A
Coast Guard Cutter Stratton boarding team investigates a self-propelled
semi-submersible interdicted in international waters off the coast of
Central America on July 19, 2015. US Coast Guard Photo
In his 2015 State of the Coast Guard Address,
Commandant Paul Zukunft said, “Since 9-11, 450,000 Americans have died
from drug use and drug violence . . . we have actionable intelligence on
approximately 90 percent of known maritime drug movement . . . however,
with too few surface and air assets to patrol the vast expanses of the
transit zone, they can only attempt to target, detect and disrupt 20
percent of that known flow. You can do the math—this is an issue of
capacity.”
So what happens when you reduce that capacity?
Of our maritime forces, the U.S. Coast Guard has faced the largest
budget cuts in recent years. Just in the past five years the Coast Guard
has been forced to reduce its operating budget by 25 percent. The high
endurance cutter fleet, which provides surveillance and security for our
200-nautical-mile Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ), is being cut from
twelve ships to eight. One Coast Guard admiral compared the challenges
they face with a “police cruiser in Cleveland responding to a call in
Atlanta.”
With the proper resources however,the Coast Guard has been successful in stemming the flow of drugs to our cities and streets. In June of this year, the Legend-class cutter USCGC Stratton
(WMSL-752) apprehended a semi-submersible carrying 5,500 lbs. of
cocaine; a month later it stopped another semi-submersible, that one
carrying 16,000 lbs. of cocaine. The semi-submersible seized in July was
more than 200 miles off the coast of Mexico, resulting in the most
lucrative drug seizure involving this type of transport in the Coast
Guard’s history.
According to the Coast Guard’s 2014 Western Hemisphere Strategy,
“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World
Bank have identified drug trafficking by illicit networks as the primary
driving factor of violent crime. The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is
susceptible to this regional trend, where homicide rates hit a record
high of 26.5 per 100,000 in 2012.” I believe the commandant is right;
the math is easy—less capacity equals fewer interdictions and more
violence in the heartland.
A
U.S. Coast Guard tie down team prepares to attach a hoist cable to an
MH-65 Dolphin helicopter during a vertical replenishment drill aboard
the national security cutter USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) in the Arctic
Ocean on Sept. 14, 2012. US Coast Guard Photo
But the drug war is not the only business occupying the Coast Guard
fleet. With the opening of the Arctic for trade and commerce, the Coast
Guard is now sending limited resources to support and protect our
national interests in that region. “The growth of human activity in the
Arctic region will require highly engaged stewardship to maintain the
open seas necessary for global commerce and scientific research, allow
for search and rescue activities, and provide for regional peace and
stability,” a recent White House statement said. The Coast Guard
currently dedicates a national security cutter to the Arctic region
during the ice-free summer months, effectively removing it from serving
elsewhere, in missions for which it was designed.
The emergent mission in the Arctic region was not envisioned for the
NSCs and was not included in the several fleet-size analyses performed
to determine sufficient numbers in the class. Stretching the fleet even
further, the U.S. Navy has now decommissioned all of its Oliver Hazard
Perry-class frigates, which have been workhorse platforms in the
Caribbean and Eastern Pacific for the last decade of their service.
Those frigates, empowered by their embarked U.S.C.G. Law Enforcement
Detachments have been critical in the stemming of the flow of illegal
drugs to the United States. And now they are gone, without U.S. Navy
backfill. That diminished resource now demands even more CG asset
presence in that counterdrug theater, but there are only so many to go
around. To make up for the missing assets, the Coast Guard is forced to
reduce operations in other mission areas.
Diverting to support the emerging Arctic missions, robbing Peter to
pay Paul in the counterdrug arena (just to maintain a 20 percent
interception rate) and replacing the outgoing high endurance cutters
with a smaller fleet is not what we should be providing to and expecting
from our Coast Guard. If the fleet size continues to be depleted
through attrition, is stretched too thin to be effective or is built in
insufficient numbers to properly meet its mission requirements, our
ability to protect this country’s safety will be at risk. Can we afford
to build more high endurance cutters? Can we afford not to? You do the
math.
Source: USNI News.
After 7 Years and Deployment of 52 Warships, This Area is Now Pirate-Free
Written by Sudhi Ranjan Sen | Updated: October 13, 2015 08:24 IST
Captured pirates on the deck of an Indian navy warship, a Talwar-class stealth frigate.
New Delhi:
Pirates of the Arabian Sea versus 52 warships of the
Indian Navy -- it took only four years to clean up the waters. But the
"high risk" tag of the entire area between Africa and Indian waters took
considerably longer to shed - three more years. The clean chit came
last week.
The tag was proving no less expensive than piracy. Merchant ships had to
sail hugging the Indian coast - spending much more on fuel and
insurance -- for safety. Chinese vessels came too close for comfort. And
it cast doubt on the capabilities of the Indian Navy to ensure the
safety of its waters.
Now, the global shipping industry will save a whopping Rs. 23,000 crore a year.
Starting from the Gulf of Aden, piracy became rampant in Arabian sea around 2007 with the political instability Somalia.
But as they increased their reach to the East Arabian Sea, the entire
West coast including the Exclusive Economic Zone of India, an area of
the sea which can only be used by India for economic reasons, was
declared a high risk area.
The navy started its anti-piracy operation in 2008 - deploying warships
from across the Gulf of Aden, Maldives and Seychelles Islands all the
way to the west coast of India. Floating armouries appeared off the
Indian coast and security personnel were stationed on board trade ships.
The
waters between Africa and India, up to 78 degrees East longitude, were
tagged a High Risk Area. Now the High Risk Area has been pushed west, to
65 degrees East longitude.
"But although the last piracy attempt was in 2012, the global community
had refused to realign the High Risk Area tag," said a senior Defence
Ministry official. "Plus, including the entire west coast within the
High Risk Area also cast a doubt on the capabilities of the Indian
Navy."
It also resulted in episodes like the shooting of two Indian fishermen
by Italian marines. The marines, who were stationed on an oil tanker as
part of its security, had opened fire on the fishing boat by mistake.
After 2012, India sought for a review of the spread of the High Risk
Area with the the European Union Chair of the Contact Group of Piracy
off the Coast of Somalia. The clearance came last week -- after three
years' of lobbying and meetings, said defence ministry officials.
"Now, some of India's maritime security concerns - like floating
armouries and proliferation of private security -- are likely to be
addressed," said Indian Navy spokesperson Captain D K Sharma. "Also,
Indian ship-owners are likely to benefit significantly on account of
savings on insurance and associated operating costs."
Source: NDTV.
Mission on track for Yarra
Published on LEUT Adam Grover (author), ABIS Tom Gibson (photographer)
Location(s): Hobart, TAS
HMAS Yarra sits off the coast of Cremorne, Tasmania, during Exercise DUGONG 2015.
The ship's company of HMAS Yarra, one of Australia’s Huon class Mine Hunters, takes mine-hunting personally.
"When
we identify a mine-like contact our collective attention rapidly
focuses, and all of us appreciate the importance of the task we have in
protecting the fleet, and keeping open Australia’s maritime trading
routes," said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Jason McBain.
Yarra
continues to play an integral part of Exercise DUGONG 15. The exercise,
conducted in Hobart between 5-16 October, has successfully tested the
interoperability capabilities of the Navy in the conduct of mine counter
measures, clearance diving and salvage operations. Bringing together
personnel from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada
and New Zealand, with observers from India and Sweden, it is the Royal
Australian Navy's primary mine warfare and clearance diving training
activity. This is the second time the exercise has been held in
Tasmanian waters, the first being in 2009.
Seaman
Combat Systems Operator (Mine Warfare) Matthew Fitt monitors his ships
sonar during mine operations aboard HMAS Yarra at Exercise DUGONG 2015.
During the two week exercise, Yarra’s
role has been to locate, identify and neutralise underwater threats
using her state of the art variable depth sonar and tactical data system
along with her organic mine disposal vehicles and clearance diver
element.
An additional pressure on Yarra during the
exercise has been the requirements of Sea Training Group members of
which have been certifying the ship for unit readiness concurrently with
Yarra’s participation in Exercise DUGONG 15.
Lieutenant Commander McBain is understandably proud of his crew.
"The responsiveness and flexibility of my ships company is unique," he said.
Sailors
from HMAS Yarra take control of the steading line as they deploy the
ships SUTEC Double Eagle mine disposal vehicle during mine operations at
Exercise DUGONG 2015.
"In Yarra they work in a highly demanding environment and our tasking is often complex and multidimensional.
"All
of my crew rise to the challenge, for example I have Combat Systems
Operators (Mine Warfare) personnel who are just as capable and competent
in being a member of a boarding party as running a computer terminal in
the Ops room.
"Another example of the ‘can-do’ attitude of Yarra’s
crew are my divers - their skill set is remarkable, not only are they
experts in the traditional roles mine warfare, additionally they are
capable of turning their hand to anything that is asked of them.
"At
this exercise they have had the opportunity to work with and learn from
personnel from other nations, which really enhances their preparation
for mine countermeasures and diving tasks.
HMAS
Yarra’s diving Officer, Lieutenant Adam Zilko (centre) and Able Seaman
Clearance Diver George Cantarakis (left) explain to Indian Navy
Commander Praveen Sinha the functions of a Royal Australian Navy
re-breather diving set during Exercise DUGONG 2015.
"Conversely, the divers from other nations have also learnt a lot from us in the last two weeks."
Lieutenant Commander McBain said a strong culture was key to the ship's success.
"When Yarra is tasked we collaboratively pitch in, not simply to complete a task but to do it well," he said.
"When I sail from Hobart I want people to say that Yarra was an integral part of the success of the exercise; that we were glad that she was there."
(Relaxnews) - Norwegian Cruise Line is building its first ship completely customized for the Chinese market.
The
ship, which is expected to be ready for 2017, will feature
accommodations, cuisine and onboard experiences that cater to the unique
vacation preferences of Chinese guests, CEO Frank Del Rio announced
today during the CruiseWorld China summit in Shanghai.
The vessel will be the second of Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway
Plus class and will have a capacity of 4,200 guests. Chinese guests will
be able to experience fine Mandarin, Cantonese and Continental dining
and various entertainment options.
Additional details, including the ship's name, homeport,
accommodations, dining and entertainment will be shared in the coming
months.
Historic England, who are investigating Friel’s find, said Holigost
was one of four great ships commissioned by the king for fighting the
French.
The heritage group believes the ship played a key part in two of the most significant battles of the Hundred Years’ War, which ran from 1337 to 1453 and centred on tensions around the overseas possessions of English kings.
The ship, believed to have been found in the River Hamble near
Southampton, took part in the Siege of Harfleur in 1416 and the Chef de
Caux a year later.
Friel said: “I am utterly delighted that Historic England is
assessing the site for protection and undertaking further study. In my
opinion, further research leading to the rediscovery of the Holigost
would be even more important than the identification of the Grace Dieu
in the 1930s.
“The Holigost fought in two of the most significant naval battles of
the Hundred Years War, battles that opened the way for the English
conquest of northern France.”
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England said: “The Battle
of Agincourt is one of those historic events that has acquired huge
national significance.
“To investigate a ship from this period close to the six hundredth anniversary is immensely exciting.”
Historic England said, if verified, the Holigost would be a tangible link with the life and times of Henry V.
Video: Slow Motion Landing of F-35C Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
The following is an Oct. 9, 2015 slow motion video of a F-35C
Lighting II, assigned to the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23
“Salty Dogs” (VX-23), landing on the deck of Nimitz-class aircraft
carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).
Source: USNI News.
Friday, 9 October 2015
Indian Navy Latest Trailer 2015
Source: Youtube.
Warm hugs on operations Published on CAPT Fiona Bickerstaff (author), LSIS Brenton Freind (photographer), POET Olivia Usback (photographer) Location(s): Al Fujayrah, UAE Members of HMAS Newcastle's ship's company
line the upper decks to show off their quilts that had been hand crafted
by volunteers from Aussie Hero Quilts as a way of thanking the men and
women of HMAS Newcastle for the service to their country.
Every deployment has its certainties - the absence from family and friends and long hours seven days a week are guaranteed.
Thanks
to a group of dedicated volunteers there is now another certainty for
Australian Defence Force personnel on deployment - a quilt or laundry
bag from Aussie Hero Quilts.
Aussie Hero Quilts have been providing Navy personnel with quilts and laundry bags for more than five years now.
Over the course of their deployment, the ship and crew of HMAS Newcastle received a number of handmade quilts and laundry bags which were provided through the generosity of Aussie Hero Quilts.
Task
Group Afghanistan recently held a fundraising barbecue as a way to say
thank you and give something back to the volunteer organisation.
Members
of HMAS Newcastle's ship's company line the upper decks to show off
their quilts that had been hand crafted by volunteers from Aussie Hero
Quilts as a way of thanking the men and women of HMAS Newcastle for the
service to their country.
Event organiser and clerk
Lance Corporal Emily Lahey worked with Aussie Hero Quilts to distribute
the quilts and laundry bags to personnel.
“During my time here, we’ve received 30 boxes with quilts and laundry bags for personnel in theatre,” she said.
“Everyone has received a laundry bag or quilt, if not both.
“So we thought it was time to give back to the almost 200 volunteers who
give their time, creativity and money to make these for us.”
The Task Group headquarters raised money through gold coin donations and a raffle for a day off - a coveted prize on operations.
“We managed to raise almost $1,000, which I’m told could make more than 90 quilts,” Lance Corporal Lahey said.
“It’s
not just about the quilts though, they put a lot of love and care into
the packages they come in as well, and they always seem to arrive at the
perfect time, just when someone needs it most.
“To know that a
complete stranger has put so much thought and care into sending a
laundry bag or quilt to you, it puts a smile on your face every time you
see it.”
Source: Royal Australian Navy.
Encontraron en altamar el velero de una agrupación kirchnerista
Estaba en la zona de exclusión que tienen los ingleses en las Malvinas
Viernes 09 de octubre de 2015
La Armada argentina confirmó anoche que el velero La
Sanmartiniana, que pertenece a militantes agrupación militante
kirchnerista Fundación Interactiva para Promover la Cultura del Agua
(FIPCA) fue hallado en la zona de exclusión que controlan los británicos
en las inmediaciones de las islas Malvinas.Así
lo informaron voceros de la Marina a LA NACION aunque no dieron mayores
detalles. En tanto, el diario de las islas, el Penguin News confirmó
también que el velero argentino que había buscado llegar sin
autorización a las Malvinas fue encontrado en la "zona de conservación
de las Falklands [Malvinas]" anteayer por el buque patrulla pesquero,
Protegat. Ahora el velero sería remolcado hasta Puerto Argentino ya que,
según Penguin "si se lo deja ahí podría resultar riesgoso para la
navegación y las actividades marítimas en la zona de conservación".
El 15 de septiembre pasado, el velero de un grupo de militantes
kirchneristas sufrió una emergencia en la Isla de los Estados, en Tierra
del Fuego, y el Ministerio de Seguridad lanzó un operativo de rescate.
Los diez tripulantes que viajaban con la intención de llegar a Buenos
Aires fueron rescatados en medio de un temporal y llegaron a salvo a
tierra. pero la embarcación sucumbió. El capitán del velero, que adhiere
a la agrupación de Máximo Kirchner La Cámpora, era Javier Vázquez,
aunque La Sanmartiniana es propiedad de la FIPCA, dirigida por Julio
César Urien.
El periplo de la Sanmartiniana.Foto:LA NACIONFuente: La Nación, Argentina.
