26, Tu-134 and later An-140-100 transport aircraft and Ka-27, Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters to be based at Chkalovsk and Khrabrovo. (rmks: Baltic Fleet aviation combat aircraft units currently subordinated to the Air Force and Air Defense of the Western Military District).+++ After one year of repair work at Murmansk, nuclear-powered (civilian) ice breaker RFS TAJMIR has become operational again … on 19 Mar will resume work on the Northern Sea Route. (rmks: In March, 2012, suffered leaks in steam generators)THE KOREAS (related / non-naval)+++ South Korean military: the military hotline at Panmunjom remains active. The Red Cross line is the line that has been cut.+++ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervises artillery drill near disputed S. Korea border. (rmks: You don’t think this idiot is dumb enough to actually pull the trigger do you?)UKRAINEThe Ministry of Defence has begun a complex inspection to assess readiness of the Ukrainian navy’s coastal missile forces. (rmks: Live missile firing possible).USAThe US Navy has ordered six additional next-generation MQ-8C Fire Scout UAV from Northrop Grumman … increased range, endurance and payload capacity over the current MQ-8B variant … plans to purchase a total of 30 such UAV, 14 of which are currently contracted … scheduled to begin deploying in 2014.14 MarchAUSTRALIAARMIDALE class patrol boat HMAS CHILDERS rescues all 77 asylum seekers from their broken-up/capsized boat near Ashmore Island.IRAN (related / non-naval)+++ US President Obama (ahead of upcoming visit to Israel): Iran is about one year away from developing a nuclear weapon … US “will not tolerate” nuclear-armed Iran … military force remains an option if sanctions and diplomacy fail.+++ The US imposed sanctions on a Greek shipping magnate accused of secretly helping Iran sell its petroleum in defiance of international restrictions on Iranian oil exports. (rmk: On no! Don’t impose more sanction! Like the existing one are doing much good)+++ Iranian air force fighter aircraft intercept and shadow a US Predator drone (operating out of Oman) … in international airspace … no attempt reported to shoot it down.PIRACY+++ Gulf of Aden: Embarked Italian naval infantry protection team said to have foiled an attack by six skiffs on Italian merchant vessel sailing from Djibouti for Muscat (Oman) … Italian navy corvette COMANDANTE FULGOSI CIGALA rushing to assist and escort the ship. (rmks: Italian navy website; no other source yet)+++ KK Update: US destroyer USS FARRAGUT (CTF-151) has left the Indian Ocean operations area … passed the Suez Canal enroute home transit … had served as CTF-151 flagship.RUSSIABaltic Fleet frigate RFS YAROSLAV MUDRIY together with landing ships RFS KALININGRAD and ALEXANDER SHABALIN enter Beirut (Lebanon) for a port visit and logistic stop … until 16 Mar … afterwards allegedly (rmks: wait and see) to head for Tartus (Syria). (rmks: Had sailed from Baltiysk on 18 Dec, 2012, for Mediterranean deployment)UKRAINEUpdate: Defense Ministry vehemently denies media reports on “AWOL dolphins” … none of the marine mammals have fled … none of them are used for military purposes (rmks: then why is MoD involved?) … “whole story of their escape a hoax”.UNITED KINGDOMTYPE 23 frigate PORTLAND has completed a 12-month upgrade and returned to the operational fleetUSA+++ A US Navy Department report to Congress on combatant vessel force structure requirements calls for maintaining 88 total destroyers and cruisers for the next three decades … down from the projected need for 94 ships that was stated in 2012.+++ Three US Navy ships scheduled to sail from Norfolk to the UK for participation in upcoming multinational exercise “Joint Warrior” reportedly have remained in port … due to sequestration.+++ Despite the ongoing federal budget crunch the US Navy still plans on relocating dock landing ship USS NEW YORK from Virginia to Mayport Naval Station this year (01 Dec) … the other USS IWO JIMA Amphibious Ready Group’s ships to follow at a later date.UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTSRUSSIA (16 Mar9On 16 March, a Main Naval Staff team will start a comprehensive inspection of the Black Sea Fleet. (rmks: Don’t you love INSURV. In late 2011, the Black Sea Fleet had flunked such an inspection).UNITED KINGDOM (19 Mar)TYPE 45 destroyer HMS DRAGON is to sail from Portsmouth on 19 Mar for her scheduled 7-month Middle East “East of Suez”). (rmks: Godspeed on your maiden deployment!)UNITED KINGDOM (20 Mar)The Royal Navy on 20 Mar will take delivery of TYPE 45 destroyer HMS DUNCANBLACKSEAFORCE (05 Apr)Next activation of multinational BlackSeaFor scheduled from 05 to 23 Apr … this time to be commanded by Turkish navy … Russian Black Sea Fleet top deploy ROPUCHA class landing ship NOVOCHERKASSK.BAHRAIN - USA (multinational) (05 May)US-CentCom led “International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2013” (IMCMEX 13) scheduled from 05 – 24 May at Bahrain … with 48 countries participating will be “largest ever” MCM exercise. (rmks: As with IMCMEX-12, only very few navies will actually deploy MCM vessels or MCM divers; most participate as oberservers or join shore-based seminars and discussions.)
March 16, 201313 yr 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. UNITED KINGDOM Royal Marine Commandos at Naval Base Clyde have (recently) taken delivery of two former MOD Police ISLAND class patrol boats MULL and RONA. (rmks: What in the heck are the Brit Jarheads going to do with boats) Use them for covert beach landing - the Royal Marines are a lot closer to Special Forces than a conventional army.
March 25, 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.Navy News Summary – Volume I, Edition 6Another week has come and gone, as the navies of the world prowl the seas – with various levels of success and infamy. Hope everyone enjoys this week’s summary of international naval happenings.09 MarchINDIAReturning from overhaul in Severodvinsk (Russia), KILO class submarine INS SINDHURAKSHAK has visited Cartagena (Spain) … afterwards heading for Alexandria (Egypt) and subsequent Suez Canal passage. (rmks: Before, also had visited Portsmouth, UK)RUSSIAZelenodolsk (Gorkiy) shipyard has launched BUYAN-M (Proj 21631) missile corvette GRAD SVIYAZHSK … second boat UGLICH to follow end of March … both to be delivered to Caspian Sea Flotilla by year end.11 MarchGREECEVAdm Evangelos Apostolakis (former DepCdrGenStaff) deputy) takes over as Commander Hellenic Navy while VAdm Panagiotis Litsas (former DepCdrNav) assumes command of the Hellenic Fleet. (rmks: What navy and fleet. They’re lucky if they have two Euros to rub together. It sounds like more deck chair shuffling on the Titanic)13 MarchCHINAFirst Wuhan-built new JIANGDAO (Proj 56) class corvette has commenced sea trials … shows hull number 584. (rmks: And the ChiComs keep cranking-out the ships like there is no tomorrow. I wonder if that has any significance? Nah, couldn’t be that they’re preparing to activate their string of pearls strategy)14 MarchINDIALast of three Russian (Yantar)-built Batch 2 TALWAR class frigates, INS TRIKAND, successfully completed contractor sea trials in the Eastern Baltic. (rmks: Huzzah! I’ve forgotten the number of months it is behind)RUSSIARecent media reports allege the first BOREJ class submarines will be deployed with the Northern Fleet instead of going to the Pacific as originally planned … new Pacific submarine base at Vilyuchinsk not ready in time, and boats nearer to Sevmash manufacturer (warranty works).SENEGAL (multinational)US-led, multinational maritime exercise “Saharan Express 2013” … focusing on counter-piracy and maritime security operations … successfully concluded with post-sail discussions and a press conference at Dakar (Senegal).15 MarchAUSTRALIAThe first of eight CAPE class patrol boat built at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia for the Customs and Border Protection Service has been officially named HMAS CAPE ST. GEORGE.FRANCEOn long-distance test cruise, FREMM type frigate FS AQUITAINE arrives at Cartagena (Colombia).GERMANYGerman armed forces sign deal with Eurocopter providing (a.o.) for 18 NFH90 maritime helicopters for the German Navy.IRAN (related / non-naval)The US has imposed sanctions on two Iranian companies providing insurance services to the country's main petroleum shipper, trying to compensate for loss of European insurers. (rmks: Like that’s really going to stop them)IRANRAdm Sayyari: After completing current Asian tour, the Iranian navy will also sail to the Atlantic.PIRACYKeystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces (KK)) Update: Finnish soldiers take over duties from German marines as vessel protection detachments embarked on World Food Program ships sailing to Somalia … part of EU operation “Atalanta.” (rmks: And the cockroaches (excuse me, pirate) quake with fear … NOT!)RUSSIAA new carrier-deck pilot training site under construction at Yeisk (Russian Black Sea coast) will be “ready for operation by fall” … replace Soviet-era Nitka facility on the Crimea (today in Ukraine).THE KOREAS (related / non-naval)+++ The North Korean army test-fired a pair of short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles into its eastern waters (Japan Sea).+++ US SecDef announces enhancing BMD capabilities for US mainland … up to 14 additional ground-based interceptors to be deployed on the US West Coast … bring the total number of interceptors to 44, returning to the number originally proposed by the Bush administration but reduced by Obama in 2009.USAAmphibious assault ship USS BONHOMME RICHARD currently off Okinawa, practicing non-combatant evacuation(rmks: On West Pacific spring deployment since late Jan)16 MarchTHE KOREAS (related / non-naval)A North Korean propaganda website has warned of strikes against Southern islands and advised residents to leave … targets to include Yeonpyeong island, attacked by Northern forces in 2010.USA+++ More than 250,000 US troops will be denied tuition for classes this year, because of mandatory cuts in federal spending. (rmks: Don’t you just love how the current administration is treating the troops?)+++ 7th Fleet flag ship USS BLUE RIDGE arrives at Kure (Japan) for a scheduled port visit.(rmks: makes active participation in ongoing South Korean-US exercises “Foal Eagle”/”Key Resolve” unlikely)+++ Keel laying ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding for 12th VIRGINIA class submarine … USS JOHN WARNER only VIRGINIA class submarine to bear the name of a person (former Senator) … delivery in 2015.17 MarchFRANCEMinehunters FS PEGASE and SAGITTAIRE loaded on board special transport ship JUMBO JUBILEE … at Brest … probably heading for Saudi Arabia / the Gulf region.IRAN+++ Second JAMARAN class (Project Mowj) frigate launched at Anzali (Caspian Sea) … President Ahmadinejad attending ceremony … to become “operational in six months” … contradictory media reports speak of VELAYAT as well as of DAMAVAND … one report suggests actually two ships, with the second one built at Bandar Abbas and “planned to be launched soon.” (rmks: Could be previously announced VELAYAT now renamed DAMAVAND, but have to wait a bit for clarification)+++ Frigate SABALAN and supply ship KHARG on return transit from China to Iran … have passed the Strait of Malacca, heading towards Colombo (Sri Lanka) for a scheduled port visit … “warned off” an Australian reconnaissance aircraft approaching for photo taking.RUSSIANavy commander Adm Chirkov reaffirms plans to create permanent Mediterranean task force … made up of “5-6 ships, mostly frigates and cruisers” … protect national security and Russia’s interests in the region, and prevent potential pirate attacks … similar flotillas may be created for the Indian and Pacific Oceans.SOUTH AFRICACopper thefts have put the SA Navy’s Silvermine primary communications center out of action … five kilometers of copper cable stolen from the facility in the past year … secondary station in Durban still working.USA+++ “Insider”: The US Navy most likely will not continue to buy both Littoral Combat Ship variants after 2015 … decide for one variant with probably reduced numbers. (rmks: They shouldn’t be buying either one! They’re both overpriced and underperforming white elephants)+++ Aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER has passed the Suez Canal, heading south into the Red Sea(rmks: To replace JOHN C. STENNIS in Gulf region deployment)+++ (Speaking of which) The Aircraft carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS has completed a visit to Jebel Ali (Dubai) and got underway. (rmks: Should now be heading for the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently – after handover to USS EISENHOWER – back home)18 MarchCANADAFrigate HMCS REGINA returns to home port Esquimalt (B.C.), completing an 8-month Middle East deployment.CHINA (Territorial Disputes)+++ Update: A Chinese navy official for the first time admitted that a frigate did direct a fire-control radar at a Japanese destroyer … in international waters in the East China Sea … saying an “emergency decision” had been made by the commander of the frigate. (rmks: You know what the definition of an excuse is? A lie with a reason. This “update” fits that definition)+++ Current images suggest JIANGWEI-I class frigate ANQING (539) stocking up for a longer deployment.IRAN+++ National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) has replaced its director, a former minister and ally of President Ahmadinejad … just over a year after he was appointed.+++ Following the launch of second JAMARAN class frigate, DAMAVAND (previous VELAYAT), another frigate, (currently called) SAHAND, will be launched “soon” to be operational by March 2014 (“end of next Iranian year”) … according to bloggers some 20-25 percent wider and slightly longer than JAMARAN.JAPANThe Japanese navy for the very first time has appointed female officers to command warships … destroyers SHIMAYUKI and SETOYUKI, however, not “front-line” ships but used for training.RUSSIA+++ Rubin Central Design Bureau has begun initial design work for future “fifth generation” submarine.+++ New ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH class (Proj. 11356) frigates will be fitted with latest Kalibr (SS-N-27) land-attack capable anti-ship missilesTHE KOREAS (related / non-naval)Media reports suggest partial mobilization in effect in North Korea since 11 Mar … “unlike any in a long time” … as it severely affects food production, it cannot be sustained for longer period … analysts: next two to three weeks critical … end of Chinese National People's Congress removes political constraint on decision making … timeframe (for action) until April when usual spring planting should start.TURKEYCommemorating the 98th anniversary of the victory against the Allied Fleet on 18 March, 1915, the Turkish navy conducted a naval parade in the Dardanelles. (rmks: Annual event)USA+++ Repairs to fire-damaged submarine USS MIAMI postponed … due to high costs (US$450M) might be scrapped after all.+++ Budget impasse is causing delays in development of mission packages (modules) for Littoral Combat Ships+++ Life on the Reef Update: Work to cut up the hull of minesweeper ex-USS GUARDIAN grounded on a Philippine reef expected to begin shortly … weather permitting.+++ Aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN has completed more than 1-year overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard … leaving Bremerton back to her traditional homeport of San Diego.19 MarchCHINAA South Sea Fleet task force sails from Sanya (Hainan) to the South China Sea and West Pacific … for a “large-scale, far-reaching” exercise … “three battle groups” to practice mobilization of forces and “simulate actual combat situations” … participants include destroyer LANZHOU, frigates YULIN and HENGSHUI, dock landing ship JIANGGANGSHAN (999), and (naval) aviation. (rmks: Annual event; in May 2012, conducted “three dimensional landing exercise”)FRANCEUpdate: Mine hunters FS PEGASE and SAGITTAIRE, loaded on board heavy transport ship JUMBO JUBILEE, will be brought to French naval base at Abu Dhabi (UAE) … for operations in the Persian Gulf.PIRACY+++ KK Update: A Russian Baltic Fleet task group with frigate RFS NEUSTRASHIMIY, tanker RFS YELNYA and salvage tug RFS YEVGENIY KHOROV has sailed from Baltiysk for the Gulf of Aden. (rmks: Will likely replace Northern Fleet task group currently on anti-piracy operations).+++ KK Update: Swedish navy mine layer HSwMS CARLSKRONA is on her way to the Gulf of Aden … join EU NavFor from 06 Apr until 15 Aug.RUSSIA+++ The MoD has decided to - within the next two years - overhaul “all third-generation” AKULA class (Proj 971) attack submarines …”better stealth capabilities and improved electronics” … first boat already at Zvezdochka shipyard. (rmks: statement does not give names nor number of boats slated for this upgrade)+++ Planned permanent Mediterranean task force will have a command staff of some 25 officers, picked from Black Sea Fleet staff … HQ (command & control facilities) to be established in Novorossiysk or Sevastopol.+++ A Pacific Fleet task group comprised of destroyer RFS ADMIRAL PANTELEYEV, ROPUCHA class landing ships RFS ADMIRAL NEVELSKOY, PERESVET and OSLYABYA, tanker RFS PECHENGA and salvage tug RFS FOTIY KRYLOV sails from Vladivostok for the Pacific and Indian Ocean … conduct exercises and subsequently join anti-piracy operations.THE KOREAS (related / non-naval)+++ Unconfirmed reports suggest China has taken some extra security precautions against the ripple effects of an armed provocation … sent aircraft and ground forces to reinforce its border with North Korea and placed border forces on increased alert.+++ US Pentagon speaker: “During current exercises, B-52 bombers carried out simulated nuclear bombing raids on North Korea … sending a very strong signal that we have a firm commitment to the alliance with our South Korean allies”.UNITED KINGDOMTYPE 45 destroyer HMS DRAGON sails from Portsmouth on her maiden seven-month deployment to the Middle East.USA+++ Seven US Marines were killed and several others were injured in an explosion during a training exercise (firing 60-mm mortar rounds) at the Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada.+++ The US Navy will make 2013 the “Year of The Laser Gun” … moving forward beyond mere demonstrators. (rmks: Yet another freaking white elephant)20 MarchCAMEROON (FRANCE)Former French navy patrol boat FS GREBE, taken from service in 2010 and since laid up in Toulon, is handed over to Cameroon … currently on transfer voyage. (rmks: no information yet on new name/number)INDIAA submarine-launched version of the supersonic Brahmos anti-ship missile was "successfully" tested from an underwater pontoon off Visakhapatnam … first such test … currently, the Indian navy has no submarine capable to deploy this missile which requires vertical launch tubes … scheduled to eventually be fitted in planned (and much delayed) Project 75i submarines.THE KOREAS (related / non-naval)South Korea raises national threat level (from 4 to 3) after a cyber-attack targeting banks and TV stations led to major computer outages … as of yet, originator unclear although North Korea had been identified in similar action in 2009.PIRACYDuring a ministerial-level meeting in Cotonou (Benin), nearly two dozen West and Central African nations have pledged to combat the growing threat of piracy and maritime crime in their coastal waters … draft agreement (rmks: no details) requires approval of regional heads of state.RUSSIAUDALOY class destroyers reportedly to get a service-life extension and upgrade … refitted with Calibr (SS-N-27) anti-ship missiles, Redut air defence system, and a 130-mm gun … detailed requirements to be finalized by year-end … upgrade to first ship (speculated to be RFS ADMIRAL KHARLAMOV) to be completed by 2016.USA+++ Sailing from San Diego towards Singapore for her maiden deployment, USS FREEDOM has arrived in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility … currently heading for Guam for a scheduled visit.+++ Off Okinawa the USS BONHOMME RICHARD Amphibious Ready Group has completed a 10-day certification exercise (CERTEX) with 31st MEU. (rmks: On Spring Deployment to West Pacific)+++ “Southern Partnership Station 2013” now in Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala.+++ Aircraft carrier USS EISENHOWER has arrived in the Gulf of Aden, continuing enroute the Arabian Sea.21 MarchCYPRUS (RUSSIA)Not surprisingly, there are speculations that Cyprus might offer “basing rights” for the Russian navy in return for a financial bailout. (rmks: When all else fails (like seizing the savings accounts of it’s citizens), make a basing deal with the Russkies)INDONESIA (multinational)The Indonesian government is deliberating multinational naval exercises as part of efforts to improve stability in Southeast Asian waters … invite ASEAN member navies plus “up to ten partners” … pitch the plan during the International Maritime Security Symposium in Jakarta, which is slated for December.IRANOn return transit from China, frigate SABALAN and supply ship KHARG arrive at Colombo (Sri Lanka) for a scheduled port visit until 24 Mar.ISRAEL – GREECE – USAThe three navies have completed trilateral exercise “Noble Dina”PIRACYKK Update: 13th and 14th Chinese anti-piracy task group have ended joint operations in the Gulf of Aden. While 14th group now continues anti-piracy mission, the 13th group is heading north in the Red Sea for an excursion to the Mediterranean to conduct a number of port visits (rmks: press statement mentions Morocco and France) before commencing home transit.RUSSIALADA class submarine RFS ST. PETERBURG currently assisting with sea trials of export ships … frigate INS TRIKAND (for India) and a KILO-II class submarine (for Vietnam) … in April/May scheduled to leave the Baltic for a series of trials in the Barents Sea / White Sea. (rmks: Transfer to Barents Sea originally scheduled already last year)TAIWANThe Ministry of National Defense has launched another effort to study the feasibility of building indigenous submarines.THE KOREAS (related / non-naval)+++ North Korea threatens attacks on US military bases on Japan and Guam … “if provoked” … conducts (unusual) air raid drills.+++ China reportedly has suspended oil deliveries to North Korea. (rmks: That’s interesting. Let’s see what happens, if and when the candle get’s lit)UNITED KINGDOMDuring a ceremony at the Portsmouth Naval Base, the Royal Navy’s fifth DARING-class (TYPE 45) destroyer HMS DEFENDER will be formally commissioned into the fleet.USALife of the Reef Update: Operations to completely dismantle grounded minesweeper ex-USS GUARDIAN and remove her from Tubbataha Reef will continue into April. (rmks: The US Navy had been confident to finish work by 23 Mar)UPCOMING / PLANNED EVENTSTURKEY (07 May)11th International Defence Industry Exhibition scheduled from 07 – 10 May in Istanbul (Turkey) … Russian navy to send Black Sea Fleet DERGACH class missile corvette BORA.RUSSIA (Jul)November 2013, Sevmash will lay the keel for 5th and 6th BOREJ class submarines RFS ALEXANDER SUVOROV and MIKHAIL KUTUZOV.
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