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 II, Edition 1

 

Summer is over (sadly). I hope everyone had a joyous vacation/holiday period. With summer’s end, it’s time to get back to work updating the activities of the world’s navies. Enjoy!

 

29 August

 

PHILIPPINES

Indonesian PT PAL has emerged "lone eligible bidder" for construction of (at least) two strategic sealift vessels for the Philippine navy.

 

 

04 September

 

COLOMBIA

Christening ceremony at COTECMAR (Cartagena) for second OPV-80 patrol vessel, 7 DE AGOSTO.

 

HONDURAS

The Honduran navy commissions new Stan Patrol 4207 type patrol vessel LEMPIRA (FNH-1401) … built by Netherlands Damen under a leasing agreement … second boat MORAZAN (FNH-1402) to follow by year-end … contract also includes six smaller Damen Interceptor 1102 craft. (rmks: Time to update the HUCE OOB)

 

NETHERLANDS

Rumors on more "deep cuts” to defence budget … MoD reportedly plans publication of new defence planning around 17 Sep … local papers allege possible forgoing of joint support ship KAREL DOORMAN (currently under construction for delivery in 2015), citing cost overruns of more than 170 mio. Euro (above originally estimated 400 mio. Euro) … ship reportedly planned to be sold before completion; instead, a smaller and less expensive ship to be jointly procured with Belgium and Luxembourg. (rmks: waiting for confirmation)

04 September

 

 

05 September

 

MOZAMBIQUE

French CMN reportedly confirms signing of major export contract with Mozambique … “historic both in terms of number of ships and the variety of vessels” … said to include three OCEAN EAGLE 43 trimaran patrol vessels, three HSI 32 interceptors and eighteen fishing boats for a total of twenty-four vessels. (rmks: Paint me skeptical. I'll believe it when I see them rolling off the building ways)

 

 

06 September

 

AUSTRALIA

COLLINS class submarine WALLER arrives at Guam (USA) for a scheduled visit … reported as first ever visit of an Australian submarine to Guam.

 

CHINA (Stick-Poking Ops (aka Territorial Disputes))

With Philippines: China has placed 75 large concrete blocks near the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal (South China Sea), which is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but claimed by China as “sovereign territory” … concerns that China may be laying the foundation for a permanent facility. (rmks: Gotta love the ChiComs subtly ... it'slike a sledge hammer)

 

ITALY

+++ Italian coast guards intercepted a fishing boat with 300 Syrian and Afghan asylum seekers … some 30 nm southeast of Syracuse … taken to a port in Sicily.

+++ Fincantieri at Riva Trigoso (near Genova) lays the keel for the 6th Italian navy FREMM class frigate … LUIGI RIZZO to be delivered in 2017.

 

NETHERLANDS

Patrol ship HOLLAND returns to home port Den Helder, completing a 4-month Caribbean deployment

 

RUSSIA

New BOREJ class submarine ALEXANDER NEVSKIY conducted missile test, launching a Bulava submarine-launched-ballistic missile from the White Sea towards Kamchatka … technical malfunction ended missile flight shortly after one minute. Russian “Kommersant” claims missile not equipped with telemetry gear (rmks: ??? test without telemetry would not make much sense), therefore it will be difficult to determine cause of failure.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Interfax: Black Sea Fleet ALLIGATOR class landing ship sails from Sevastopol for Novorossiysk to load “special cargo” (rmks: one may well suspect military goods, arms, ammunition) before leaving the Black Sea for the Syrian port of Tartus.

+++ The US government has ordered all non-essential diplomatic staff/families to leave Lebanon … fears that a strike on Syria could trigger Hizballah terror and severely affect security. (rmks: Ya' think!)

 

THE KOREAS

North Korea has agreed to restore the military hotline with the South.

 

VIETNAM

The Vietnamese Navy held a ceremony to announce the decision of forming a seaplane squadron equipped with DHC-6 (Twin Otter 400) amphibious aircraft.

 

 

07 September

 

BELGIUM

Frigate LEOPOLD I leaves Den Helder (Netherlands) for its home base of Zeebrugge, following the completion of a two-year modernization period. (rmks: Welcome back into the action)

 

CANADA

The government looks set to abandon purchase of long-delayed CH-148 Cyclone naval helicopters … sent a military team to Britain to evaluate aircraft “other than Cyclone” (such as Merlin Mk1).

 

ITALY

More boats with several hundred asylum seekers (mostly from Syria) arrive at the Italian island of Lampedusa.

 

RUSSIA

One day after a failed Bulava missile test, defence minister Shoigu has put state trials for BOREJ class submarines ALEXANDER NEVSKIY and VLADIMIR MONOMAKH on hold and ordered five additional tests for the troubled missile … originally, both submarines had been scheduled for delivery by year end, but their commissioning is “dependent on successful Bulava tests”.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

The EU has asked the US to postpone strike on Syria until UN chemical weapons inspectors have completed their report … at the same time, some media report that US Congress might delay its vote by at least one week.

 

USA

The US Navy commissions VIRGINA-class attack submarine MINNESOTA (SSN 783), during a pier side ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

 

 

08 September

 

COLOMBIA (multinational)

Naval forces (19 warships) from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru, UK and USA kick off annual multinational exercise UNITAS 2013 in Cartagena, Colombia … hosted by the Colombian navy will run through 15 Sep in the Western Caribbean … observers from Belize, El Salvador, Germany, Jamaica, Panama and Mexico.

 

CHINA – JAPAN

In a probable “familiarization flight”, two Chinese H-6 bombers (rmks: Badger derivate) flew a round trip from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean, passing also through airspace between Okinawa and adjacent islands … without violating Japanese airspace … Japan scrambled fighter aircraft. (rmks: Leave it to the ChiComs to find new ways of using the sticking-poking tactic)

 

PALESTINE (GAZA)

Hamas Interior Minister Fathi Hammad announced plans to open a “naval academy” soon in the Gaza Strip … part of the already existing police academy, an “extension of all marine sciences which benefit the society in civilian and other affairs.”

 

PHILIPPINES

Suspected Muslim rebels stormed a coastal town in the Philippines and took about a dozen hostages after clashing with a navy patrol off the key southern city of Zamboanga.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Unconfirmed reports that Chinese dock landing ship JINGGANGSHAN (rkms: part of current anti-piracy task group operating in the Gulf of Aden) is sailing north in the Red Sea enroute the Suez Canal.

(rmks: if true could be in preparation for evacuation operations from Syria or Lebanon)

 

USA

+++ The US Coast Guard has repatriated 50 Cuban migrants found on small vessels off Florida Keys, South Florida.

+++ The USS BOXER Amphibious Ready Group enters the 7th Fleet area of responsibility … to conduct a number of exercises and visits before proceeding to 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (rmks: Likely to relieve the KEARSARGE Amphibious Ready Group, deployed since March)

 

 

09 September

 

AUSTRALIA

Australian customs authorities north of Darwin intercept a boat loaded with 88 asylum seeker … new Prime Minister Tony Abbott has indicated that one of his first directives will be “ordering the navy to start returning asylum seeker boats”.

 

BAHRAIN

The Bahrain Coast Guard is procuring six small (18m) ARES 58 FPB fast patrol craft - with an option for six more - from Turkish builder Ares Shipyard and UK-based design consultancy BMT.

 

CANADA

A helicopter assigned to Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker AMUNDSEN has crashed into Arctic waters in the M’Clure Strait (600 km west of Resolute), killing all three people on board including the icebreaker’s Commanding Officer.

 

CHINA

+++ Xingang Shipyard (Tianjin) launches paramilitary China Marine Surveillance (CMS) 600-ton patrol vessel HAI JIAN 3012 … 14 such ships ordered/under construction, also at Wuhan.

+++ Concluding its visit to Pearl Harbor (Hawaii, USA) a Chinese navy task group (QINGDAO, LINYI, HONGZE HU) conducts a one-day search & rescue exercise with US Navy units. Also today, Chinese navy commander Adm Wu Shengli has arrived in the US, visiting USN and USMC commands in San Diego.

+++ Two Chinese navy ships pass through the international waters between the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyako … from the West Pacific towards the East China Sea. (rmks: Open ocean training has become somewhat routine for the Chinese navy, signaling it is on course for a “blue water navy”)

+++ Stick-poking Ops (aka Territorial Disputes) With Japan: An unidentified, most probably Chinese drone was spotted flying near disputed Senkaku Islands, but did not enter Japanese airspace … Japan scrambled fighter aircraft. (rmks: First reported incident of its kind)

 

INDIA

+++ Salvage of sunken submarine SINDHURAKSHAK may cost some US$76M … unexploded ordnance (missiles, torpedoes) pose major problem … India “does not have the equipment” but at the same time considers hiring of foreign equipment (floating crane etc.) too expensive … still looking for alternatives.

+++ To replenish dwindling stocks the navy is in urgent demand of an additional 262 Barak-I air defense missiles ("critical operational requirement to retain fast eroding air defence capability”) … the MoD, however, is stalling decision due to a pending investigation into a kickback scheme discovered in 2006 with the initial purchase of Barak.

 

POLAND

Notwithstanding a much strained budget, the Polish navy is set to proceed with procurement of three mine hunters (Project “Kormoran II”) … contract for the first boat to be signed next week, for delivery within two years … also to acquire three coastal defence vessels (Project Miecznik), three smaller patrol boats and – possibly – three new submarines (with German TKMS seen as main contender) … altogether spend an annual 210 million Euros over the next decade.

 

SWEDEN (multinational)

Sweden is hosting this year’s multinational, joint exercise “Northern Coast 2013” … until 19 Sep … participants met on 06 Sep at Karlskrona to start “hot phase” on 09 Sep … fictional scenario with a number of naval serials off Gotland (Eastern Baltic), culminating in major evacuation exercise … participants from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden (altogether more than 30 naval ships, boats and submarines plus a number of aircraft)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

With Syria accepting a proposal to put its chemical weapons under international control and subsequently have them destroyed, there is renewed hope for a political solution. (rmks: The devil will be found in the details when it comes to implementation. In any case, a US attack cannot be justified as long as negotiations progress)

 

UNITED KINGDOM

MBDA received a £250M production contract from the UK MoD for the delivery of the Sea Ceptor air defence weapon system … from 2016 will initially equip the TYPE 23 frigates, replacing Seawolf … later be integrated into TYPE 26 frigates as their primary air defense system.

 

 

10 September

 

CANADA

Maritime surveillance capability will be boosted by orbiting three new radar-imaging satellites by 2018 … Radarsat Constellation Mission (RCM) will keep eyes on maritime and Arctic areas … will be used by a number of Canadian government departments and agencies, but Canadian Forces see the system as key to its future surveillance needs … currently operating only one radar satellite. (rmks: An interesting twist in the Arctic claims issue)

 

CHINA

+++ East Sea Fleet frigates YIYANG and CHANGZHOU complete a 16-day training mission to the Western Pacific and return to home port … on return transit yesterday had passed between the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyako.

+++ Stick-Poking Ops (aka Territorial Disputes): With Japan: Eight Chinese coast guard ships currently in waters around disputed Senkaku islands, with seven of them temporarily entering territorial waters … Japanese foreign ministry lodged formal protest.

+++ “Harmonious Mission 13”: Hospital ship DAISHANDAO (during mission officially called “Peace Ark”) arrives at Labuan Bajo (Indonesia) for a five-day scheduled visit … (temporarily) together with Indonesian navy hospital ship DR SOEHARSO and Singapore dock navy landing ship ENDEAVOUR offer medical services to local residents … upon completion continue for Jakarta (Indonesia) for a two-day visit.

 

INDIA

Destroyer MYSORE and frigate TARKASH arrive at Kuwait for a scheduled goodwill visit in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation with the Gulf nation … Commander Western Fleet, RAdm Anil Kumar Chawla, embarked in MYSORE.

 

ISRAEL

Area warnings published by Cyprus suggest upcoming Israel navy / air force live missile tests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

 

RUSSIA

+++ TYPHOON class submarine DMITRIY DONSKOY is scheduled to perform a “functional test launch” of a Bulava missile and a new “automated control system” (rmks: no date given but should be rather soon) … cause of test failure on 06 Sep given as “faulty vector engine thrust”. Source: Test was just for launching systems on submarine ALEXANDER NEVSKIY, not for the missile itself; therefore it did not carry telemetry systems.

+++ Supported by four nuclear-powered icebreakers (YAMAL, VAYGACH, 50 LET POBEDY, TAIMYR) a Northern Fleet 10-ship task group led by missile cruiser PETR VELIKIY has passed the Strait of Mathisen and Strait of Boris Celebes (between Taimyr pensisula and Severnaya Zemlya archipelago) … “in difficult ice conditions” continue east towards the Laptev Sea.

 

SOUTH KOREA

+++ Helicopter carrier DOKDO immobilized off the West coast after fire broke out in the generator room … one sailor injured … one of the two generators out of action due to fire, the second failed after sea water employed to extinguish the fire … crew failed to restore electricity … salvage ship underway to tow her to Jinhae.

+++ Hanjin Heavy Industries at Busan launches first of four new 7,000-ts landing ships, CHEONWANGBONG … to be delivered in 2014.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ US, France and UK leaders agree to “work together to explore seriously” a Russian proposal to put Syria's chemical weapons stockpile under international control … with the United Nations Security Council to provide a negotiations platform.

+++ Ships of the Russian Mediterranean Squadron have completed operational work-up in preparation for possible US strike on Syria … conducted air defence, ASW, and search & rescue (for Syrian sailors and refugees)

+++ (Single) Russian paper carried an unconfirmed report that Syrian rebels intend to launch a chemical attack against Israel from within Syrian government-held territory to trigger foreign intervention. (rmks: although this should be just a typical regional rumour, such “ideas” would not be unusual in MidEast)

 

USA

In an “operational realistic” test conducted in the West Pacific, destroyer DECATUR tracked and successfully destroyed (with SM-3 interceptor missile) an overhead medium-range ballistic target missile.

 

 

11 September

 

AUSTRALIA

Frigate Sydney returns home to Fleet Base East, completing a several-month deployment to North East Asia … temporarily had been embedded in US Navy GEORGE WASHINGTON Carrier Strike Group.

 

CHINA

+++ North Sea Fleet task group (QINGDAO, LINYI, HONGZE HU) ends visit to Pearl Harbor (USA) … continues for Sydney (Australia) for participation in Australian Navy Centennial Fleet Review.

+++ Chinese media report a carrier-based variant of "Shenyang" J-15 fighter aircraft has entered service and is ready for serial production … “reverse engineered” Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker, developed from prototype purchased from the Ukraine in early 2000’s. (rmks: Let's see if they can actually land the thing on their flattop)

 

FRANCE

Two new patrol boats are to replace P-400 class CAPRICIEUSE and GRACIEUSE as Guayana station vessels … tender and subsequent order expected in 2014, with delivery in 2016.

 

NAMIBIA

The Namibian navy is set to take delivery of 17 new small vessels … starting next month … built by South African KND and Veecraft Marine … five four-metre long fibreglass row boats; five six-metre long inflatable combat boats; two six-metre long aluminum harbour patrol boats; two eight- metre long boarding boats; one 11-metre long landing craft, two 14-metre long fast interceptors and two eight-metre long swamp boats.

(rmks: “many a little makes a mickle”)

 

RUSSIA

+++ Two Russian air force Tu-95MS strategic bombers conduct routine long-range flight (18 hrs) over the Arctic and the Norwegian Sea.

+++ Design work on new destroyer following two tracks: with a conventional power plant and a nuclear power plant … planned to replace SOVREMENNIY class.

+++ Black Sea Fleet commissions Pella-built tug RB-398.

+++ A naval variant of the Pantsir combined gun-missile short-range (20 km) air defense system will enter service with the Russian navy in about two years … will be installed on several destroyers and other “large warships” as part of modernization.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet landing ship NIKOLAJ FILCHENKOV departs Novorossiysk for the Turkish Straits and eventually Tartus (Syria) … reportedly carrying “special load”, widely believed to be an arms shipment for Syrian government forces.

+++ Russian missile cruiser MOSKVA (Black Sea Fleet flag ship) passes the Strait of Gibraltar, heading for the Eastern Mediterranean where on 15-16 Sep she will assume command of the Russian MedSqn. (rmks: returning from training cruise to Central America)

 

UNITED KINGDOM

+++ “Cougar 13”: Adhering to its original schedule (despite Syria crisis) the Royal Navy Response Force Task Group with helicopter carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, dock landing ship BULWARK and a number of other ships has left the Mediterranean and passed the Suez Canal for the Red Sea … conduct visits and exercises in the Indian Ocean / Persian Gulf region.

+++ Destroyer DARING is conducting tests to establish whether the TYPE 45 destroyers could provide British forces with theater ballistic-missile defense (TBMD) capabilities … has been in the Pacific for several weeks … tests conducted as part of US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) research and development.

 

 

12 September

 

CHINA

+++ Adm Wu Shengli: “The Chinese navy is using aircraft carrier LIAONING for training and testing ... will decide on an operational carrier only after a few years of evaluation”.

+++ During a ceremony at Dinghai, the East China Sea Fleet commissions new supply ship CHAO HU (890) into service.

+++ Huangpu shipyard launches the second of four 4,000-ton China Coast Guard patrol ships, HAI JING 2401.

 

DENMARK

The two THETIS class patrol vessels will receive a comprehensive mid-life upgrade over the next four years.

 

ITALY

Italian authorities have seized a "mother ship" used to traffic illegal migrants across the Mediterranean … caught in international waters off Sicily while transferring some 200 Syrian refugees to smaller boats … 15 crew arrested; refugees brought to Sicily.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops (aka Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: The 14th Chinese anti-piracy task group (HARBIN, MIANYANG, WEISHAN HU), on return transit after completing mission off Somalia, arrives at Sattahip (Thailand) for a five-day friendly visit.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Northern Fleet task force with cruiser PETR VELIKIY has reached the New Siberian Islands archipelago, anchoring in the Stakhanovtsev Bay on the west coast of Kotelniy Island.

+++ Northern Fleet hydrographic survey vessel GORIZONT and salvage tug SORUM MB-56 have arrived at Arctic Franz Josef Land archipelago.

+++ Aircraft carrier ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV is slated for a 5-year complex overhaul and modernization … incl. replacement of power plant … to be conducted at Sevmash shipyard … contracts, however, not yet signed.

+++ Third BOREJ class submarine VLADIMIR MONOMAKH has departed Sevmash shipyard for first sea trials in the White Sea … notwithstanding DefMin Shoigu only a few days ago had “suspended” all sea trials for ALEXANDER NEVSKIY and VLADIMIR MONOMAKH. (rmks: Trials originally announced to start in July; should initially focus on basic systems such as power plant).

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Syria has formally asked to join the chemical weapons convention (rmks: just the first step to full membership). Assad: will fulfill chemical weapons initiative “if USA ends threats”. (rmks: More ”ifs” to be expected)

+++ United Nations seem to deliberate deployment of “Blue Helmets” to Syria.

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet KASHIN class destroyer SMETLIVIY sails from Sevastopol for the Eastern Mediterranean to join the MedSqn … departure delayed three hours “by Ukrainian customs”. (rmks: Probably will rendezvous with landing ship NIKOLAJ FILCHENKOV also heading for the Med)

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Frigate ARGYLL returns home after a 7-month deployment with a range of operations in the seas around Africa, the Falklands, the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean.

 

USA

“Officials”: The US Navy has decided to delay "detail design and construction" contract for aircraft carrier JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN 79) by as much as a year. (rmks: The next verse in the sequestration blues tune).

 

 

13 September

 

GERMANY

The German Navy commissions its third combat support ship, BONN.

 

 

 

Thanks gemerson, very intesting news.

That is curious at least:

+++ Design work on new destroyer following two tracks: with a conventional power plant and a nuclear power plant … planned to replace SOVREMENNIY class.

 

And this one, apparently a contradiction in terms, "has entered service", and "is ready for serial production" (some time ago IOC was estimated to be 2016):

 

+++ Chinese media report a carrier-based variant of "Shenyang" J-15 fighter aircraft has entered service and is ready for serial production …

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 II, Edition 2

 

Thanks everyone for the over 18K views of NNSoTW. Hopefully, it useful in helping the community craft relavant scenarios. It was another interesting week. Enjoy!

 

10 September

 

SWEDEN

The Swedish Maritime Administration has taken delivery of the first of seven AgustaWestland AW139 search & rescue helicopters … second to follow shortly, third by year end.

 

12 September

 

PIRACY

West Africa: US private maritime security company AdvanFort has received Benin government’s permission to conduct anti-piracy operations off that country’s coast, protecting both domestic and foreign vessels. (rmks: WE'll see if a private exterminator can do a better job dealin with the cockroaches (excuse me, pirates), than the Keystone Kops)

 

UNITED KINGDOM

In a multi-agency operation in the Central Caribbean involving UK and US assets, fleet tanker WAVE KNIGHT intercepted a fishing vessel and seized drugs worth more than 7.5M Euros.

 

USA

Huntington Ingalls (Pascagoula) lays the keel for future DDG 114 RALPH JOHNSON … delivery in FY 2017.

 

USA

To compensate for the inevitable loss of OHIO mod (SSGN) submarines, scheduled to retire between 2026 and 2028, the US Navy wants to increase the number of Tomahawk cruise missiles on future VIRGINIA class submarines from currently 12 to 40.

 

 

13 September

 

CHINA

A top Chinese general (DepSecGen Central Committee CPC) has ordered the country's navy to accelerate training and technical upgrades to boost its war-fighting readiness as it “faces a complicated and difficult security environment”.

 

FRANCE

The arms procurement authority (DGA) has taken delivery of the first of four former government Falcon 50B aircraft, converted for maritime surveillance … remainder three to follow by 2015.

 

JAPAN

Ruling coalition likely to deliberate revising the interpretation of the nation’s right to collective self-defense in the Constitution … The United States would welcome a lifting of the ban on exercising the right of collective self-defense as well as Japan playing a bigger role in the international community.

(rmks: expect harsh propaganda from China, but also internal opposition)

 

RUSSIA

+++ Tests of Bulava SLBM to resume “later this year” (rmks: five additional tests ordered by DefMin Shoigu) … state commission to determine whether subcontractors delivered botched work.

+++ “Source” clarifies: trials moratorium for BOREJ class submarines ordered by DefMin Shoigu only for weapons system (Bulava) related purposes … yard trials to continue as scheduled.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ UN inspectors’ report will confirm use of chemical weapons but not address question who might be responsible.

+++ Assad (reportedly): “will only abandon chemical weapons if US stops arms deliveries to rebels”

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet KASHIN class destroyer SMETLIVIY and landing ship NIKOLAJ FILCHENKOV pass the Turkish Straits for the Mediterranean.

 

USA

Japan-based aircraft carrier GEORGE WASHINGTON has sailed from Yokosuka to resume West Pacific Patrol after a 3-week break.

 

 

14 September

 

INDIA

Even after completing the contract negotiations with a South Korean shipyard for building eight minesweepers for the Indian Navy, bureaucratic red tape and procedural wrangle still delay inking the deal as the files are still doing the rounds in the Defence Ministry. (rmks: project initiated 13 years ago)

 

IRAN

Navy commander RAdm Sayyari: Indigenous new submarine FATEH to be unveiled “by the end of the current Iranian calendar year” (ending March 20, 2014). (rmks: well, here’s another delay ….)

 

RUSSIA – BELARUS

“Zapad 13”: Landing ships KALININGRAD (Baltic Fleet), GEORGIY POBEDONOSETS (Northern Fleet) and AZOV (Black Sea Fleet) arrive at Leningrad Naval Base to embark a battalion-size (350 men) force of the Belarus army’s mobile special operations forces … to transport it to the Kaliningrad region … exercise to commence on 26 Sep.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

USA and Russia have agreed on a framework that, if fully implemented, could mean the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons … Syria must submit within one week a comprehensive list of its chemical weapons stockpile … to have them removed/destroyed within eight months. (rmks: unless this agreement is furthered to general peace talks, Assad now has a free hand to continue his “internal war” without any threat of foreign intervention.)

 

 

15 September

 

EGYPT (GAZA)

Egyptian navy patrol boats open fire at Palestinian fishing boats off Rafah (southern Gaza) … no injuries; two fishermen detained … Hamas administration in the Gaza Strip accuses Egypt to tighten sea blockade of Gaza.

(rmks: Hamas reportedly associated with Egyptian anti-government extremists in Sinai)

 

IRAN

Navy commander, RAdm Sayyari: “All Iranian navy ships carry drones (UAV), and (all) helicopters are ASW capable.”

(rmks: statements probably primarily meant for the Iranian people, ahead of “Sacred Defence Week”)

 

JAPAN

Japanese destroyers AKEBONO and HAMAGIRI arrive at Manila (Philippines) for a three-day friendly visit.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Major Pacific Fleet exercises, begun on 09 Sep, culminate in live missile firing off Kamchatka … coastal defence, anti-ship and anti-air missiles fired from shore, submarines and surface ships (namely destroyers MARSHAL SHAPOSHNIKOV, ADMIRAL VINOGRADOV, BYSTRIY) … overall 15,000 soldiers/sailors with more than 50 warships and support vessels, 30 aircraft and helicopters involved.

+++ Current Arctic deployments to New Siberian Islands (PETR VELIKIY task force) and Franz Josef Land archipelago (GORIZONT) “part of establishing permanent military presence in the Arctic” … small airfield at New Siberian Islands reactivated and to be expanded to operate also larger aircraft.”

+++ BUYAN class artillery ship MAKHACHKALA has begun transfer voyage (on inland waterway) from St. Petersburg to future Caspian Sea home port Astrakhan.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

The government wishes to re-negotiate the Euro 6.3 bn contract with BAE Systems to build two aircraft carriers in an attempt to force it to take more responsibility for spiralling costs (initially Euro 4.3 bn) … Commons public accounts committee skeptical: too few incentives in the contract to keep down costs.

 

 

16 September

 

AUSTRALIA

Spanish Navantia launched the first of 12 landing craft (23 m, similar to Spanish LCM-1E) ordered by the Australian navy … first batch of four to be commissioned in Apr 2014. (rmks: four each to be carried on board future amphibious assault ships CANBERRA and ADELAIDE)

 

BANGLADESH

“Senior Indian navy source”: China intends selling two of its Russian-built KILO class submarines to the Bangladesh navy. (rmks: unconfirmed)

 

FINLAND

STX Finland has decided to close Rauma Shipyard and move work to Turku Shipyard … attempt to halt six-year financial losses.

 

INDIA

A Western Fleet four-ship task group with destroyer MYSORE (Commander Western Fleet embarked), frigates TARKASH and TABAR, and supply ship ADITYA arrives at Dubai (UAE) for a scheduled visit … part of a month-long deployment to enhance bilateral ties and participate in naval exercises with navies in the Gulf region.

(rmks: before had visited Kuwait)

 

RUSSIA

+++ Update: Fire on board OSCAR-II class submarine TOMSK at Zvezda shipyard (Bolshoi Kamen) extinguished … limited to rubber coating and “old paint” in/near ballast tank … caused by “violation of safety rules during welding” while working on the ballast tanks … no injuries … no weapons on board, reactor deactivated since start of maintenance period in 2012 … defense ministry reportedly preparing a lawsuit against Zvezda … 13 firefighting units from the Pacific Fleet and the Emergencies Ministry at the scene … radiation level normal, but “all personnel withdrawn beyond the dock”.

+++ The Defense Ministry has ordered all thus far produced Bulava SLBM to be checked for possible defects.

+++ Arctic Deployment: In reactivating a former Soviet airfield on the Arctic island of Kotelniy (New Siberian Islands), landing ships and auxiliaries (military cargo ship PECHORA) of the PETR VELIKIY task force have begun unloading of diesel fuel, lubricants and some 400 tons of “large bulk” equipment.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ UN inspectors‘ report: Convincing evidence that surface-to-surface rockets containing the nerve agent Sarin were used against the civilian population “on a relatively large scale” … although the report carefully avoids any blaming, the professional way of deployment points to government forces … evidence that sites had been “cleaned” before the inspectors’ arrival.

+++ Rumors that Syria is transferring some of its chemical weapons to Lebanese Hizballah.

(rmks: could be deliberate disinformation; there will be more of that)

+++ Turkish air force shot down a Syrian military helicopter that had entered Turkish airspace and ignored warnings.

+++ “Planned” Mediterranean deployment of Russian Baltic Fleet flag ship, destroyer NASTOYCHIVIY (SOVREMENNIY class) cancelled as no longer required.

+++ Russian Pacific Fleet landing ships PERESVET and ADMIRAL NEVELSKOJ as well as Baltic Fleet landing ship ALEXANDER SHABALIN have left the Mediterranean for the Black Sea

(rmks: according to earlier announcements they should proceed to Novorossiysk for a scheduled maintenance period; Baltic Fleet frigate NEUSTRASHIMIY may follow)

 

USA

A former (2007-2011) US Navy electricians mate enters US Navy Sea Systems Command building at Washington Navy Yard for a shooting rampage … kills 12 people and injures another 14 before he himself is shot… motive unclear but probably not terror-related.

 

USA - PHILIPPINES

Amphibious assault ship BOXER and dock landing ship NEW ORLEANS dock at Subic Bay (Philippines) for a port visit and subsequent “Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014” (PHIBLEX), three weeks of bilateral, air-ground and amphibious training alongside the Philippine Marine Corps and some naval units.

(rmks: BOXER Amphibious Ready Group sailed on 23 Aug from San Diego on a regular deployment to the 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility)

 

VIETNAM – JAPAN

During a meeting in Hanoi (Vietnam) the defense ministers of Japan and Vietnam have agreed to boost maritime security cooperation amid concern over China's growing maritime activity.

 

 

17 September

 

INDIA

Aircraft carrier VIKRAMADITYA (former Russian ADMIRAL GORSHKOV) successfully completed sea trials in the Barents Sea and White Sea … returning to Russian Sevmash shipyard (Severodvinsk) to prepare for handover to the Indian navy in November.

 

NETHERLANDS

Defense Minister officially confirms “rumoured” plans to sell Joint Support Ship KAREL DOORMAN (currently under construction) before commissioning and disband the Aruba(Caribbean)-based 32nd Naval Infantry Company.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Update TOMSK fire: While official statements for nearly two days had claimed “no injuries”, the Russian navy now concedes 15 people hospitalized … adding that the submarine sustained “significant damage” and “partly lost some of its functional characteristics”. (rmks: No real surprise here; press offices still follow “proven” Soviet procedures of denial, deception, and disinformation)

+++ Nizhny Novgorod shipyard launches the first of 16 multi-purpose “inshore rescue boats” … project 23040, enlarged FLAMINGO variant, with towed sonar, small USV … four boats to be delivered by year-end to serve in Novorossiysk (Black Sea), three each destined for Kronshtadt (Baltic) and Caspian Flotilla, the remainder six will be for Baltiysk (Baltic).

+++ Pacific Fleet task group with missile cruiser VARYAG, tanker BORIS BUTOMA and salvage tug SB-522 reportedly directly headed for the Indian Ocean … from early October conduct (anti-piracy) operations in the Gulf of Aden … port visit to Sri Lanka enroute. (rmks: Wait for confirmation; this could mean that the long-planned visit to Australia with participation in Centennial Fleet Review at Sydney has been cancelled)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ UN Security Council cannot agree on “tough” resolution.

+++ Russian DepForeignMin Ryabkov in Syria for consultations … “disappointed” by “politicized, biased, selective, incomplete“ inspectors’ report … “new documents (handed over by Syrian government) clearly indicate rebel involvement in chemical attack”. (rmks: Then why were these documents not presented to the UN team? Me thinks there may be a skunk in the works)

+++ The UK has deployed a BAE Systems AR327 surveillance radar to its Cyprus airbase at Akrotiri … to give the wide-area surveillance coverage across the eastern Mediterranean.

 

USA

US Marine Corps reportedly to be downsized by some 30,000 soldiers/staff. (rmks: Likely the next verse of the sequestration blues)

 

 

18 September

 

AUSTRALIA

Frigate NEWCASTLE has visited Aqaba (Jordan) and conducted short training exercises with Jordanian naval forces.

(rmks: On a six-month maritime security deployment to the Middle East in national operation “Slipper”)

 

CHINA - Stick Poking Ops (aka: Territorial Disputes)

With Japan: Two Chinese Coast Guard ships temporarily entered Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea … 65th such intrusion since last September. (rmks: Media often confuse 12-mile territorial waters with adjacent contiguous zone; in most cases Chinese vessels did not intrude into the 12-mile zone)

 

CHINA

Current trials of aircraft carrier LIAONING include first aircraft take-offs and landings with weapon load (weight-simulating dummies).

 

FRANCE

DCNS at Lorient floated out third French navy FREMM frigate, PROVENCE (652) … delivery scheduled in 2015.

 

IRAN (incl. Related / non-naval)

+++ Nearly one year after Tanzania had de-registered all 36 Iranian tankers flying its national flag, they reportedly still “identify” themselves (in automated tracking systems) as Tanzanian.

+++ Two Iranian navy warships (one “destroyer”, one supply ship) arrive at Port Sudan (Sudan) … for “routine refueling”. (rmks: 27th anti-piracy task group with frigate SABALAN und supply ship KHARK)

 

NIGERIA

French OCEA completed a FPB 98 Mk1 patrol boat, reportedly the first of (at least) two destined for the Nigerian navy.

 

PHILIPPINES – USA

Annual bilateral three-week exercise “Phiblex 13” begins off the Luzon west coast / South China Sea … focus on amphibious operations … activities to include live ground firing and simulated “amphibious assaults to capture islands held by hostile forces” … US Navy/USMC participating with two ships of the BOXER Amphibious Ready Group (BOXER, NEW ORLEANS, 13th MEU)

 

PIRACY

+++ Keystone Kops Ops (aka: Anti-Piracy Forces Update): Italian frigate LIBECCIO sails from home port Taranto for Djibouti … will join EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta”.

+++ Spain: A Spanish court has sentenced six Somali pirates to at least 36 years in prison … were caught in the Indian Ocean on 06 Oct, 2012, by Netherlands navy dock landing ship ROTTERDAM after trying to hijack Spanish fishing vessel IZURDIA. (rmks: With the European good behavior statutes, they will likely be paroled next week and then given the EU version of green cards)

 

RUSSIA

+++ In an incident in Arctic Pechora Sea, Russian border guards fired warning shots to prevent Greenpeace ship ARCTIC SUNRISE from approaching a Gazprom offshore oil platform.

+++ Five new non-nuclear submarines scheduled to join the Russian navy 2015-2017 … three KILO-III class (NOVOROSSIYSK, ROSTOV NA DONU, STARY OSKOL) will join Black Sea Fleet in 2015 … launch of NOVOROSSIYSK postponed to spring 2014 because Admiralty Shipyard busy with construction of Vietnamese submarines. Two LADA class submarines (KRONSTADT, SEVASTOPOL) to join the Northern Fleet by 2017, but SEVASTOPOL might be delayed due to development of air-independent propulsion. (rmks: It will be interesting to see if this is the vodka version or the real deal)

+++ Bloggers report Northern Fleet destroyer VIZEADMIRAL KULAKOV, which together with missile cruiser MOSKVA had conducted a cruise to Central America, has suffered a major technical defect (source: “broken rudder”) while still in the Caribbean and is being towed back to the Northern Fleet … currently said to be near Iceland. (rmks: unconfirmed, but likely true; originally was supposed to stay with the MOSKVA and join the Mediterranean Squadron. Seems Black Sea Fleet destroyer SMETLIVIY had to step in for her)

 

SOUTH KOREA

KDX-II destroyer DAEJOYEONG and supply ship HWACHEON arrive at Antwerp (Belgium) for a scheduled three-day port visit … coming from Cherbourg (France) the two ships make up the “2013 Cruise Training Task Group”, currently on an around-the-world training cruise.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

Submarine S-101 MANTHATISI is expected to complete her refit (incl. battery change) by end Oct … has been out of action since 2007, after “someone” damaged the electrical systems by connection its high voltage shore service “the wrong way round”.

 

SPAIN (multinational)

During a ceremony on board helicopter carrier JUAN CARLOS I at the Rota naval base, Spanish VAdm Santiago Bolibar assumed command of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR) from French VAdm Philippe Coindreau.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Assad: committed to chemical weapons agreement, but disposal will take a year, cost a billion … reportedly makes “new proposals” to Russia. (rmks: Seems he is playing for time … and will be asking for money)

 

UNITED KINGDOM

“Cougar-13”: Helicopter carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, dock landing ship BULWARK, frigate WESTMINSTER and supply ship FORT AUSTIN conduct bilateral exercise “Red Alligator” with Saudi navy frigates ABHA and MAKKAH and supply ship BORAIDA in the Red Sea.

 

USA

In another ballistic missile defense test off Hawaii, cruiser LAKE ERIE successfully combats a multiple-warhead ballistic target missile, destroying a separated warhead with SM-3 Block1B missile.

 

 

19 September

 

FRANCE (UNIFIL)

Helicopter carrier TONNERRE sails from Toulon for the Lebanon … embarked 600 French army soldiers for rotation of UNIFIL forces.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops Ops (Anti-Piracy Forces Update): The Ukrainian parliament approved deployment of frigate HETMAN SAGAYDACHNIY to join NATO-forces in anti-piracy operation “Ocean Shield” … ship ready to sail.

 

RUSSIA

Northern Shipyard (St Petersburg) has rescheduled launching of new large (2,500+ tons) intelligence ship YURIY IVANOV from 26 Sep to 30 Sep … delivery in 2014, for Pacific Fleet … first of two Project 18280 ships.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ The Russian navy has cancelled planned Mediterranean deployment of missile corvettes SHTIL (NANUCHKA) and IVANOVETS (TARANTUL) … had been scheduled to sail on 25 Sep to join the MedSqn off Syria … in current situation no longer required.

+++ Russian navy confirms planned deployment of Pacific Fleet task group with missile cruiser VARYAG “to the Indian Ocean/Gulf of Aden” … may proceed to the Mediterranean if situation requires, but this will not be the main task. (rmks: time table still unclear; Australian navy website still holds the VARYAG group as participants to International Fleet Review 03-11 Oct).

 

 

20 September

 

JAPAN (multinational)

The Japanese navy is hosting multinational submarine rescue exercise “Pacific Reach 2013” … until 27 Sep … bottoming a submarine and conducting closed-hatch rescue with multiple countries’ rescue assets … Japan, Australia, South Korea to provide submarines, Japan and South Korea also submarine rescue ships … US Navy and Singapore to send personnel.

 

RUSSIA – BELARUS

Bilateral biennial (since 2009) joint exercise “Zapad 2013” kicked off … until 26 Sep held on the territories of both states, including military bases in Belarus and Russia’s Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, as well as Baltic and Barents sea waters … “scenario similar to current Middle East conflicts” … ships from Russia’s Baltic, Black Sea and Northern fleets will take part during the final stage of the exercises (rmks: which probably will feature coastal defense /amphibious operations).

Thanks Greg, great to have NNSOTD/W back!

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 II, Edition 4

 

It’s been a very interesting week in naval news. FYI - I am travelling next week on family business, so the next update will be week after next! Enjoy!

 

17 September

 

KUWAIT

US Marine, Inc. (USMI) and Trinity Yachts Offshore have completed the last of the 10 Mk V patrol boats ordered by Kuwait.

 

 

18 September

 

BRAZIL

Submarine TAPAJO has returned to Rio de Janeiro, completing a seven-month deployment to the US east coast where is had conducted a number of training exercises with the US Navy.

 

VENEZUELA – NETHERLANDS

Venezuelan coast guard vessels GUAICAMACUTO and SERRETA arrive at Willemstad (Curacao, Netherlands) for a visit and annual bilateral exercise “Eyes Open” with Netherlands coast guard vessel PANTHER … until 20 Sep … both sides also employed helicopters.

 

 

19 September

 

INDIA

A Western Fleet four-ship task group with destroyer MYSORE (Commander Western Fleet embarked), frigates TARKASH and TABAR, and supply ship ADITYA arrives at Muscat (Oman) for a scheduled visit and subsequent training (“Passex”) with the Omani navy … part of a month-long deployment to enhance bilateral ties and participate in naval exercises with navies in the Gulf region. (rmks: Before had visited Kuwait and the UAE)

 

RUSSIA

Russian border guards boarded Greenpeace vessel ARCTIC SUNRISE and arrested a number of activists … after attempts to scale a Gazprom drilling platform in Arctic Pechora Sea. (rmks: Lessons Learned - The Russkies don’t play by the same rules as the rest of society. You hippies are lucky you didn’t become polar bear food)

 

 

20 September

 

ESTONIA

The Estonian navy reportedly interested in acquiring Finnish mine layer POHJANMAA, scheduled for decommissioning in 2015.

 

RUSSIA

Northern Fleet task force with missile cruises PETR VELIKIY has concluded operations near Arctic New Siberian Islands and commenced return transit to the Barents Sea. (rmks: Probably will join upcoming Northern Fleet exercises)

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Third ASTUTE class submarine, ARTFUL, is christened at BAe Systems facility in Barrow-in-Furness … will be rolled out of building hall in early 2014 to start sea trials in 2015.

 

USA – CUBA

USA and Cuba have reached a rare preliminary agreement on working together more closely in the field of air and maritime rescue … provisional agreement which must now be approved by the governments.

 

 

21 September

 

AUSTRALIA (RUSSIA)

Remark made by Australian navy commander VAdm Griggs seems to indicate that there is still no official word whether Russia will withdraw cruiser VARYAG and two support ships from upcoming (04 Oct) International Fleet Review at Sydney.

 

CHINA

Aircraft carrier LIAONING has returned to Qingdao, completing several-week trials and training phase with more than 100 aircraft sorties flown.

 

INDIA

Update: More than a month after sinking from a series of onboard explosions, submarine SINDHURAKSHAK still bottomed pier-side … probe into the incident nowhere near concluding … still only 11 of 18 bodies recovered.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops Antics (Anti-Piracy Forces update): Danish navy multi-purpose ship ESBERN SNARE sails from Frederikshavn for the Horn of Africa … to join NATO SNMG-1 in operation “Ocean Shield”.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Aircraft carrier ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV has sailed from Severomorsk for the Barents Sea … participate in five-day large scale exercises.

+++ Northern Fleet has begun “large-scale” exercises … until 25 Sep … involve 30 warships / auxiliary vessels, coastal defense forces and airborne forces … engage approaching enemy force (ASW, ASUW, Air Defence), conduct coastal defense/amphibious exercises. Participants include aircraft carrier ADMIRAL KUZNETSOV and (returning from Arctic deployment) PETR VELIKIY task force … ships operating in five groups from Barents Sea to Kara Sea … exercise to culminate in live firing and major coastal defense operation (repel amphibious assault) with Northern Fleet coastal defense forces and airborne forces.

 

 

22 September

 

AUSTRALIA

Frigate MELBOURNE sails from Fremantle on a six-month deployment to the Middle East / Persian Gulf region to relieve sister ship NEWCASTLE in national maritime security operation “Slipper”. (rmks: Cooperate with/join multinational CTF-150, also temporarily conduct anti-piracy operations with CTF-151)

 

CHINA

+++ Chinese air force begins annual large scale exercise “Mission Action 2013” … involving various aircraft including fighters, bombers, reconnaissance and transports with a total of more than 10,000 personnel … some serials to be conducted in cooperation with naval aviation and naval ships.

+++ Development design phase of a new “fourth generation” nuclear attack submarine to be armed with torpedoes and land-attack capable missiles reportedly “completed” but no schedule yet for construction or possible in-service dates. (rmks: Project 095 TANG class?)

 

IRAN

Large parades displaying all kind of military hardware in Tehran and across the country marked the start of the “Week of Sacred Defense” (commemorating Iranians' sacrifices during the 8-year war with Iraq in 1980s).

 

USA

A MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to destroyer WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE (rmks: belongs to NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group) has crashed into the central Red Sea during routine flight operations … three of five people on board found and “stable”, two missing … cause unknown yet, but not due to “hostile activity”. (rmks: Which probably will feature coastal defense /amphibious operations).

 

 

23 September

 

ANTARCTIC

Antarctic sea ice has grown to a record large extent for a second straight year, baffling scientists seeking to understand why this ice is expanding rather than shrinking in a warming world…. increasing ice is especially perplexing since the water beneath the ice has warmed, not cooled. (rmks: Silly scientists … global warming is a myth)

 

FRANCE

Regular quarterly force-level training “Gabian” started off Toulon in the Mediterranean … until 26 Sep … focus on traditional warfare areas (ASW, AAE, ASUM, MCM) … participants include JEAN BART (OTC), CASSARD, FORBIN, GUEPRATTE, LA FAYETTE, JEAN DE VIENNE, JACOUBET, CDT BIROT, MISTRAL, CAPRICORNE, VAR.

 

INDIA

Aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over the first domestically-built Hawk Mk 132 jet trainer to the Indian Navy … four more to follow “soon” … total of 17 ordered by the navy (with another 40 for the air force) … primarily used for pilot-training but also may be employed in ground attack or air defense role.

 

NORWAY

Kongsberg Defence Systems has signed a contract for supply of the MineSniper Mk III One Shot Mine Disposal Weapon System to the Norwegian navy.

 

POLAND

At Gdynia, contracts formally signed for construction of a first Project Kormoran II mine hunter (with option for a second) … delivery in 2016 … and the completion of corvette SLAZAK (Project Gawron) in a “simplified” (less expensive) variant as “patrol ship with minimal weaponry and equipment”.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Update: Russian border guards have seized Greenpeace ship ARCTIC SUNRISE, towing her to Murmansk.

+++ Starting next year, the Russian navy will receive new Shtil advanced vertical-launch modular air-defense systems … modules to hold 12 missiles, firing rate 2 per second … destined for new Project 11356 ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH class frigates currently under construction and scheduled to enter service from 2016.

 

RUSSIA – BELARUS

Second stage of ongoing bilateral exercise “Zapad 13” focus on “freeing communities from armed terrorists” … training areas near Kaliningrad … activities involved Baltic Fleet corvettes STEREGUSHCHIY and SOOBRAZITELNIY “destroying” (SS-N-25 missiles, guns) terrorist ships trying to land at the coast.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Assad reportedly “prepared to grant UN inspectors access” to chemical weapons stockpiles.

 

TAIWAN

The first of a batch of former US Navy P-3C Orion marine patrol aircraft purchased from the US is set to arrive in the country. (rmks: Well now, this is an interesting development)

 

USA

The Pentagon is bracing for a government-wide shutdown that would potentially force troops to work without a paycheck and send thousands of civilians home … shutdown automatically on 01 Oct (first day of fiscal year 2014), unless lawmakers agree to a budget or a continuing resolution that would allow the military to carry on under the same spending levels as fiscal year 2013.

 

 

24 September

 

CHINA

“Harmonious Mission 2013”: Hospital ship DAISHANDAO (during mission officially called “Peace Ark”) arrives at the Sihanoukville (Cambodia) for a scheduled week-long visit which includes providing medical services to local residents.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Iranian President Rouhani in his address to the UN General Assembly signals a more moderate course in resolving the nuclear issue … prepared to engage immediately in “time-bound and result-oriented” talks about the nuclear program under certain conditions”… declines, however, a face-to-face meeting with US President Obama (due to “domestic reasons”).

 

JAPAN

On the homebound leg of their circumnavigation, the Japanese training squadron (KASHIMA, SHIRAYUKI, ISOYUKI) arrive at Colombo (Sri Lanka) for a scheduled “goodwill visit” until 26 Sep.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops Antics (aka: Anti-Piracy Update): Ukrainian frigate HETMAN SAGAYDACHNIY sails from Sevastopol for the Gulf of Aden … until Feb 2014, integrate in NATO SNMG-1 for operation “Ocean Shield”, afterwards join EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta” for another couple of months.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Update: Russian prosecutors accuse Greenpeace activists who were arrested when trying to board a Gazprom oil rig in the Pechora Sea of “piracy”. Greenpeace ship ARCTIC SUNRISE meanwhile has arrived in a fjord near Murmansk, accompanied by a tug and Russian border guard vessel LADOGA. (rmks: That charge is rather appropriate)

+++ Caspian Flotilla and Pacific Fleet begin command and staff exercises with groups of forces (troops) … until 28 Sep.

+++ Now it’s official: The Russian navy formally has cancelled participation (cruiser VARYAG and two support vessels) in upcoming Australian navy’s International Fleet Review. (rmks: That’ll suck for Aussie/Russkie relations)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Russian Pacific Fleet destroyer ADMIRAL PANTELEYEV reportedly left the Mediterranean, passed the Suez Canal for the Red Sea to “monitor” movements of US Navy NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group. Tanker PECHENGA set to follow after replenishing ships of the MedSqn.

 

USA

+++ Northrop Grumman is in discussions with the US Navy to continue flight testing of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System - Demonstration (UCAS-D) … planned flight testing had been completed in July after the “demonstrator” aircraft had fulfilled all required missions.

+++ Fleet Forces Commander, Adm Gortney: Current deployment lengths of 8-10 months are not sustainable … create problems with maintenance cycles as well as personnel.

 

VIETNAM

+++ Russian Zelenodolsk shipyard starts construction of second pair of GEPARD class corvettes for the Vietnamese navy … unlike the first two, the new ships will feature antisubmarine weapons and an “advanced propulsion system”.

+++ With China “nibbling” at its maritime borders in the South China Sea, Vietnam seeks enhanced military cooperation with India.

 

 

25 September

 

JAPAN

The MoD is set to move forward with its purchases of MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft … widely seen as the best way of rapidly transporting troops to potential hot spots.

 

NATO

NATO Response Force (NRF) begins maritime exercise “Brilliant Mariner” in the Mediterranean Sea (Tyrrhenian Sea between Sicily and Sardinia) …until 06 Oct … directed from NATO’s Maritime Command at Northwood (UK) … “realistic and demanding scenario, presenting a number of challenges including, asymmetric or terrorist threats, maritime security operations and embargo operations” … over 5,000 military and naval personnel from 10 NATO nations (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, UK and US) … involve a total of 25 warships, including one aircraft carrier, 12 frigates, one auxiliary ships, and 7 mine counter measure vessels. Two submarines and a range of maritime Patrol aircraft will also take part.

 

PERU

South Korean STX Offshore Shipbuilding has won the tender for construction of five 500-t patrol vessels for the Peruvian navy … with an option for another five … to be built by Peruvian SIMA under technology transfer agreement … construction to start in Jan 2014 with the first two ships to be delivered in mid-2015 … some data: 54,5 x 8.5 m, 2 Caterpillar 3516C HD diesel, 23 knots, range 3,600 nm at 14 knots, 25 crew, 1-30mm, 2-12.7mm.

 

PHILIPPINES

The US have handed over six small riverine patrol craft to the Philippine navy … for counter-terrorism operations.

 

RUSSIA

Deployment of Black Sea Fleet landing ship YAMAL to Greece for participation in several anniversary celebrations (such as Battle of Navarino) cancelled due to “other operational requirements” … instead, buoy tender KASHTAN KIL-158 will take over the program, which includes visits to the islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, as well as the ports of Pylos, Patras and Piraeus … scheduled to leave Sevastopol on 29 Sep. (rmks: Fall-out from high optempo?)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet landing ship NIKOLAJ FILCHENKOV expected to berth at Syrian port Latakia (rmks: not Tartus) … deliver “special cargo”. (rmks: Probably carrying a load of arms / military cargo)

+++ UN chemical weapons inspectors return to Syria for more investigation into alleged chemical weapons use. (rmks: Visit not related to announced disbanding of chemical weapons)

+++ A UN Security Council resolution on eliminating Syria’s chemical weapons reportedly will include a “reference to” Chapter 7, though noncompliance by Syria would not automatically trigger the use of force.

+++ Syrian opposition increasingly fragmented … fighting groups do not and will not follow the direction of outsiders and can get arms and ammunition without them …. become more Islamic and anti-Western.

+++ Russian landing ships ADMIRAL NEVELSKOJ and PERESVET pass the Turkish Straits towards the Mediterranean (join MedSqn) … after only a few days at Novorossiysk. (rmks: Originally said to conduct a several-week maintenance period at Novorossiysk)

+++ Russian Pacific Fleet VARYAG task group reportedly “passing the South China Sea” enroute the Gulf of Aden.

 

USA

Japan-based amphibious assault ship BONHOMME RICHARD at Okinawa offloaded Marines from the 31st MEU after conducting joint-force operations (summer patrol) in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

 

 

26 September

 

FRANCE

Piriou in Concarneau launches 44-m training vessel ALMAK … will enter service in Oct to be employed in training of foreign naval officers/cadets (initially from Kuwait) under the French navy’s CENOE (Course of the Naval Academy for Foreign Officers) program.

 

INDIA

At Cochin India’s first naval and shipbuilding exhibition NAMEXPO-2013 has opened … hoped to eventually develop into the “largest defense exhibition in the country” … this year, Russia only foreign exhibitor “at state level”.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ First (after 34 years) face-to-face meeting of US and Iranian foreign minister at the UN General Assembly sidelines… reportedly agreed trying to fast-track nuclear negotiations to within a year … new round of 5+1 nuclear talks to be held in mid-Oct.

+++ Both the US Navy’s NIMITZ and HARRY S. TRUMAN Carrier Strike Groups pictured together in the Arabian Sea in “mission hand-over”. (rmks: NIMITZ now probably set to return home)

 

NEW ZEALAND

The MoD began negotiations with Norwegian Kongsberg to buy air-launched anti-ship missiles Penguin Mk 2 mod 7 stockpiled in Australia … intended to be carried by SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters, which Australia has foregone (and consequently also does not require the missiles anymore)

 

RUSSIA

Nizhniy Novgorod shipyard launches the second of 16 new Project 23040 (FLAMINGO class derivate) inshore support craft … associated photo shows hull number RVK-762.

 

RUSSIA

Northern Fleet destroyer VIZEADMIRAL KULAKOV after her cruise to the Caribbean has arrived in the Barents Sea … conducts exercises (before returning to home port). (rmks: Thus far no official word at all on rumored major technical breakdown)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

The five UNSC permanent members have agreed on a draft resolution … reportedly does not include any “Chapter 7 option”.

 

TAIWAN

In the first such live firing test in six years, ROCN destroyer MAKUNG (KIDD class) launched a Standard Missile SM-2 air-defense missile, successfully intercepting a target drone.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

During a ceremony at the Portsmouth Naval Base the Royal Navy commissioned the sixth and last of its TYPE 45 destroyers, DUNCAN, into service.

 

USA

Notwithstanding budget woes the US Coast Guard has received approval to move forward on the production schedule for SENTINEL class fast response cutters (FRC) … Bollinger contracted with building six more … seven delivered thus far with a total of up to 58 planned.

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 II, Edition 5

 

Back from vacation, with my family in Tennessee and Kentucky. Even with the government shutdown there has been a whole lot of activity with the world’s major (and minor) naval forces. Enjoy!

 

 

03 October

 

CHINA

“Harmonious Mission 13”: On return transit from final mission stop at Cambodia, hospital ship DAISHANDAO has been diverted to the South China Sea’s Paracel Archipelago (Xisha islands) … assist in search & rescue operation for a larger number of Vietnamese and Chinese fishermen missing after typhoon Wutip (30 Sep). South Sea Fleet dispatched three more warships and helicopters.

 

USA

In another successful BMD test, cruiser LAKE ERIE intercepted a medium-range ballistic target missile in space over the Pacific Ocean … using new interceptor SM-3 Block 1B, currently still under development but after this latest test now ready to “go into production if and when the government gives the word” … scheduled to be deployed by the US Navy in 2015. (rmks: It looks like another Tom Clancy concept is coming to fruition)

 

 

04 October

 

BRUNEI

Photo shows a fourth PV 80 DARUSSALAM class offshore patrol vessel in advanced stage of fitting-out at the German Lürssen facility in Lemwerder (Bremen) … hull number 09 (no nameplate yet)

 

INDONESIA

The Indonesian MoD has taken delivery of its first CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft from domestic PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

 

NEW ZEALAND

As part of its ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade, New Zealand has decided acquisition of MBDA’s new SeaCeptor air defense missile system (with CAMM - Common Anti-Air Modular Missile) … currently developed for the British Royal Navy (Type 23, Type 26) to be fielded in 2016.

 

RUSSIA

+++ After Russian prosecutor charged 30 Greenpeace activists (arrested when trying to board a Gazprom drilling platform in Arctic Pechora Sea) with “piracy,” the Netherlands government has decided to take legal action, beginning an “arbitration procedure on the basis of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea”. (rmks: Greenpeace ship ARCTIC SUNRISE, impounded in Murmansk, sails under Netherlands flag)

+++ The Northern Fleet has conducted live anti-ship missile firing exercise in the central Barents Sea … over distances from 60 to 400 km … involving OSCAR-II submarines OREL and VORONEZH as well as missile cruiser PETR VELIKIY (firing SS-N-19), SOVREMENNIY destroyer ADMIRAL USHAKOV (SS-N-22), NANUCHKA corvettes AJSBERG and RASSVET (SS-N-9) and Redut coastal defense system.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet destroyer SMETLIVIY temporarily split from the “Mediterranean Squadron” and went to Corfu (Greek) to attend the “Russian Week” (until 07 Oct).

+++ French navy destroyer CHEVALIER PAUL has left her patrol station in the EastMed off Syria for a three-day port visit to Marmaris (Turkey)

+++ Russian navy landing ships MINSK (Baltic Fleet) and NOVOCHERKASSK (Black Sea Fleet) have left the Mediterranean, passing the Turkish Straits towards the Black Sea.

 

 

05 October

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

US president Obama: US intelligence believes Iran is “a year or a more away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon” … estimate “more conservative than that of Israeli intelligence.” (rmks: This estimate should largely service to allow for sufficient time to negotiate with new Iranian president Rouhani; Israel most probably does not share this view)

 

SOMALIA (USA)

A US Navy SEAL team in a pre-dawn mission “from the sea” attacked a seaside villa in Baraawe (southern Somalia) known as a gathering point for al-Shabaab militants … targeting a senior al-Shabaab leader … some sources say attack had to be aborted as SEALs came under heavy fire … al-Shabaab for its part claimed the attack was carried out by British and Turkish special forces – and had failed. (rmks: Response to recent Nairobi terror attack)

 

 

06 October

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) head Ali Akbar Salehi called on security forces to be watchful of possible terrorist attacks on nuclear centres … several acts of sabotage already defused and a number of spies arrested recently.

 

NORWAY

Norwegian paper reports the navy has “permanently berthed” frigate OTTO SVERDRUP as a spare parts hulk for her four sister ships … spare parts agreement was never put in place with their Spanish builder, Navantia, and the price of spare parts with local supplier, Bergen Group, are proving too costly. … MoD: “no comment”.

 

PIRACY

Gulf of Aden: The Iranian navy claims to have thwarted two successive attacks by first one, then eight skiffs on an Iranian tanker being escorted through the Gulf of Aden … “heavy firepower” forced the pirates to flee. (rmks: Go figure, it’s the mullahs who FINALLY do something right, in the war on piracy. Goes to show you that a broken clock really does tell the correct time once per day)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ UN chemical weapons inspectors have official begun destroying the Syrian stockpile … working to “render useless” a first production facility.

+++ US DoD reportedly prepared to offer deployment of a mobile Field Deployable Hydrolysis System … to be set up outside Syria to neutralize large quantities of chemicals transported out of the country.

+++ Rumor originating in Lebanon alleges Syrian President Assad transferred significant amounts of weaponry to Lebanese Hezbollah, including the missiles capable of carrying chemical warheads … the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps supervised the transfer of the weapons and helped build and design the launching pads in Lebanon. (rmks: There will be more such reports with a major part of them, however, deliberate disinformation).

 

USA

SecDef Hagel is recalling all naval shipyard employees who were placed on furlough … although the government shutdown continues, they shall return to their normal worksites.

 

07 October

 

ITALY

Civilian ships rescue 363 Syrian refugees underway in an overcrowded boat in the central Mediterranean … all brought to Sicily.

 

PAKISTAN – LIBYA

New Pakistani frigate ASLAT (F22P) arrives in Tripoli (Libya) on a four-day visit to boost naval ties and bilateral cooperation between Libya and Pakistan.

 

PIRACY

Spain: Six Somalis have gone on trial in Spain with the prosecutor seeking a 23-year sentence for each defendant … had been apprehended in Jan 2012, when trying to hijack Spanish navy supply ship PATINO (EU NavFor), mistaking it for a commercial freighter … now claim they are fishermen and had approached the ship for help. (rmks: They will likely get off and then be granted EU citizenship, where they can then live on the public dole)

 

RUSSIA

“Dissatisfied with progress of work” at Northeastern Vilyuchinsk repair center, defence minister Shoigu ordered Pacific fleet submarines to be repaired / upgraded at other shipyards … Pacific-based AKULA class submarines BRATSK and SAMARA to transfer to Zvezdochka (Severodvinsk) in Jul rspv. Aug 2014 via Northern Sea Route.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Russian Baltic Fleet landing ship ALEXANDER SHABALIN returns to the Mediterranean, passing the Turkish Straits after spending a few days in the Black Sea. (rmks: Last reported in southbound transit on 29 Sep, with return to Black Sea not covered by open sources; looks like they are shuttling cargo)

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet destroyer SMETLIVIY and support ship KASHTAN KIL-158 have ended their visit to Corfu (Greece).

+++ Pacific Fleet destroyer ADMIRAL PANTELEYEV, former part of Russian Mediterranean Squadron, confirmed to have left Mediterranean … begins four-day (until 11 Oct) visit to Egyptian Red Sea port of Bur Safajah.

 

TAIWAN

The Ministry of National Defence released its biennial defense White Paper … emphasizing "China's continued failure to renounce the use of force against the island" and warning of Beijing's "increasing military threat" … Chinese invasion “possible by 2020”.

 

THE KOREAS

With trilateral ROK-US-JAP naval exercises set to kick off (08 – 10 Oct), North Korea has begun its usual loud propaganda … “will carry out pre-emptive strikes to counter military provocations by South Korea and the United States” … exercise participants include US Navy GEORGE WASHINGTON Carrier Strike Group and ROK Navy and Japanese navy Aegis-destroyers … focus on maritime maneuvering, and search and rescue operations.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

+++“Cougar 13”: Amphibious support ship CARDIGAN BAY and repair ship DILIGENCE have arrived in the Persian Gulf … for several-day MCM exercises with four Bahrain-based British mine hunters together with US Navy afloat base PONCE and Sea Dragon MCM helicopters … clear a channel for cargo vessels … frigate MONTROSE, two US Navy destroyers and US Navy riverine forces provide protection against “enemy forces”.

+++ Multinational joint (tri-service) exercise “Joint Warrior 13.2” begins off Scotland … until 17 Oct … 15 warships (UK, Denmark, France, Norway) and some 40 aircraft … one focus on British – French cooperation (part of joint training under the Treaty of Lancaster House, signed in 2010).

 

USA

With regards to government shutdown Fleet Forces commander, Adm Gortney, directed that the Fleet will limit activities to only those that are absolutely necessary to safely accomplish currently assigned excepted missions … “avoid or delay expenditures unless it is absolutely necessary. This is not business as usual."

 

 

08 October

 

CHINA

Huangpu shipyard finally launched its 9th JIANGKAI-II class frigate … floated without ceremony. (rmks: Launch had been widely expected already on 01 Oct; photo does not show hull number yet).

 

ISRAEL

Update: The Israel air force-operated drone which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea just off the Israeli coast was not a Heron (as some media had initially reported) but a Hermes 450 … cause of accident still unknown but early assessments point to engine failure.

 

RUSSIA

Due to „insufficient budget“ (for fuel), the Russian armed forces may have to curtail number or scale of exercises scheduled in 2014 … also reduce flying hours for pilots by 20 percent.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

In two separate incidents just days apart, frigate LANCASTER, currently deployed in the Caribbean, intercepted drug runners and seized 400kg of cocaine and almost 1.2 tons of marijuana with a total street value of nearly 70 million Euros.

 

USA

The National Science Foundation has cancelled the entire US Antarctic research program for this year because of the ongoing government shutdown. Scientists and contractors already stationed at the three US science bases on Antarctica will be sent home with only a small staff left behind to maintain the structures and equipment.

 

 

09 October

 

AUSTRALIA

The MU90 lightweight torpedo has entered active service with the Australian navy, having achieved Operational Release Status after a recent final test firing.

 

BRUNEI

According to the “Brunei Times”, the fourth PV 80 DARUSSALAM class offshore patrol vessel currently under construction at German Luerssen shipyard (hull number 09) “during a christening ceremony in August has been named DARUTTAQWA”.

 

CHINA (Territorial Disputes)

+++ General: During the 16th ASEAN – JAPAN summit, leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations vowed to advance negotiations with China on a “legally binding code of conduct,” aimed at reducing territorial and maritime conflicts in the South China Sea. (rmks: And they actually think the ChiComms will abide by it)

+++ With Japan: Japan is “ready to improve ties with China through dialogue, while at the same time checking it on its behavior in regional waters by referring to attempts to change the status quo by force”. (rmks: Dittos)

 

EGYPT

+++ The US government has decided to curtail cash assistance and military aid to Egypt and withhold deliveries of heavy weapons such as tanks or combat aircraft … until "credible progress is made toward an inclusive government set up through free and fair elections” … continue providing arms and systems relevant to combatting terrorism. (rmks: Annual aid has amounted to US$1.5B; unclear whether deliveries of AMBASSADOR class missile boats will be affected)

+++ Update: US officials: US military aid withheld includes Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

 

FRANCE

+++ MoD: France “needs 11 new multi-mission frigates”, but will not exclude substituting then last three FREMM with a “future frigate intermediate size” (FTI), a smaller, less expensive “new generation” ship which also would stand good chances on the export market … decision, however, not due before 2016.

+++ DCNS has begun looking for a prospective buyer for offshore patrol vessel L’ADROIT after leasing contract with the French navy expires in early 2015.

 

NORWAY

Update: The Norwegian Navy has denied local media reports claiming that its NANSEN class frigates are subject to “extensive cannibalization”.

 

PHILIPPINES (JAPAN)

Japanese Prime Minister Abe confirmed plans to support the Philippine coast guard … process under way toward „swiftly providing” 10 patrol vessels to the PCG as announced in July this year.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops Ops (Anti-Piracy Forces Update): Danish multi-purpose ship ESBERN SNARE has arrived in the Southern Red Sea, joining NATO’s SNMG-1 in operation “Ocean Shield”

 

RUSSIA

Russian investigators claim to have found hard drugs (raw opium, morphine) on board Greenpeace ship ARCTIC SUNRISE seized during a protest in the Arctic last month (with its 30 crewmembers arrested) and will expand charges accordingly. Greenpeace statement: "We can only assume they are referring to the medical supplies that our ships are obliged to carry under maritime law.”

 

SAUDI ARABIA

Contracts for modernization/life time extension (until 2025) of four MADINA class frigates and two BORAIDA class supply ships formalized … main contractor French DCNS, with all works conducted at Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) … work to start in 2014 and completed by 2019 … additional similar contract expected for modernization of also the three RIYADH class frigates.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

VALOUR class frigate SPIOENKOP has begun a two-month voyage to West Africa … will attend a “sea show” in Senegal and visit some African countries to strengthen relations … return home by end-November.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Chemical weapons inspectors thus far have identified 20 sites in Syria to inspect for chemical weapons stocks and precursor materials, but the ability of the teams to reach the sites is dependent on proper security … “require some temporary cease-fires to permit work in a permissive environment”.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

+++ TYPE 23 frigate KENT returns to home base Portsmouth, completing a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

+++ The Royal Navy's former ice patrol ship ENDURANCE is to be scrapped after the MoD decided the cost of repairing the vessel, which flooded off the coast of Chile in 2008, was too great. (rmks: Was to be expected after purchase of previously leased PROTECTOR).

+++ Decommissioned TYPE 22 frigate CHATHAM has begun her final voyage, sailing from Portsmouth for a Turkish scrapyard … sister ships CAMPBELTOWN and CUMBERLAND to follow this week, CORNWALL at a later date.

 

USA

Huntington Ingalls has started fabrication of the sixth LEGEND class National Security Cutter for the US Coast Guard … to be named MUNRO (WMSL 755).

 

 

10 October

 

ALGERIA

Italian navy website gives name of dock landing ship (Debarquement de Batiment et de Soutien Logistics - BDSL) currently being built by Italian Fincantieri as KALAAT BENI-ABBES. First contingent (101) of future crew arrived in Italy in late Sep for initial training.

 

AUSTRALIA

Helicopter carrier CANBERRA set to begin in-port trials (vehicle loading/offloading tests) this week … first sea trials to start in Dec with delivery (originally scheduled in late Feb) now slated for May 2014 … sister ship ADELAIDE to depart Spanish Navantia shipyard loaded onto heavy lift ship BLUE MARLIN in Dec … arrive by early Feb in Williamstown, Australia, for completion and outfitting.

 

NATO

While some Russian media still report (all) “six ships” of NATO’s SNMCMG-1 in a port visit to St. Petersburg, actually only four vessels have been allowed berthing there (“four foreign warships permitted at one time”). The remainder two (NDL, BEL) said “to arrive later” … for the time being may have been diverted to another (non-Russian) port in the region.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops Ops (Anti-Piracy Forces Update): Ukrainian frigate HETMAN SAGAYDACHNIY has arrived in the Gulf of Aden and joined NATO operation “Ocean Shield”.

 

RUSSIA

+++ After successfully completing all factory tests (incl. live weapons firing), YASEN class submarine (SSN) SEVERODVINSK “soon” (no date given) will begin state testing which should be completed by year-end … Russian media continue to doubt “delivery this year”.

+++ LtGen Oleg Makarevich appointed as new Chief of Staff of the Eastern Military District, replacing VAdm Viktor Mardusin.

 

SOUTH KOREA (multinational)

Two days delayed by a typhoon, the ROK Navy, the US Navy and the Japanese navy have begun a “search & rescue exercise” (annual event “for humanitarian, not military purposes”) … east of the Korean peninsula … participants include Korean and Japanese Aegis destroyers and US Navy aircraft carrier GEORGE WASHINGTON. (rmks: certainly not the type of ships one would expect to conduct a search & rescue exercise)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ A second team of chemical weapons experts has arrived in Damascus while the first team has completed visits to three of Syria's 45 chemical weapons sites.

+++ Russian Baltic Fleet frigate NEUSTRASHIMIY has completed operations with the Russian “MedSqn” and commenced home transit … arrive at Baltiysk by 20 Oct. (rmks: has been deployed since March)

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 II, Edition 6

 

Well, it looks like the bureaucratic dam has burst in DC and the sludge will once again flow from the halls of Congress and the White House, as the shutdown is over. It will be interesting to see the ramifications over the next few weeks. In the meantime, the world’s navies continue to be active. Enjoy!

 

 

10 October

 

CHINA

Upon completion of port visit to Valparaiso (Chile) destroyer LANZHOU and frigate LIUZHOU conduct “Passex” with Chilean navy frigates LYNCH and CAPITAN PRAT … practicing air defense with targets provided by 5 Chilean navy Pilatus PC-7 aircraft … together with supply ship POYANG HU now head south for Cape Hoorn/Magellan Strait for next port visit at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

 

PIRACY

Somalia Basin: Two skiffs approached a fully laden super tanker (VLCC) in the northern Somalia Basin, 230 nm east of Hobyo (Somalia). When embarked security team fired warning shots, fire was returned before the skiffs backed away … NATO and EU NavFor issued warning to shipping. (rmks: Notice to the Keystone Kops – The cockroach problem isn’t going to take care of itself. You guys (and gals) will have to do some actual policing of the seas)

 

 

11 October

 

CHINA

Task group with destroyer QINGDAO, frigate LINYI and supply ship HONGZE HU arrives at Auckland (New Zealand) for a scheduled port visit.

 

GUAYANA – VENEZUELA

Venezuela's navy detained survey ship TEKNIK PERDANA, operated by US company Anadarko Petroleum … in waters disputed by the neighboring countries … contracted by Guayana to conduct seismic survey … “action by the Venezuelan navy unprecedented in Guyana Venezuela relations". (rmks: It looks like the FNZ is starting to feel its oats and wants to start flexing it’s muscles in the Caribbean)

 

ITALY (MALTA)

Another ship carrying refugees and African migrant workers to Italy capsized and sank south of Sicily … leaving some 250 people stranded in the water … Italy and Malta launched major rescue operation but more than 30 feared dead.

 

PIRACY

Gulf of Aden: The Iranian navy claims to have foiled another pirate attack, this time on an Iranian LNG tanker south of Al Mukallah (Yemen) … once again, the Iranian navy’s “firepower” (read that embarked armed security team) forced the pirates to flee the scene and the tanker could safely continue its journey. (rmks: No other source have reported any recent incident in the area. Additionally, there has been no alert/warning issued to other shipping; possibly chased away harmless fishermen who came too close for comfort and the Iranian navy at home took the chance to highlight the “important” role of the Iranian navy in safeguarding international sea-lanes far from home)

 

THE KOREAS

While trilateral (South Korea, USA and Japan) naval exercises continue in the Japan Sea (conflicting reports, some sources say “west” of Korean peninsula), North Korea has vowed to “bury in the sea” participating US aircraft carrier GEORGE WASHINGTON … “if provoked”. (rmks: And if pigs could fly …)

 

USA

Due to “uncertainty over the government shutdown” christening ceremony of destroyer DDG-1000 ZUMWALT, supposed to be held on 19 Oct at Bath Iron Works, has been postponed … likely be rescheduled for spring 2014.

(rmks: There’s gotta be some other cause than just the gov’t shutdown)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

US Navy Times: US Navy aircraft carrier NIMITZ still patrolling the Red Sea, escorted by cruiser SAN JACINTO and destroyer MASON … while four ships of the Carrier Strike Group (PRINCETON, WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE, STOCKDALE, SHOUP) are headed home, the aircraft carrier’s deployment has been extended “for the foreseeable future”. (rmks: That’s gotta suck. Been there and done that on the NASSAU in 1989)

 

TAIWAN

The Ministry of National Defense confirms plans to replace two KNOX class frigates with two PERRY class frigates to be acquired from the US, but denies media reports on planned decommissioning of another four KNOX as "pure speculation and untrue".

 

USA

+++ Building dock (at Newport News) for new aircraft carrier GERALD R. FORD flooded and ship floated … now being prepared for christening ceremony scheduled on 09 Nov.

+++ In a change-of-command ceremony at Naples (Italy), VAdm Phil Davidson relieves VAdm Frank C. Pandolfe as commander, US 6th Fleet.

 

 

12 October

 

CHINA

+++ “Mission Harmony 2013”: Hospital ship DAISHANDAO (during mission officially called “Peace Ark”) returns home, ending this year’s deployment … had visited eight Asian countries, treated over 30,000 people, performed almost 300 surgeries.

+++ Photos of the stern of a large twin-screw new ship under construction at Hudong shipyard has led to rumors that another YUZHAO class dock landing ship may be built … expert bloggers: “premature speculation, could be an LNG tanker, wait and see”. (rmks: The ChiComs continue their shipbuilding binge)

 

NORTH KOREA

Leader Kim Jong-un visits “new warships” … associated photos suggest patrol craft, armed with (at least) modified AK-230 (rotating barrels added) and 14,5mm gatling mount. (rmks: The pigs have gotten made up and dressed-out for another propaganda photo op)

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops Ops (Anti-Piracy Forces update): Indian authorities have detained “security ship” SEAMAN GUARD and her 10 crew and 25 security guards … for failing to produce papers authorizing it to carry weapons and ammunition in Indian waters … owned by private US company AdvanFort … has operated off the southern tip of India to provide embarked security teams to passing merchant vessels. (rmks: Obviously, private companies are now being required to trust in the incompetence of the Keystone Kops to protect them)

 

USA

The KEARSARGE Amphibious Ready Group (KEARSARGE and CARTER HALL, with SAN ANTONIO to rejoin in the Mediterranean, 26th MEU) has left the 5th Fleet area of responsibility after six months in the region … commenced home transit to Norfolk, where KEARSARGE is slated for depot level maintenance period until Apr 2014.

 

 

13 October

 

AUSTRALIA

Frigate NEWCASTLE returns to Fleet Base East, Sydney … greeted by new Prime Minister Tony Abbott … completed a six-month deployment to the Middle East (national Operation “Slipper”)

 

CHINA (Stick Poking Ops (aka: Territorial Disputes)

With Vietnam: China and Vietnam have agreed to set up a working group to jointly explore their disputed waters in the South China Sea … vow to move beyond the territorial row and enhance bilateral ties. (rmks: Chinese prime minister in three-day visit to Hanoi, Vietnam)

 

EGYPT

Egypt has stepped up security along the Suez Canal after jihadists threatened attacks along the waterway.

 

ITALY

+++ A Libyan oil tanker rescued 174 Syrian migrants in international waters off the Italian coast.

+++ Two more migrant boats in distress intercepted off Italy and their some 400 African migrants are taken over by Italian navy/coast guard

+++ Italy will triple the number of navy/coast guard vessels deployed in patrols south of Sicily and off the North African coast.

 

NORTH KOREA

According to “intelligence reports” North Korea is developing a ballistic anti-ship missile, range 300 km, based on improved version of KN-02 surface-to-surface ballistic missile. (rmks: You have to love dictatorships. They let their people starve, while they try to develop new toys to “conquer the world”)

 

 

14 October

 

ITALY

Migration: In Operation “Mare Nostrum” the Italian navy is deploying five warships incl. a SAN GIORGIO class dock landing ship (rmks: some sources also speak of LUPO/BERSAGLIERE class frigates), patrol aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs to waters south of Sicily … large-scale high seas patrol mission to also “deter people smugglers” … join six coast guard patrol boats and six border guard patrol boats.

 

MOROCCO

After completing a two-year modernization at French Raidco Marine, CORMORAN class patrol vessel EL MAHER has left Lorient to return to Morocco … sister ship EL MAHID still in Lorient … three more units of this class modernized by Raidco between 2005 and 2009.

 

NETHERLANDS

“African Winds 13”: Dock landing ship ROTTERDAM set to arrive at Lagos (Nigeria) for a scheduled visit from 15 – 19 Oct … conduct joint trainings with African partners, and also function as a “platform for high level business”. (rmks: national deployment, though partially linked with US Navy’s Africa Partnership Station)

 

PIRACY

+++ Somalia Basin: two skiffs “approached” a fishing vessel some 250 nm east of Hobyo. (rmks: possibly same group that had attacked a passing VLCC tanker on 11 Oct)

+++ Belgium: Belgium authorities apprehended two leading Somali pirates involved in hijacking of Belgium dredger POMPEI in April 2009… pretended wishing hire them as advisors for a documentary on a notorious Somali pirate, with contracts mandatory to be signed in Brussels … upon arrival at the Brussels airport, they were arrested.

+++ France: Three Somali pirates went on trial in France for the 2009 hijacking of French yacht TANIT which resulted in a rescue operation by French commandos and the death of the yacht's skipper. (rmks: It’s likely the poor pirates will be granted French citizenship and sentence to living off the EU dole for the rest of their natural lives)

 

RUSSIA

STEREGUSHCHIY class corvette SOOBRAZITELNIY sails from Baltiysk for a scheduled 18 – 23 Oct visit to Cork (Ireland) … participate in international maritime festival … Baltic Fleet orchestra embarked.

 

RUSSIA / SOUTH KOREA

Annual bilateral coast guard exercise kicks off in and off Vladivostok … until 18 Oct … South Korean coast guard deploying one of its larger (5,000 ts) rescue/salvage ships. (rmks: Such annual exercises have been held since 2001)

 

SOUTH KOREA

At Jinghae, the ROK Navy has taken delivery of its 11th GEOMDOKSURI class missile boat, name given as HONG XI UK.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Russian Pacific Fleet cruiser VARYAG and tanker BORIS BUTOMA arrive at Salalah (Oman) for a port visit until 19 Oct … afterwards “will proceed to the Gulf of Aden”. (rmks: Anti-piracy operations combined with Syria contingency?)

 

TURKEY

In protest at a court ruling against 237 military officers for “plotting to overthrow the government”, a number of high ranking navy/coast guard officers have resigned … among them coast guard commanders VAdm Atilla Kezek and RAdm Sami Orguc.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

“Cougar 13”: British papers report major amphibious exercise for RN Response Group Task Force (rmks: incl. helicopter carrier ILLUSTRIOUS and dock landing ship BULWARK), scheduled end of Oct in/off Djibouti, cancelled … “due to soaring cost of fuel for the ships”. (rmks: Currently in the Persian Gulf region)

 

 

15 October

 

CANADA

Vancouver Shipyards will begin construction of the first Joint Support Ship only in late 2016. (rmks: Whoa! They are actually cutting steel. Simply amazing, at the program is currently eons behind schedule)

 

CHINA

Task group with destroyer LANZHOU, frigate LIUZHOU and supply ship POYANG HU passes the Magellan Strait enroute from Valparaiso (Chile) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

 

FRANCE

+++ French navy supply ship MEUSE to be withdrawn from service in 2014.

+++ Second FREMM type frigate, NORMANDIE, scheduled to sail from Lorient “this week” to begin her first sea trials

 

INDIA

+++ The Indian navy commissioned its second SARYU class offshore patrol vessel, SUNAYNA (P-57).

+++ The Defense Ministry has - finally - decided to award a US$1.2B contract to South Korean Kangnam for eight mine-countermeasure vessels … first two boats will be constructed at Pusan (South Korea), the remaining six will be built at the Goa Shipyard through technology transfers … more orders likely as the Indian navy has identified a requirement of up to 24 new MCM vessels.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

New round of 5+1 talks has begun in Geneva … to create an “atmosphere of mutual trust” Iran reportedly prepared to “temporarily suspend enriching Uranium beyond 20 percent if sanctions are lifted“. (rmks: When we are talking about Iran and negotiations, why do I keep remembering Munich in 1936? Man that is strange. Does that happen to anyone else?)

 

ITALY

An Italian navy frigate and a patrol boat brought some 290 people, mostly Syrians, Somalis and Eritreans, to Lampedusa after two migrant vessels used satellite phones to dial for help. A Panamanian merchant vessel later picked up about another 80 people adrift on a large raft off Libya and took them to Sicily.

 

MALAYSIA

In order to boost asymmetrical warfare capabilities the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is seeking funding to replace older fast attack craft.

 

PHILIPPINES

The Philippine navy has sent 13 vessels to Central Visayas to help in relief operations after the magnitude-7.2 earthquake … include amphibious vessel TAGBANUA, one patrol ship, two logistic ships and a number of smaller patrol boats.

 

PIRACY

+++ Keystone Kops Ops (Anti-Piracy Forces update) Japan: The Japanese government is considering legislation that would allow armed security guards to be stationed on board Japanese-registered cargo ships (off Somalia), as part of anti-piracy measures.

+++ South-East Asia: A Thai-flagged oil tanker, hijacked on 13 Oct while enroute Vietnam, has been released … cargo stolen, crew unharmed.

 

RUSSIA

French STX shipyard at St. Nazaire floated out the first of two MISTRAL class helicopter carriers being built for the Russian navy. VLADIVOSTOK to start sea trials in March … afterwards will be handed over unarmed to be fitted with Russian-made weapons systems at St: Petersburg … scheduled to be commissioned with the Pacific Fleet in Nov 2014.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

The Syrian Coalition and the General Staff of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) pledge cooperation with the OPCW experts … seen as first step towards local ceasefires required for OPCW to work in safety. (rmks: Major parts of the opposition not controlled by these moderate forces)

 

THAILAND

The Thai navy plans to complete the construction of a submarine squadron headquarters and training center at the Sattahip naval base in March next year, then look for “at least three submarines” as part of its next 10-year procurement plan.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

“Cash-strapped” MoD has formally launched a search for buyers for helicopter carrier ILLUSTRIOUS which is scheduled to retire in late 2014 … preferring to have the “Pride of the Royal Navy” preserved as museum ship.

 

USA

The “21st International Seapower Symposium“, scheduled for Oct. 22-25 in Newport (Rhode Island), has been cancelled as a result of the government shutdown. (rmks: It will be interesting to see if it get reslated anytime soon)

 

VENEZUELA – GUAYANA

Update: Ahead of bilateral talks planned on 17 Oct to resolve the issue, Venezuela already released US-operated survey vessel TEKNIK PERDANA, seized on 10 Oct during exploration work in disputed waters.

 

 

16 October

 

AUSTRALIA

Defense Minister David Johnston: “Evolved” COLLINS Class submarine leading option for Australia's next generation of submarines.

 

CHINA

+++ Photos published on the official website of the Chinese navy suggest East Sea Fleet H-6G bombers (derivate of Soviet Badger) conducted a mining exercise in Western Pacific in September, nine-days after two such bombers were detected by the Japanese in the airspace over international waters between the island of Okinawa and Miyako.

+++ Task group with destroyer QINGDAO, frigate LINYI and supply ship HONGZE HU completes four-day visit to Auckland (New Zealand) and commences home transit.

 

FRANCE

Aircraft carrier CHARLES DE GAULLE sails from Toulon for pilot training / carrier qualification.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

5+1 talks (aka Munich 2013): Media reports indicate Iran has offered a three stage plan that includes snap inspections of nuclear facilities and an agreement to limit uranium enrichment in return for an easing of sanctions … agreed on next round of talks on 7 / 8 Nov. (rmks: Iranian tactics: offer small compromises in return for major concessions, which is a standard in Middle East politics)

 

ITALY

+++ The Italian authorities have intercepted what they are calling a "migrant mother ship" in international waters … used to tow smaller boats full of migrants closer to Italy.

+++ The governor of Sicily has declared a state of emergency because of the vast number of migrants arriving on the island.

+++ (With the US Navy) US Navy dock landing ship SAN ANTONIO helping in the rescue of 128 migrants spotted on a dinghy in rough seas 70 nm south of Malta.

 

MALAYSIA

Malaysia will create a Marine Corps … to conduct amphibious operations … consist of naval, ground and air forces … based in Sabah state at the South China Sea with new base to be established in Bintulu.

 

RUSSIA

Northern Fleet coastal defense forces “recently” completed live missile firing exercises … launched a total of seven coast-to-ship missiles from shores of Rybachiy and Sredniy peninsula where they had been deployed some six weeks … afterwards missile batteries, personnel and equipment picked up and returned to garrison by landing ship ALEXANDER OTRAKOVSKIY

 

SOUTH KOREA

The ROK Navy has requested three more KDX-III Aegis destroyers … Joint Chiefs of Staff will discuss requirement early next month … if the plan gets the go ahead, the ships will be built between 2020 and 2025.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Italian navy destroyer ANDREA DORIA, since mid-Sep deployed to the EastMed for Syria contingency, now has joined UNIFIL Maritime Task Force off Lebanon. (rmks: Kills two birds with one stone; stay in the region and at the same time contribute to another international mission)

+++ Russian Baltic Fleet frigate NEUSTRASHIMIY returns to home base Baltiysk, completing her six-month deployment which in recent months saw her operating in EastMed with the Russian MedSqn.

+++ Nearly 70 rebel groups in southern Syria announced they would no longer recognize the Western-backed Syrian National Council.

+++ OPCW inspectors have verified 11 (out of 20 formally declared) Syrian chemical weapons sites and destroyed key equipment in 6 of them. (rmks: Interesting numbers: previous reports indicated a total of some 45 chemical weapons - related - sites in Syria)

 

UKRAINE

Defense Minister Pavel Lebedev: First Project 58250 corvette scheduled to enter service in 2017 … current ten-year (2011-2021) plan provides funding for four ships of this class.

 

USA

+++ Congress approved legislation to end government shutdown and raise the federal debt limit … albeit only for a few months. (rmks: When we will again, begin arguing about AGAIN raising the debt limit)

+++ During a change-of-command ceremony at a Pearl Harbor, Adm Harry Harris took command of the US Pacific Fleet from Adm Cecil Haney, who is leaving to lead US Strategic Command.

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 II, Edition 7

 

Another week is past and yet another weekend is upon us. I hope you all are enjoying autumn as it begins to settle in. With these kind words to serve as the introduction, here is your weekly global naval news update. Enjoy!

 

 

12 October

 

CHINA

HAIJIU class (Type 037) patrol vessel NANHUI (688) decommissioned … to become museum ship.

 

 

14 October

 

LATVIA

Riga Shipyard put the fifth and last SKRUNDA class SWATH-design patrol boat REZEKNE (P-09) to water.

 

 

15 October

 

PIRACY

+++ Somalia Basin: After recent attacks on two vessels some 250 nm east of Hobyo, international maritime forces (read that the keystone kops) in a coordinated effort searched for, located, intercepted and apprehended a group of suspected Somali pirates … operation included FORT VICTORIA, MELBOURNE and WANG GEON (CTF-151), JOHAN DE WITT (EU NavFor) and a Seychelles based maritime patrol aircraft from Luxembourg (EU NavFor) … skiffs and equipment destroyed, suspected pirates detained on board MELBOURNE … with no chance for prosecution, marooned at the Somalia coast. (rmks: That was a bold move! However, it was completely lost … WHEN THEY LET THE FREAKING PIRATES GO, TO PIRATE AGAIN!)

 

 

16 October

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: British amphibious support ship LYME BAY has joined EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta” … until mid-November. (rmks: part of current national Royal navy deployment “Cougar 13” which LYME BAY will rejoin after leaving EU NavFor).

 

USA

LOS ANGELES class submarine ALBANY begins a 29-month midlife overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth.

 

 

17 October

 

CHINA

Observed by navy commander Adm Wu Shengli, the North Sea Fleet conducted live missile firing in the Yellow Sea … associated photos show launches of air-defence missiles … exercise was attended by “about 100 ships and submarines” … named destroyers HARBIN, SHIJIAZHUANG and corvette DATONG … photos also show a SOVREMENNIY class destroyer and a JIANGKAI-II class frigate … activities probably formal kick-off for several-week (until early Nov) exercises dubbed “Maneuver V” reaching to the open sea of the West Pacific … participants to include ships, submarines, aircraft and coastal defense missile units of all three fleets.

 

FRANCE

First sea trials for second FREMM type frigate NORMANDY, scheduled this week, delayed due to (unspecified) “technical problem” … builder DCNS: will not affect scheduled delivery date in 2014.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

In the wake of a promising first round of nuclear talks with Iran (although these did not produce a breakthrough) the US government deliberates easing some sanctions, offering Tehran access to billions of dollars in frozen funds “if the Iranian government takes specific steps to curb its nuclear program”. (rmks: Sure remove the sanctions (they weren’t working anyway))

 

ISRAEL

The MoD’s weapons development administration (Mafat) has decided to more focus on development of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), not least targeting a global market worth an estimated US$2B annually.

 

PAKISTAN

+++ Frigate ASLAT arrives at Novorossiysk (Russia) for the first ever visit of a Pakistani warship to this Russian Black Sea port …to stay until 20 Oct.

+++ Pakistan is seeking to upgrade Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works by expanding co-operation with South Korea … major focus on "enhanced facilities to produce smaller boats like fast attack craft".

 

PIRACY

+++ West Africa: IMB-report: Pirate attacks off Nigeria’s coast have jumped by a third this year … unlike the dangerous waters on the eastern coast of Africa, many vessels have to anchor to do business off West African countries, with little protection. This makes them a soft target for criminals who ransack the vessels and steal the cargo, usually gas oil.

+++ Keystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: Italian frigate ZEFFIRO returns to Taranto (Italy), ending a five-month deployment with EU NavFor in support of operation “Atalanta” (rmks: Yet another frivolous waste of money, with NOTHING to show for it)

 

RUSSIA

+++ LADA class submarine St. PETERBURG arrives at a Northern Fleet base for a series of sea trials including deep water tests in the Barents Sea. (rmks: Much delayed deployment, originally scheduled already in 2012, then Apr/May 2013).

+++ An underwater film shows several large holes in the outer hull of sunken NOVEMBER class submarine K-159 … alleging leaking radioactivity. (rmks: Sank in Aug 2003 in the Barents Sea while being towed to scrapyard. That’s going to really endear the Russkies with the Greenies)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ US Secretary of State John Kerry hopes the Syrian chemical weapons will be rapidly consolidated into one location, put on a ship and removed from the region.

+++ “Geneva 2” peace conference scheduled on 23 Nov in Geneva … Syrian opposition still divided whether to participate.

 

UKRAINE

Nine naval vessels to be formally removed from inventory because of “technical inadequacy” … reportedly include minesweeper MELITOPOL, diving tender VOLNOGORSK, transport vessel BRYANKA, roadstead support vessels KONOTOP, RK-1935 and RITM-450, survey vessel MGK-1964, small boat OSTROG, water tanker BAKHMACH, ammunition transport vessel DZHANKOI. (rmks: More or less window dressing; most if not all of them have been inoperative for quite some time).

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Royal Navy ice patrol ship PROTECTOR sails from Portsmouth for two consecutive deployments to Antarctica … return to her new home at Devonport Naval Base only in Spring 2015 … will conduct surveys and patrols on behalf of the UK Hydrographic Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office and provide logistical support to the British Antarctic Survey organization.

 

 

18 October

 

FRANCE

The French navy looks set to part with dock landing ship SIROCCO in 2015 … may be sold to Chile.

 

RUSSIA

+++ Zvezdochka (Severodvinsk) will complete two-year overhaul of OSCAR-II submarine SMOLENSK “by year end” … sister boat OREL to take her place in November.

+++ Completing infrastructure at the Novorossiysk naval base requires considerably more funds than previously planned … Duma defense committee proposes an additional 600 million Euro, distributed over FY 2014 to 2016.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

OPCW experts thus far have inspected 14 chemical weapons sites in Syria … mission to be expanded with more investigators arriving by 01 Nov … currently 60 inspectors in Syria.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

Supply ship FORT VICTORIA has departed the Gulf region after a three-year (!) deployment in support of both national and multinational operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean region.

 

USA

Huntington Ingalls delivers 9th SAN ANTONIO class dock landing ship, LPD-25 SOMERSET, to the US Navy … scheduled to be commissioned on 01 Mar, 2014, in Philadelphia.

 

 

19 October

 

CANADA

With construction of the new Joint Support Ships to start only in 2016, and current supply ships PROTECTOR and PRESERVER scheduled to retire “around 2017”, the RCN could face a (up to) two-year capability gap and may have to rely on allies to resupply its warships.

 

CHINA

“Maneuver 5”: As a precursor to the actual exercise (an “all-fleet confrontational drill in the open waters of the Western Pacific” … “Red Party vs. Blue Party”), a South China Sea Fleet task force practiced defence of port approaches and roadsteads (“mooring area defence drill”) … during the exercise, the task force will act as “Red Party” – the “pre-determined wining side”.

 

JAPAN

The three ships of the JMSDF’s training squadron have arrived at Da Nang (Vietnam) for a three-day visit.(rmks: On their final leg of a circumnavigating training cruise)

 

RUSSIA

A Pacific Fleet task group with destroyer ADMIRAL VINOGRADOV, tanker IRKUT and NEFTEGAZ class salvage tug KALAR sails from Vladivostok on a two-month deployment to the Asia Pacific Region … initially proceed to Busan (South Korea) for participation in naval exhibition “Kormarin 2013” (22-25 Oct), then continue for Southeast Asia with a visit to Myanmar.

 

UNITED KINGDOM – INDIA

British frigate WESTMINSTER arrives at Goa (India) for annual (overall 9th) bilateral exercise “Konkan” … together with Indian destroyer DELHI, helicopters and land-based aircraft practice asymmetric operations, anti-air warfare and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) procedures.

 

 

20 October

 

BRAZIL

Third AMAZONAS class offshore patrol vessel ARAGUARI has arrived home after its maiden voyage which had included visits to West Africa and joint exercises with six African countries.

 

INDIA

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh starts visit to Russia amid speculations that a deal on leasing a second nuclear-powered AKULA class submarine may be finalized.

 

OMAN

First KHAREEF class corvette AL SHAMIKH has completed her transfer voyage from UK … arrives at the Said bin Sultan Naval Base (Oman).

 

PIRACY

Bab-el-Mandeb: The “brave” forces of the 27th fleet of warships succeeded in saving the Iranian LPG tanker BOOTANON after a few hours of clashes with the pirates … which in the Bab-el-Mandeb attacked with eight (!) skiffs … no mentioning of damage to skiffs nor apprehended pirates. (rmks: Yet another in a series of incidents not corroborated by any other source. As no other ships have been attacked there in recent months, either pirates in this area have “specialized” on Iranian ships, or – more likely – embarked Iranian navy security teams use to fire at any fishermen getting too close for comfort and then proudly report their “victorious battle” home. Huzzah for the Mullahs!)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non- naval)

Russian MedSqn: Russian Black Sea Fleet landing ship NOVOCHERKASSK passes the Turkish Straits towards the Mediterranean. (rmks: had spent some two weeks in the Black Sea before returning to MedSqn now)

 

UKRAINE

Still unclear whether the Russian navy will purchase SLAVA class cruiser UKRAINA … official document states costs for completing the ship estimated at some 130 million Euros. (rmks: Rather small sum, probably just for completing the basic ship; fitting it with modern systems should prove much more expensive)

 

USA

Media report that BIW in the coming days will move to dry dock and “unceremoniously” float new destroyer ZUMWALT … make good with the formal christening ceremony (scheduled on 19 Oct but cancelled due to government shutdown) some time in spring.

 

 

21 October

 

CANADA

The MoD has decided to extend participation in Arabian Sea multinational anti-terror operation “Enduring Freedom” (national operation “Artemis”) to April 2015 … currently frigate TORONTO deployed with CTF-150, will be relieved by sister ship REGINA in early 2014.

 

ISRAEL

Envisioned 450 million Euros will not be sufficient to fund procurement of up to four new missile corvettes (offshore patrol vessels) required to protect offshore gas installations … alternative plan allegedly sees acquisition and modification of civilian ships, the first of which could enter service in three years. (rmks: Requires confirmation).

 

PAKISTAN

Frigate ASLAN continues tour of the Mediterranean / Black Sea region … after visits to Port Sudan (North Sudan), Tripoli (Libya) and Novorossiysk (Russia) now headed for Turkish Golcuk naval base (22-25 Oct) … enroute home then visit Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). (rmks: New ship, domestically built to Chinese F22P design)

 

PHILIPPINES (FRANCE)

Reports that the Philippine coast guard has purchased French navy patrol vessel LA TAPAGEUSE seem to have been premature … still no formal agreement signed … France looking for another buyer.

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Update: South Korean destroyer CHOI YOUNG has replaced sister ship WANG GEON in multinational Combined Task Force (CTF) 151.

 

RUSSIA (FRANCE)

Recently launched helicopter carrier VLADIVOSTOK pulled out of dock and transferred to fitting-out pier in St. Nazaire (France).

 

RUSSIA

Nevsky Shipyard has been chosen (over competing Admiralty Shipyard) to build a new 23,000-ts tanker (Project 23130) for the Russian navy … delivery in 2016.

 

SPAIN

Set to complete a nearly one-year deployment (rmks: had sailed from Ferrol on 03 Jan) to Australia, supply ship CANTABRIA is preparing her return transit … with port visits to Jakarta (Indonesia), Goa (India) and Aksaz (Turkey) planned enroute.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non- naval)

+++ Russian MedSqn: Landing ships YAMAL (Black Sea Fleet) and MINSK (Baltic Fleet) pass the Turkish Straits towards the Mediterranean.

(rmks: both had spent some two weeks in the Black Sea before returning to MedSqn now)

+++ US aircraft carrier NIMITZ (together with cruiser MONTEREY) has passed the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean …”unrelated with Syria situation” … for a recreational port visit (first such since August) and some regional training … destinations not yet specified.

 

USA

+++ The DoD has awarded Raytheon a $1.6 billion contract, including options, to develop a new AMDR-S radar for the third batch of ARLEIGH BURKE class destroyers.

+++ Littoral Combat Ship LCS-1 FREEDOM, currently deployed to Singapore, reportedly experienced flooding (allegedly up to one meter in engine room) due to a burst sea water pipe … no “major” damage … will not affect participation in upcoming (Nov) Brunei phase of this year’s exercise CARAT … in late Nov ship to commence home transit to arrive in San Diego by late Dec.

 

 

22 October

 

CHINA

Task group with destroyer LANZHOU, frigate LIUZHOU and supply ship POYANG HU arrives at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) for a scheduled 5-day visit … upon sailing on 26 Oct conduct “Passex” with Brazilian navy, then continue for Argentina.

 

USA – CAMBODIA

CARAT 13: US Navy rescue and salvage ship SAFEGUARD arrives in Cambodia as part of annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) … Cambodia phase to focus on diving training.

 

 

23 October

 

CHINA

“Maneuver V“: Ships from all three major fleets have “broken the first island chain’s blockade” … to simultaneously pass Bashi Channel, Osumi Strait and Miyako Strait into the open Pacific.

 

INDIA

Two months after it was floated out at Cochin Shipyard, indigenous aircraft carrier VIKRANT has now been taken to the larger repair dock of the yard for the second phase of construction

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Iran plans to generate more electricity through nuclear energy in coming years … consider construction of a number power plants … priority given to the Persian Gulf coast to power planned water desalination facilities.

 

NEW ZEALAND

The RNZN wants to replace mine countermeasures and diving support vessel, MANAWANUI and hydrographic survey vessel RESOLUTION (already decommissioned in Apr 2012) “as both approach their end of life” … Request for Information calls for a “littoral operations support” ship combining the capabilities of both … delivery in mid-2017 and acceptance into naval service by mid-2018.

 

PIRACY

+++ West Africa: Nigerian militants reportedly attacked US-flagged platform supply vessel C-RETRIEVER off the Niger Delta … captain and one crew said to have been abducted (rmks: unconfirmed) … in a separate (probably unrelated) incident in the same area a Nigerian navy speedboat was attacked by militants who killed all soldiers and stole the weapons.

+++ Kenya: Four Somali pirates were sentenced to seven years each in prison by a Kenyan court that found them guilty of hijacking a fishing dhow in the Indian Ocean in 2010.

 

RUSSIA

Prosecutors have downgraded charges against 30 Greenpeace activists (detained during a protest against Arctic oil drilling) from piracy to hooliganism (rmks: “disorderly conduct” holds a maximum sentence of seven years vs. 15 years for piracy) … Russian will boycott maritime court hearings sought by the Netherlands in a bid to free them.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ French destroyer CHEVALIER PAUL in recent days has joined US Navy NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group. (rmks: Ol’ Assad is shaking in his boots now … the French have arrived on the scene)

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet landing ship AZOV has joined the Russian MedSqn in the Eastern Mediterranean.

+++ Israeli warplanes “earlier this week” reportedly targeted a convoy of missiles being delivered from Syria to Lebanese Hezbollah … “near the Syria-Lebanon border” (rmks: but unclear on which side of it).

 

 

24 October

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Iran claims to have stopped “unnecessary” plans to enrich Uranium beyond 20 percent. (rmks: litmus test will be verification)

 

IRELAND

Decommissioned patrol ship EMER auctioned off … Nigerian businessman bought her for 320,000 Euros … further use (pleasure boat or commercial security ship off West Africa) unclear.

 

ITALY

Italian navy (SAN MARCO, CIGALA FULGOSI), coast guard, and a merchant vessel have rescued a total of up to 800 migrants from boats found in distress south of Lampedusa.

 

PHILIPPINES

Looking for two new frigates the Philippines now reportedly consider also an Indian offer

(rmks: still conducting market survey)

 

RUSSIA

+++ Yaroslavl shipyard has sent DJUGON class (Project 21820) landing craft DENIS DAVYDOV to the Baltic for final factory and state tests ahead of delivery.

+++ After completing a 5-day port visit to Cork (Ireland), Baltic Fleet STEREGUSHCHIY class corvette SOOBRAZITELNIY has arrived at Falmouth (UK) for another visit and replenishment … afterwards head for home base Baltiysk.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

“Cougar 13”: Heading for more exercises in the Gulf of Oman, helicopter carrier ILLUSTRIOUS, escorted by frigate MONTROSE, has left the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

USA

+++ After a seven year-assignment in Sasebo (Japan), dock landing ship TORTUGA has returned to Norfolk (USA) … in Sasebo replaced by sister ship ASHLAND.

+++ A gunman (guardsman) opened fire at a US Navy support facility in Millington, near Memphis (Tennessee) … two soldiers non-critically injured before he was taken into custody.

 

VIETNAM

Russian Admiralty Shipyard has “successfully completed all tests” for the first Vietnamese KILO-II class submarine … formal delivery “in early November” … boat to be sent on its way to Cam Ranh (Vietnam) “by late Jan 2014”.

 

 

25 October

 

SOUTH KOREA (JAPAN)

Marking “Dokdo Day”, the South Korean navy and coast guard have begun exercises at disputed with Japan Dokdo/Takeshima islands … scenario sees “foreign soldiers illegally landed at the two islands” … ROK Navy forces include one KDX-I destroyer.

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 II, Edition 9

 

Sorry this edition is a week late getting out. It’s been busy and crack here. With the holidays season starting in a couple weeks, I will be taking some time off to do family thing through the New Year. Hope you enjoy this edition of the update!

 

 

30 October

 

BRAZIL

Under US Foreign Military Sales, Sikorsky has been contracted with two additional S-70B ASW/ASUW helicopters for the Brazilian navy.

 

CHINA

A South Sea Fleet task group with destroyer LANZHOU, frigate LIUZHOU and replenishment ship POYANG HU has completed its visit to Buenos Aires (Argentina) to commence home transit … before, had visited Valparaiso (Chile) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

 

IRELAND

Babcock Marine, Appledore (UK) has launched the first of two PV 90 new patrol ships, SAMUEL BECKETT (P 61)

 

KAZAKHSTAN - IRAN

Kazakhstan navy commander Adm Zhanzakov in official visit to Iran … talks on increased cooperation, possibly also in warship construction.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Israel air force attacked Syrian armed forces sites holding Russian SA-8 Gecko anti-air missiles … aircraft (one source: supported by navy ships) target one such site near the port of Latakia while other aircraft bombed one near Damascus.

(rmks: Preventing missiles from being passed on to Lebanese Hezbollah)

+++ US aircraft carrier NIMITZ has arrived at Naples (Italy) for a scheduled but unannounced port visit.

 

 

31 October

 

CHINA

+++ South Sea Fleet task group (LANZHOU, LIUZHOU, POYANG HU) arrives at Buenos Aires (Argentina) for a scheduled port visit.

+++ “Maneuver 5”: China strongly condemns Japanese action to “disturb and disrupt” exercises in the West Pacific as a “dangerous provocation” … had declared a danger area for live missile-/artillery fire, warning all shipping and aircraft to stay clear … still, Japanese destroyer IZAKUCHI (107) entered this zone on 25 Oct and “persistently” remained there until 28 Oct, while Japanese reconnaissance aircraft also intruded several times. Japan dismisses protest … “normal” patrol and surveillance missions in waters surrounding Japan (southeast of Sakishima Islands, Okinawa prefecture)

 

INDIA

For the record: ten days after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Russia there have been no local media reports whatsoever on leasing a second nuclear-powered AKULA class submarine … likely still negotiating.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Iranian foreign minister: We will not stop Uranium enrichment, but will not go beyond 20 percent, at that under IAEA supervision.

 

LIBYA

Libya's navy has rescued 84 Africans from a boat foundering off its coast … brought to the port of Zawiya for processing by the country's department for illegal migrants.

 

SPAIN (AUSTRALIA)

After 9 months operating as part of the Australian navy, Spanish replenishment ship CANTABRIA departs temporary homeport of Garden Island (Sydney, Australia) … will be visiting ports in Indonesia, India and Turkey before arriving home at Ferrol for Christmas.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ All (formally declared) Syrian chemical weapons mixing, filling and production facilities (41 at 23 locations) have been rendered inoperable … next task will be destroying the chemical agents themselves by summer 2014 … most probably will be shipped to another country possibly in Albania … US has offered to provide a mobile facility.

+++ British Royal Navy operating destroyer DRAGON and submarine TALENT in the Eastern Mediterranean … “unrelated to situation in Syria”.

 

USA

+++ PERRY class Frigate FORD decommissioned during a ceremony at Naval Station Everett. (rmks: It will likely wind up on the secondary market list. Any guess on who will buy it? Mine estimate is Taiwan)

+++ First flight of the US Navy’s newest MQ-8C variant of the Fire Scout unmanned helicopter (UAV) … longer endurance, range and greater payload capability than predecessor MQ-8B … initial operating capability planned for 2016, with the potential for an early deployment in 2014.

 

 

01 November

 

CANADA

The Canadian coast guard has taken delivery of its sixth HERO class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessel, CORPORAL McLAREN M.M.V.

 

CHINA

“Maneuver 5”: The first ever three-fleet exercise in open Pacific waters has concluded … “similar exercises will be regularly carried out in the West Pacific in the future”.

 

JAPAN

Japan's Self-Defense Forces have begun major exercise … until 18 Nov in southwestern Japan (Islands near Okinawa) … about 34,000 personnel taking part … activities to include “defence of remote islands” … amphibious landings on the uninhabited atoll of Okidaitojima (400 km southeast of Okinawa) … live-fire exercises involving navy destroyers … for the first time deploy Type 88 coastal defence anti-ship missiles at both Okinawa and Miyako, effectively covering the Miyako Strait.

(rmks: China will be „closely“ watching, possibly even interfere with intrusion and/or harrassment)

 

RUSSIA

The navy has rejected proposals to use new BOREJ class SSBN in mere SSN role (employing torpedoes and anti-ship missiles) until new Bulava nuclear missiles will become operational.

 

SOUTH AFRICA

Between 01 Apr, 2012, and 31 Mar, 2013, the SAN spent just 7,300 hours at sea, just one fifth of the targeted 35,000 hours … due to “vessels that were delayed in maintenance cycles, operational defects that prevented them from going to sea and longer than anticipated repair times.”

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

During her “several month deployment” Russian Northern Fleet missile cruiser PETR VELIKIY reportedly passed the Strait of Gibraltar, entering the Mediterranean Sea … initially for an anchorage in the Alboran Sea (rmks: location usually used for replenishment).

 

USA

PERRY class frigate THACH decommissioned during a ceremony at Navy Base San Diego. (rmks: Dittos from the previous USA decom)

 

 

02 November

 

CHINA

Chinese navy RAdm in official paper: China will need at least 20 nuclear submarines to defend its maritime interests.

 

EGYPT

Security forces and the 3rd Army tighten security at the Suez Canal following intelligence that Muslim Brotherhood supporters may try to disrupt traffic in protest against upcoming (start 04 Nov) trial of former President Morsi.

 

JAPAN – RUSSIA

Japan and Russia have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in security affairs … will conduct joint naval exercises (anti-piracy / anti-terrorism).

(rmks: most certainly with an eye on China …)

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Russian Pacific Fleet task group with missile cruiser VARYAG passes the Suez Canal and enters the Mediterranean … “perform a number of tasks with Russian MedSqn” (one source: replace sister ship MOSKVA as flag ship) … currently reported heading for Alexandria (Egypt) for port visit/replenishment. (rmks: with also PETR VELIKIY in the region, we should expect a “good in publicity” meeting of the flag ships of all three fleets)

+++ Russian foreign ministry: the major part of Syrian chemical weapons will be brought to an intermediate storage site “close to the coast” and then transported abroad for disposal.

+++ French destroyer CASSARD has replaced destroyer CHEVALIER PAUL in EastMed naval presence mission.

 

USA

New VIRGINIA class submarine NORTH DAKOTA (SSN 784) christened during a ceremony in Groton, Conn.

 

 

03 November

 

CHINA

North Sea Fleet task group with destroyer QINGDAO, frigate LINYI and supply ship HONGZE HU returns to home port Qingdao, completing a 2 1/2-month Pacific cruise with visits to Hawaii (USA), Australia (Centennial Fleet Review) and New Zealand.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei has given strong backing to president Rouhani’s push for nuclear negotiations, warning hardliners not to accuse him of compromising with the USA.

+++ Israel “in the near term” will receive six V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft from the US … (Arab) media allege the aircraft are being specifically procured for a pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities (support long-range special forces operations).

 

PAKISTAN

After touring the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, new (domestically built) frigate ASLAT now arrived at Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) for another visit … while frigate SHAJAHAN (ex-UK Type 21) conducts a 5-day visit to Abu Dhabi (UAE).

 

SAUDI ARABIA

German tabloid (!) paper alleges Saudi navy plans to purchase TYPE 209 submarines from German TKMS … initially five, eventually up to 25 … government spokesperson: “we never comment on specific arms exports” … TKMS: “there is no such project”. (rmks: for the time being, I regard this a “rumour based on half-truths”; would require confirmation)

 

 

04 November

 

AUSTRALIA

Future helicopter carrier CANBERRA successfully completed a first series of pier-side tests … incl. vehicle-load over side-ramp.

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Iranian media report President Rouhani “not optimistic” ahead of next round of 5+1 nuclear talks, scheduled in Geneva on 07/08 Nov.

 

ITALY – RUSSIA

Annual bilateral exercise „Ionex 2013“ starts in Taranto … in-port phase until 07 Nov, followed by exercises until 09 Nov in the Ionian Sea … Russia deployed Black Sea Fleet destroyer SMETLIVIY (rmks: currently part of MedSqn) … Italian navy contributing destroyer DE LA PENNE, frigate ESPERO, a submarine and naval aircraft.

 

NEW ZEALAND (multinational)

New Zealand armed forces have begun “largest ever” multinational, joint exercise “Southern Katipo” … until 29 Nov in and off Timaru (east coast of South Island) … aims “to test the capability of the NZDF to mount a medium-scale amphibious operation that involves land, air and sea forces” … RNZN contributes multi-purpose ship CANTERBURY … up to 1800 soldiers, sailors and airmen from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Tonga, and the US also to participate. (rmks: originally planned in 2011 but postponed after earthquake)

 

NORTH KOREA (aka the comics section)

+++ Local and South Korean papers report “dozens of North Korean sailors killed ”when two navy vessels (“anti-submarine warfare destroyers”, “units 233 and 790”) sunk “during combat mission” … leader Kim Jong-un ordered recovery of bodies and then visited the graves, which show date of death as 13 Oct. … no further details (location, circumstances) given. (rmks: it seems that vintage (built in the 1960s) HAINAN class subchaser 233 (belonging to “Unit 790”) sank after colliding with a smaller (100 - 200 tons) patrol boat during exercises off the east coast port of Wonsan … at least 19, possibly up to 30 people killed)

 

PIRACY

Gulf of Aden: Ukrainian frigate HETMAN SAGAYDACHNIY (NATO) reacted to a distress call from a merchant vessel claiming to be approached by suspected pirate skiffs … when reaching the scene, the boats had disappeared (night time) … unclear whether pirates or harmless fishermen.

 

POLAND

The Polish MoD and the US have signed agreement on overhauling and modernizing PERRY class frigate GENERAL K. PULASKI … work to be completed by end 2015/early 2016 … to serve until 2025.

 

SOUTH KOREA

STX Offshore & Shipbuilding has delivered the 12th GEOMDOKSURI class fast missile boat to the South Korean navy.

 

TURKEY

Turkish navy has begun annual exercise “Dogu Akdeniz 2013” in the Eastern Mediterranean … run through 14 Nov … focus on regional crisis intervention along a provided scenario …“invitational exercise” with participants including NATO SNMG-2 and a US Navy destroyer … Turkish navy has deployed 5 frigates/corvettes, 6 fast attack/patrol boats, 3 submarines, 1 LST, a number of auxiliary vessels and aircraft (navy, coast guard, air force).

 

UNITED KINGDOM

+++ Reports of another substantial increase in the cost of building the two new aircraft carriers … total costs said to rise by another 950 million Euro to 7.3 billion Euro … almost twice the original estimate.

+++ “Cougar 13”: Upon completion of exercises with Omani armed forces, dock landing ship BULWARK conducted a short visit to Karachi (Pakistan) … for “amphibious familiarization” of Pakistani marines and counter-piracy talks held on board.

 

USA

+++ A US Navy T-45C Goshawk training aircraft crashed during landing at Naval Air Station Pensacola (Florida) … flight instructor and student pilot taken to hospital.

+++ Huntington Ingalls at Pascagoula (Mississippi) lays the keel for destroyer DDG-113 JOHN FINN … 63rd BURKE class destroyer, set to join the fleet in 2016 … first ship in DDG restart program.

 

 

05 November

 

JAPAN

According to a local paper, the MoD has “begun preparations” for construction of another two Aegis-destroyers.

 

MEXICO

Mexican armed forces (rmks: naval infantry?) have taken control of Pacific seaport Lazaro Cardenas … part of an effort to bring drug-cartel activity under control in the western state of Michoacan.

 

PIRACY

Somalia: German frigate NIEDERSACHSEN (EU NavFor) prevented a suspected 10-man pirate group from sailing from the Somalia coast … whaler loaded with 10 fuel barrels and 2 ladders, towing skiff … when frigate approached equipment was thrown into water and the boats returned to shore.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ Upon completion of a port visit to Lisbon (Portugal), Northern Fleet ROPUCHA class landing ship GEORGIY POBEDONOSETS is heading for the Strait of Gibraltar and subsequently the Eastern Mediterranean to join Russian MedSqn.

+++ The “Geneva II” peace talks, originally scheduled on 23 Nov, likely face an “indefinite delay” … Syrian opposition and rebel groups undecided whether to attend; dispute over participation of Iran.

+++ The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, tasked with eliminating Syria's chemical weapons, is running out of money … only able to fund its mission through this month … so far raised about 10 million Euros while total costs for the programme could run into hundreds of millions of Euros.

+++ after new intelligence, the US is “increasingly concerned” the Assad regime may have not disclosed all chemical weapons, keeping a “secret stash”.

 

SWEDEN

Swedish navy starts this year`s final major national exercise “Swenex 13.02” …one-week exercise along the Baltic coast from Carlskrona to Berga … corvettes, mine hunters, patrol vessels, auxiliary ships, helicopters … Finland participating with mine layer /patrol ship UUSIMA … during “preplanned serials” in a “fictional scenario” practice maritime surveillance, MCM operations, anti-submarine warfare.

 

USA

General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego lays the keel of third mobile landing platform, MLP-3 LEWIS B. PULLER … expected to be delivered in 2015.

 

 

06 November

 

BULGARIA (NATO)

Frigate DRAZKI has completed a (rare) Mediterranean deployment in support of NATO operation “Active Endeavour” and returned to her Burgas home base.

 

INDIA

The Indian Navy formally inducted the first fully Indian (HAL) manufactured Hawk jet training aircraft.

 

SOUTH KOREA

The ROK Navy has begun 8-day exercises off the east coast near Pohang … focus on amphibious operations / coastal defence … participants include 10 navy vessels, naval infantry, and aircraft.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

BAE Systems is to cut almost 1,800 jobs from its UK-based Maritime-Naval Ships business and will cease shipbuilding operations at its (historic) Portsmouth facility next year.

 

 

07 November

 

AUSTRALIA

An Australian Customs patrol boat is trying to turn a boat with 56 suspected asylum seekers back to a “reluctant” Indonesia rather than taking them to Christmas Island … intercepted within Indonesia`s search and rescue zone.

 

AZERBAIJAN

New naval base under construction near Puta (Garadagh) … become operational in 2014.

 

EGYPT

(Unconfirmed) source: Egypt considers spending up to US$4 billion on advanced weaponry from Russia following the partial suspension of military aid and equipment deliveries from the United States. (rmks: No details and for the time being rather speculative).

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

Two-day Iran/5+1 talks begin in Geneva … “optimism that a deal might be attainable” … 5+1 softened position: previously demanded that Iran must halt its nuclear program in return for sanctions to be lifted, now conceding that Iran may continue limited reprocessing uranium for peaceful purposes in return for which some sanctions would be lifted … Israeli PM Netanyahu fears “mistake of historic proportions”.

 

MALAYSIA (multinational)

Malaysia hosting multinational exercise “Bersama Lima 2013” … Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) activity involving Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK …until 21 Nov … air and maritime activities in the South China Sea, Malaysia and Singapore.

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

Russian missile cruisers PETR VELIKIY and VARYAG have begun “exercises” in the Central Mediterranean. (rmks: Press statement does not mention Black Sea Fleet cruiser MOSKVA, suggesting she may be about to end her deployment with the Russian MedSqn)

 

USA

The KEARSARGE Amphibious Ready Group (KEARSARGE, SAN ANTONIO, CARTER HALL) returns to home port Norfolk, completing an 8-month Middle East deployment.

 

VIETNAM

First Russian-built KILO-II class submarine HANOI (HQ-182) handed over to the Vietnamese navy (VN) at Admiralty Shipyard (St. Petersburg) … will be loaded on a stevedore barge on 11 Nov and towed to Vietnam, where it will be officially transferred (commissioned) … scheduled to arrive at Cam Ranh in Jan 2014 … upon arrival the VN will also inaugurate a submarine training facility there … second KILO-II to be delivered in early 2014 (poss. in January), third later in 2014.

 

 

08 November

 

USA

Aircraft carrier GEORGE WASHINGTON arrives at Hong Kong for a scheduled 5-day visit. (rmks: Conducting routine “fall patrol” in the West Pacific region)

 

 

09 November

 

USA

Newport News Shipbuilding will christen the US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier GERALD R FORD (CVN 78).

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 II, Edition 9

 

Last week was very busy, as I was starting a new contract position. In light of that I am switching back to daily updates, until Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

 

 

13 November

 

ITALY

A task force with aircraft carrier CAVOUR, frigate BERGAMINI, corvette CDTE BORSINI and replenishment ship ETNA sails for a six-month (until April) cruise to the Middle East and Africa … combine training and diplomacy with a privately (!) funded sales trip for Italian industry … to call at 19 ports in many of which to act as a mobile defense exhibition for Italian products.

 

 

14 November

 

PIRACY

Keystone Kops (Anti-Piracy Forces) Ops: Spanish navy METEORO class patrol ship TORNADO sails from Las Palmas for the Horn of Africa … in a five-month deployment join EU NavFor in operation “Atalanta”.

 

 

15 November

 

AZERBAIDJAN

Local Baku Shipbuilding Plant will “start building a warship next year” … no details on what kind of ship or who the yard might be partnering with.

 

PHILIPPINES (Typhoon Haiyan)

+++ US Navy operation “Damayan”: Supply ships (T-AKE) CHARLES DREW and RICHARD E. BYRD on station, each with two helicopters and HA/DR-kits.

+++ British Royal Navy destroyer DARING arrives, starting reconnaissance flights with her Lynx helicopter to outlying areas that may not yet have been reached by aid organizations.

 

PIRACY

Anti-Piracy Forces: The Netherlands government has extended Netherlands navy anti-piracy operations for another year, until end-2014 … deploy frigate EVERTSEN from Feb until mid-May in support of NATO operation “Ocean Shield” … also support EU operation “Atalanta” with deployments of frigate DE ZEVEN PROVENCIEN (May to August) and afterwards patrol frigate HOLLAND (until mid-Dec).

 

RUSSIA

+++ Pella shipyard has delivered Project 90600 roadstead tug RB-400 to the Russian Navy.

+++ Yantar shipyard conducts keel-laying ceremony for 5th ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH class (Proj 11356) frigate … to be named ADMIRAL ISTOMIN … lead-ship ADMIRAL GRIGOROVICH to be launched in 2014.

 

YEMEN

Yemeni president on a visit to China signs US$ 507 million contract with “China Harbor Engineering Company” for expanding the Aden container terminal … build an additional berth, deepen port and outer navigational channel.

 

 

16 November

 

CHINA (Stick-Poking Ops (aka - Territorial Disputes)

With Japan: Four China Coast Guard ships temporarily entered 12-nm territorial waters at the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.

 

FRANCE

MISTRAL class Helicopter carrier DIXMUDE sails from Toulon on routine West Africa deployment … take over duties as “station ship” in national naval presence mission “Corymbe”. (rmks: usually a three-month deployment)

 

INDIA

Hand-over ceremony for aircraft carrier VIKRAMADITYA (refurbished former Russian ADMIRAL GORSHKOV) at Russian Sevmash shipyard (Severodvinsk) … will sail for transfer voyage on 30 Nov … first stop on 04 Dec at Murmansk (Russia) to celebrate Navy Day … for further voyage escorted by Indian navy warships (incl. frigate TRIKAND and tanker DEEPAK) currently heading for Murmansk … more port visits planned enroute.

 

INDIA

Boeing delivers the second P-8i maritime patrol aircraft.

 

SRI LANKA

A number of Sri Lanka Navy officers and sailors arrested after found to have been complicit with people smuggling (to Australia).

 

SYRIA (incl. related / non-naval)

+++ OPCW agreed on plan and time table for destroying Syria’s chemical weapons … plan calls for Syria to transport the stockpiles to a port, where the cargo will be shipped out and destroyed in a third country … operation to be completed by 30 June, 2014

+++ Key challenge now will be finding a country willing to take the stockpiles and capable of destroying them. Norway and Albania have already declined.

+++ Russian Black Sea Fleet missile cruiser MOSKVA returns to home port Sevastopol, ending a six-month deployment as flag ship to Russian MedSqn.

+++ Russian Pacific Fleet missile cruiser VARYAG ends port visit to Alexandria (Egypt).

 

USA

+++ Target drone launched from Point Mugu (California) for testing radars of cruiser CHANCELLORSVILLE malfunctioned and hit the ship … two sailors injured … ship headed back to San Diego for damage assessment. (rmks: That’s going to suck for the joystick operator)

+++ Littoral Combat Ship LCS-1 FREEDOM has departed Singapore … heading for Brunei for this year’s final exercise of the CARAT series … afterwards return to San Diego (USA) to complete her eight-month maiden deployment.

 

 

17 November

 

IRAN (incl. related / non-naval)

France names four preconditions for a deal with Iran: place all (!) nuclear facilities under international control; limit Uranium enrichment to 20%; reduce stockpile of nuclear fuel; stop work on the Arak heavy water reactor.

 

JAPAN

Japan and Cambodia have agreed to boost cooperation on maritime security.

 

NORWAY

Danish civilian transport ship BRITANNIA SEAWAYS on fire west of the Norwegian coast … transporting military equipment for an exercise in Western Norway … 32 people on board, incl 12 Norwegian soldiers … rescue efforts severely hampered by storm

update: fire extinguished, ship heading for port Bergen.

 

PHILIPPINES (Typhoon Haiyan)

British Royal Navy destroyer DARING in port Cebu, loading humanitarian aid, then head back to disaster zone.

 

RUSSIA

Industry source: No major overhaul of aircraft carrier ADMIRAL KUZNETZOV in the next six to eight years

(rmks: wait and see; earlier, media had reported her to start an extended yard period in the first half of 2014)

 

SRI LANKA

Australia has given two patrol boats (rmks: no details) to the Sri Lankan navy … to “better deal with illegal migrants” headed for Australia.

 

UKRAINE

GRISHA class corvette TERNOPIL returns to Sevastopol, completing a six-week Mediterranean deployment in support of NATO operation “Active Endeavour”.

 

 

18 November

 

PHILIPPINES (Typhoon Haiyan)

Three Japanese navy ships (rmks: unnamed as of yet) to sail for the Philippines, scheduled to arrive around 22 November.