Campbeltown sails for the last time

THERE is the very last chance to see HMS Campbeltown sail under the White Ensign this afternoon as the frigate returns to Plymouth to pay off.

The frigate is due to enter Plymouth Harbour around 2pm today, flying her decommissioning pennant and escorted by patrol boat HMS Raider.

As she passes the Royal Citadel fort on the Hoe she’ll exchange ceremonial formalities with the garrison, firing a gun salute.

It will be, says Cdr Keri Harris, Campbeltown’s final Commanding Officer, “an emotional day for all involved”

The plug was pulled on all four remaining Type 22 frigates last October under the Strategic Defence and Security Review; in  Campbeltown’s case, the ship was gearing up to head to the Indian Ocean on anti-piracy duties when news of her demise was announced.

Diving Dutchmen join Brocklesby beneath the Mediterranean

SOMEWHERE beneath the surface of the Mediterranean divers from the Royal Navy and their Dutch counterparts ‘fly’ the NATO flag.

Dive teams from HMS Brocklesby and the HMNLS Haarlem plunged into the central Med to test their abilities to work together – and help each other out should the clearance divers get into difficulties.

Both ships are attached to NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1, an international mine warfare force which moves around European waters dealing with the detritus of wars past and ensuring Allied navies are always ready to deal with wars present and future.

Spanish navy captures 11 suspected Somali pirates

The Spanish navy has captured and arrested 11 Somalis suspected of piracy after they chased a Seychelles-flagged fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean earlier this week, says the Spanish defence ministry.

Early on Monday the fishing vessel, with several Spanish crewmembers on board, was pursued by pirates aboard two boats whilst travelling around 260 nautical miles north west of the Seychelles. Apparently automatic weapons and rocket propelled grandes were clearly visible. The crew fired warning shots at the pirates and alerted the Spanish naval operations centre (COVAM). Spain participates in the European Union’s Atalanta anti-piracy operation in the Indian Ocean.

Japan pulls out of tri-nation naval war games

NEW DELHI (PTI): Japan has pulled out of the tri-nation Malabar series of war games in the wake of the devastating earthquake-tsunami and nuclear radiation leaks, even as the Indian and the US navies will be starting the exercise on April 2 in the western Pacific Ocean.

The visit by Indian warships to the Japanese port city of Okinawa has also been called off, Navy officials said here.

The navies of India and the US will now exercise in the western Pacific Ocean involving their destroyers, frigates and submarines.

Somaliland’s first pirate prison formally opened by the United Nations

The breakaway region of Somaliland has officially opened a maximum security prison, built with United Nations funding, to hold Somali pirates.

On Tuesday the Hargeisa pirate prison was officially opened in Somaliland’s capital. It can hold 460 people and currently houses 297 prisoners, 88 of whom are convicted pirates, ABC News reports.

Although the prison was officially opened this week, prisoners began to arrive in November last year. However, only pirates picked up by the Somali Coast Guard and tried in local courts have been imprisoned, as the facility is not yet accepting pirates captured by foreign countries.

US forces attack three Libyan ships in Misrata

US forces attacked three Libyan ships, including a coast guard vessel, to stop them firing indiscriminately at merchant ships in the port of Misrata, military officials said on Tuesday.

The action on Monday night was against the Libyan coast guard vessel Vittoria and two smaller craft. 

The statement from the fleet flagship's home port in southern Italy said the US forces involved were an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, the guided missile destroyer USS Barry, and a Navy P-3C maritime patrol aircraft.

Chinese Navy escorts Somali food shipments

In a historic landmark move, a Chinese navy warship has escorted a United Nations ship carrying food aid to Somalia for the first time, the European Naval Force says.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 054 class missile frigate Ma’anshan escorted the World Food Programme (WFP) ship Amina from Berbera in Somaliland to Bosasso in northerm Somalia between 22 and 25 March.

On February 15, the commander of the Chinese Force (CTF-529) met with the commander of the European Union Naval Force aboard the Spanish frigate Canarias and agreed to exchange information and coordination for escorting merchant ships carrying WFP aid, EU Navfor said.

Rule the waves: One used aircraft carrier for sale

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has put an aircraft carrier up for sale on an official used equipment website.

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier Ark Royal was taken out of service earlier this year as part of government budget cuts. It was decommissioned in Portsmouth earlier this month, and is up for sale on www.edisposals.com, a website run by the MoD's Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) arm.

Individuals and organisations interested in purchasing the former flagship of the Royal Navy -- which was launched by the Queen in 1981 -- have to submit their proposals for the ship to the MoD for approval, Reuters reports.

Pirates hijack Singapore-bound oil tanker

Pirates firing rocket-propelled grenades and small arms hijacked an oil tanker bound for Singapore from Sudan yesterday, the European Union's anti-piracy task force said.

"At approximately 0900 (GMT) on 28 March, the Crude Oil Tanker the MV ZIRKU was pirated approximately 250 nautical miles southeast of Salalah in the eastern part of the Gulf of Aden," EU Navfor said on its website.

It was not immediately clear whether the tanker, which the website said was Kuwaiti-owned, was fully laden with crude. Sudan is an oil-exporting country.

In Kuwait, officials denied the tanker was Kuwaiti-owned.

Navantia launches fourth maritime action ship for Spanish Navy

MADRID (BNS): Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has launched the fourth maritime action ship Tornado P-44 for the Spanish Navy last week.

The new offshore patrol vessel was launched on March 21 in the presence of Spanish Defence Minister Carmen Chacón and other officials.

The ship is the fourth of an initial series of four Buque de Acción Maritima (BAM) class multi-mission vessels Navantia is building for the Spanish Navy under a 2006 contract.

US Navy thwarts pirates

The US Navy thwarted a pirate attack on a Philippines-flagged ship in the Arabian Sea last week.

On March 24 the MV Falcon Trader II merchant ship reported it was being attacked by pirates about 300 miles off northeast Masirah, Oman, according to Wing Commander Paddy Kennedy of the European Union Naval Force. 

In a second report from the Falcon Trader II, the crew said there were pirates aboard and that all 20 crewmembers were safely locked in the ship’s citadel or safe room.

British Submarine Launch Strikes On Libyan Air Defense Systems

A Royal Navy submarine has launched further missile strikes against Libyan air defence targets as part of coordinated coalition action in support of enforcing UN Resolution 1973.

In a statement, the Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer, Major General John Lorimer, said:

"British Armed Forces have again participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.

Trusty Lynx makes its last appearance at sea

ORDINARILY we wouldn’t get too excited by the site of a Lynx and a warship.

But this is no ordinary Lynx. This is last Mk3 to ever touch the deck of one of Her Majesty’s warships – in this instance, HMS Ocean.

After more than 30 years’ service the trusty Mk3 has completed its final operational flight – an uneventful (which is how we like our flights) 35-minute hop from the helicopter carrier in the Channel to the home of the Lynx, RNAS Yeovilton.

Russian Navy plans to reassign cruiser Marshal Ustinov to Pacific Fleet

MOSCOW (BNS): Russian Navy is planning to reassign its missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov from Northern Fleet to Pacific Fleet, a media report said.

Currently, the cruiser is preparing for medium repairs in Northern fleet.

"In two years, the cruiser may be transferred from Severomorsk to Vladivostok to reinforce the grouping of the Pacific Fleet's surface ships," RIA Novosti quoted a Russian Navy admiral as saying.

Monmouth deploys to choke pirate activity

GODSPEED the Black Duke as a police boat shepherds the frigate out of Devonport at the beginning of a six-month deployment.

HMS Monmouth is heading east of Suez to put the squeeze on Somali pirates and support the international naval effort to stop smuggling, drug running, terrorism and people trafficking.

Families and friends saw the Type 23 off from Devil’s Point on Saturday – raising a ‘Cheerio me handsomes’ banner to wish the Black Duke on her way.

Indian Coast Guard base in Ratnagiri to be launched today

NEW DELHI (PTI): Enhancing the coastal security network in Maharashtra, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will commission its base in Ratnagiri on Saturday.

"The station would play an effective role in undertaking joint coastal patrol along with the state police, Customs and Fisheries Department to thwart maritime security threats," Defence Ministry officials said here.

US Navy to christen amphibious transport dock ship Arlington

WASHINGTON (BNS): US Navy will christen the newest amphibious transport dock ship, Arlington on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Designated LPD 24, Arlington is the eighth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. 

The ship will support the Marine Corps “mobility triad,” which consists of the landing craft air cushion vehicle, amphibious vehicles and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Arlington will provide improved war fighting capabilities, including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines.

Fighting G glee as destroyer returns home

ON A glorious spring day the ship’s company line the upper decks of HMS Gloucester for the final time at the end of a deployment.

The ship sailed into Portsmouth Harbour this morning, bringing the curtain down on a magnificent 25-year career.

The veteran destroyer was greeted by hundreds of families and friends in Portsmouth – plus the lady who has followed the ship from the laying of the keel to this last act: the Duchess of Gloucester.

She’s shown avid interest in the Type 42’s progress through one war (first Gulf), two rededications and 15 captains.

Russian court jails Arctic Sea hijackers

A Russian court yesterday sentenced six people to prison for their role in a pirate attack on the Maltese-flagged Arctic Sea in July 2009. The sentences range from seven to twelve years in prison.

The Russian-crewed Arctic Sea disappeared in the English Channel on July 24, 2009, Ria Novosti reports, whilst on its way from Finland to Algeria with US$2 million worth of timber on board. The Russian Navy found the vessel in the Cape Verde islands off West Africa on August 17 and arrested eight people. Investigators said the ship had been seized by masked pirates near the coast of Sweden. Only the listed cargo of timber was found on board when the vessel was seized.

ATK receives ammunition contract from US Navy

MINNEAPOLIS (BNS): US Navy has awarded a $49 million contract to Alliant Techsystems for the production of a new special operations ammunition round with improved accuracy, stronger barrier penetration and a lower muzzle-flash.

The SOST ammunition will be manufactured in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm calibers and is short-barrel optimised.

It is designed for use with the MK16 and MK17 Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle Weapon System. Production of the ammunition will be performed at ATK's Federal Premium Ammunition plant in Anoka, Minneosta.

BAE Systems enhances capability of South African Hawk

WARTON, (UK): BAE Systems has completed work to upgrade the navigation and weapons system for the South African Air Force’s fleet of Hawk jet trainers.

The software and hardware upgrade, jointly developed with long term South African partner Advanced Technologies and Engineering, will enable the Hawk Mk120 to share simulated radar data across multiple platforms, a company statement said.

For example, the South African Hawk Mk120 can see the same data as the South African Air Force Gripen and South African Navy Corvette frigate whilst on a training sortie.

Dutch troops to be deployed on Dutch merchant ships to protect against piracy

The Dutch parliament has approved the deployment of Dutch troops on board Dutch merchant ships in order to protect them from piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. 

A number of Dutch ships have been hijacked by Somali pirates over the last several years, prompting the Netherlands to consider armed troops aboard merchant vessels. During the parliamentary decision process, the Socialist Party was the only one to vote against the measure, saying that were was not enough clarification regarding the mission, Radio Netherlands World reports.

'Well-tested' Edinburgh arrives in Scotland's capital

IF I had a hammer…

Oh I do.

A leading hand from HMS Edinburgh struggles to halt the torrent has batters wedges into a crack as the Type 42 grapples with a disaster relief exercise.

After a refit – the very last carried out on this class of destroyers – this exercise was the ultimate test of the Portsmouth-based warship outside an operational deployment.

Navy Opens High-Tech Warship Simulator

Junior officers in the Royal Australian Navy will learn to pilot the next generation of warships, in an upgraded $10m training facility at HMAS Watson, Sydney, which will be officially opened tomorrow.

The new high-tech simulator uses computerized virtual-reality software to simulate a working warship's bridge, complete with a 240-degree view of a computer generated 2D scene through the bridge windows.

Austal receives $368 mln LCS 8 contract from US Navy

WASHINGTON (BNS): US Navy has awarded a USD$368.6 million contract to Austal for the construction of a fourth 127-metre trimaran Independence-Class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 8).

Recently, Austal has received a USD$3.5 billion contract from US Navy for the construction of additional 10 Littoral Combat Ships in five years.

Once commissioned, these 10 ships will join the Austal-built USS Independence (LCS 2) which was commissioned in January 2010.

India, Singapore conduct naval exercise in South China Sea

NEW DELHI (PTI): Close to Chinese maritime boundary, the Indian Navy is engaging the Singaporean Navy in an eight day wargames in the South China Sea.

During the exercise, the two navies will develop and share each other's skills in training and related aspects of anti-submarine warfare, Indian Navy officials said here.

"This time, Singapore Navy has deployed three frigates, a missile corvette, a submarine and a maritime patrol aircraft. The Singapore Air Force is also deploying fighter aircraft in it," they added.

Russia and Norway to conduct a joint naval exercise ‘Pomor-2011’ in May

MOSCOW (BNS): The navies of Russia and Norway are planning to conduct a joint naval exercise ‘Pomor-2011’ in May, a media report said.

Both navies will participate in the third series of the joint drill at the Barents and Norwegian Seas.

"The exercise will take place in the Barents and Norwegian Seas, and will include firing of live artillery rounds at simulated surface and aerial targets, anti-submarine warfare drills, anti-piracy operations, and search-and-rescue missions," RIA Novosti quoted Vadim Serga as saying on Thursday.

Naval aircrafts to be reassigned to Air Force in 2011

Russian Navy will hand over attack aircraft and fighters to Air Force till the current year is over, reported RIA Novosti referring to a source in Navy Main HQ. 

Aviation of Strategic Missile Troops will be also reassigned to Air Force in March 2011. 

"Attack component of naval aviation must be handed over to Russian Air Force till the end of 2011", the admiral said. 

According to him, these are mostly long-range bombers Tu-22M3, fighters MiG-31 (regiment deployed at Kamchatka), Su-27, and front-line bombers Su-24 deployed in Baltiysk, Kaliningrad region. 

Russian warship escorts two foreign vessels across the Gulf of Aden

Pacific Fleet (PF) task force participating in the international anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden started escorting 11th convoy on Wednesday, reported RIA Novosti referring to a spokesman for Russian Navy. 

The fifth PF task force consisting of large ASW ship Admiral Vinogradov, sea-going salvage tug SB-522, and tanker Pechenga arrived from Vladivostok to the Gulf of Aden on Dec 22, 2010. Admiral Vinogradov has two deck-based helicopters providing permanent aerial reconnaissance. Each ship is reinforced with PF marine units which had passed special training prior to the mission. 

S Korea holds live-fire drill near border

SEOUL (AFP): South Korea Thursday launched a major live-fire drill near the tense land border with North Korea in a show of strength marking the first anniversary of the sinking of one of its warships.

Tanks, armoured personnel carriers, artillery pieces, helicopters and jets took part in the drill at the Pocheon range, 30 kilometres south of the border, the defence ministry said.

The show of force came a day after the North's military threatened to fire back in retaliation for a planned launch of leaflets by anti-Pyongyang activists near the disputed Yellow Sea border.

US amphibious ships to re-instate well dock

The US Navy’s America class amphibious assault ships will be redesigned with a stern well dock, according to Navy officials. From the third America class ship onwards, the Navy plans to return to a well dock to support landing craft. The first two will be without landing craft docks to make space for more aircraft.

Speaking to the House Armed Services subcommittee for Seapower and Expeditionary Forces earlier this month, Sean J Stackley, the Assistance Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition said that the third America-class and subsequent vessels would have stern well docks, while the first two vessels would focus on air power.

Pacific Fleet mariners got national awards

Pacific Fleet (PF) acting commander Rear Admiral Sergei Avakiants gave out national awards to subordinate servicemen. 

By presidential decree, Capt Lt Alexei Konoplev, motion department officer was awarded with the Order of Courage for bravery and valor displayed while fire extinguishing at PF destroyer Bystry. Seaman Pavel Osetrov, motion department operator received the Gallantry Medal. 

Previously, Seaman Aldar Tsydenzhapov was posthumously titled the Hero of the Russian Federation for heroism displayed during the accident at Bystry. President Medvedev handed over the Hero's golden star to parents of died crewmember. 

Other courageous participants of the accident were also distinguished with high national awards today.

Indian, Singaporean navies hold war game in China's backyard

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) The Indian Navy is engaged in a week-long advanced war game with its Singaporean counterpart in the South China Sea, the backyard of giant neighbour China.

The 'Simbex' exercise, which began March 18, is the 18th in a series that began in 1994.

China has claimed most part of the South China Sea as its territory and has a maritime boundary dispute with several countries of the region, including Singapore.

Hosted by Singapore this year, the exercise is witnessing joint naval warfare training involving air, surface and sub-surface dimensions, aimed at enhancing the interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies, an Indian Navy press release said here Thursday.

Crowds gather to see Invincible towed out

THERE were three cheers for HMS Invincible one last time this morning – and not a few tears shed as the Falklands veteran was towed for breaking up.

A sizeable crowd gathered on Round Tower in Portsmouth for a final glimpse of the former flagship which is being taken to Turkey.

The carrier has been laid up in the naval base for the past six years and her innards gutted – engines and equipment removed – and her propellers removed.

Much of 'Vince' was cannibalised to keep her sisters running – the now defunct Ark Royal, which Invincible passed on her way out of Portsmouth, and HMS Illustrious.

Fighting G home for the last time

THE curtain falls on the magnificent 25-year career of HMS Gloucester tomorrow when she returns from her final deployment.

The veteran destroyer will be greeted by hundreds of families and friends in Portsmouth – plus the lady who has followed the ship from the laying of the keel to this last act: the Duchess of Gloucester.

She’s shown avid interest in the Type 42’s progress through one war (first Gulf), two rededications and 15 captains.

NAVY OPENS HIGH-TECH WARSHIP SIMULATOR

Junior officers in the Royal Australian Navy will learn to pilot the next generation of warships, in an upgraded $10m training facility at HMAS Watson, Sydney, which will be officially opened tomorrow.

The new high-tech simulator uses computerised virtual reality software to simulate a working warship's bridge, complete with a 240-degree view of a computer generated 2D scene through the bridge windows.

The bridge training faculty, one of the most advanced simulators in the world, will be opened by the Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN.

“This facility is at the cutting edge of simulator technology and provides junior Seaman Officers with very realistic training so they will be capable of carrying out the duties of the Officer-of-the Watch before heading out to sea,”RADM Gilmore said.

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S Korean Navy launches third Aegis destroyer

SEOUL (BNS): The South Korean Navy Thursday launched its third Aegis destroyer, the Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, at a Hyundai Heavy Industries’ facility near Seoul.

The 7,600-ton warship, equipped with the US-made state-of-the-art Aegis air defence system, was handed over to the Navy by its builder the Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. at its Ulsan facility near Seoul, the official Yonhap news agency said.

The Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong is the third King Sejong the Great class of destroyers, which are also called KDX-III class of warships.

ANTI-SHIP MISSILE DEFENCE TRIALS HEAD TO SEA

With little fanfare but great expectations, HMAS Perth (Captain Malcolm Wise) proceeded into the sea-phase of her Anzac Class Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) trials program.

Perth has undertaken major modifications as part of the ASMD upgrade project, SEA 1448 Phase 2, being undertaken by the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Perth completed her initial phase of the upgrade on 14 October last year, with a cold move from the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson to Fleet Base West (FBW).

She underwent her second phase of system set to work and harbour acceptance trials alongside FBW and has since successfully completed Combat Systems Certification and Mariner Skills Evaluation, allowing her to start sea trials on 21 February.

South Korea builds world's first 'smart ship'

SEOUL (YONHAP): South Korea has built the world's first "smart vessel" that can enhance operational efficiency and reduce management costs for shipping lines, the government said Thursday.

The ship built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. incorporates a new ship area network (SAN) system developed by the state-run Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.

CHIEF OF NAVY CALLS FLEET WIDE MEETING TO DISCUSS HMAS SUCCESS INQUIRY

Navy members from all over Australia have workshopped today to discuss the outcomes of the recent inquiry into unacceptable behaviour on board HMAS Success.

“Leadership Day” gatherings were coordinated by the commanding officers of all Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships and establishments. Members were provided a 15 minute video in which Vice Admiral Russ Crane outlined the findings and gave direction on how Navy’s culture must change to ensure such behaviour is not repeated.

“This report cuts to the heart of who we are as individuals as well as what we stand for as an organisation,” Vice Admiral Crane said. “All of us must bear some of the responsibility to fix this.”

British submarine launches further strikes on Libyan air defense systems

LONDON, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A Royal Navy submarine has launched further missile strikes against Libyan air defense targets as part of the coordinated coalition action in support of enforcing U.N. resolution 1973, said a statement released by British Defense Ministry on Thursday.

In the statement, the Chief of Defense Staff's Strategic Communication Officer Major General John Lorimer said that British Armed Forces have again participated in a coordinated strike against Libyan air defense systems in support of resolution 1973.

Russian Air Force to receive strike aircraft from Navy

MOSCOW (BNS): Russian Navy is planning to relocate some of its naval strike aircraft to the Air Force by the end of 2011, according to a media report.

Russian Air Force will receive Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers, MiG-31 Foxhound interceptors, Su-27 Flanker fighter jets and Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft from the Navy.

According to RIA Novosti, the strike component of naval aviation will be transferred under the control of the Russian Air Force by the end of the year.

Raytheon Missiles Used in Libya Won’t Need Replacement Purchases

The Navy won’t buy specific replacements from Raytheon Co. (RTN) for 162 Tomahawk cruise missiles that were fired at Libyan air defenses in the opening days of the U.S.-led coalition’s campaign to set up a no-fly zone.

“The Tomahawks that were shot are part of our current inventory; there are more than ample replacements for those, more than ample,” Admiral Gary Roughead, the chief of naval operations, told reporters in Washington. The Navy has more than 3,000 Tomahawks, he said.

Navy to axe 'Fukushima type' nuclear reactors from submarines

The Royal Navy is to drop a dangerous type of reactor used in its existing nuclear submarines because it fails to meet modern safety standards, defence ministers have disclosed.

A safer type of reactor is expected to be used in the submarines that will replace the Trident fleet, as the existing design shares very similar features to the nuclear reactors involved in the Fukushima Daiichi disaster in Japan.

Libya: Navy running short of Tomahawk missiles

The Navy could run out of Tomahawk missiles after a fifth of the Navy stockpile has been used against Libya, sources disclosed yesterday.

Defence insiders say as many as 12 of the weapons have been fired from the hunter–killer submarine Triumph in the past four days.

Sub's oxygen generator fails in Arctic

The generator that produces oxygen on board the USS New Hampshire failed last week while the submarine was in the Arctic Ocean, according to the Navy.

The New Hampshire has a back-up system to produce oxygen should the primary system fail, a Navy spokeswoman said Tuesday. Redundancy is critical on a platform as complex as a submarine, she said.

The Groton-based submarine is testing its operations in Arctic waters as part of the 2011 Ice Exercise. The New Hampshire (SSN 778) is the first Virginia-class submarine to participate in an ICEX.

Royal Navy blockade forces Gaddafi's gunboats off the ocean

THE naval blockade of Libya is keeping Colonel Gaddafi's gunboats holed up in port.

Whitehall says since frigates HMS Westminster and Cumberland began enforcing the United Nations Resolution with other Allied naval forces on Friday, the dictator's ships had shown “a very marked reluctance” to leave their bases.

Until the UN Resolution was enforced, Gaddafi’s ships had been used to bombard targets in rebel-held locations ashore.

Capt Karl Evans, former T-boat commander and operations officer on the Naval Staff, said: "We had seen Libyan surface ships used to shell shore positions. That's now stopped. Our ships and their capabilities may well be a factor in why that's stopped."

Fincantieri wins contract to build 2 ships for Tidewater

TRIESTE (BNS): Fincantieri has been awarded a contract to build two PSV vessels by Tidewater, the world’s largest provider of marine support services for offshore industries.

The ships, the first scheduled for delivery before the end of 2012 and the second within mid 2013, will be built at Sturgeon Bay shipyard (Wisconsin, USA), which is owned by Fincantieri Marine Group, a company in Fincantieri Group.

DCNS completes first hull section of Duguay-Trouin nuke-sub

CHERBOURG (BNS): DCNS has completed the production of the first hull section of the Duguay-Trouin, the second in class of the Barracuda type nuclear-powered attack submarine for French Navy.

Under the Barracuda programme, the French defence procurement agency (DGA) has ordered six submarines to DCNS which will be delivered in between 2017 and 2028.

Indian defence majors to participate in IMDEX Asia 2011

NEW DELHI (PTI): Premier Indian defence companies BrahMos Aerospace and Pipavav Shipyard may showcase their products at IMDEX 2011, the international maritime defence show to be held in Singapore in May, in which many global defence majors will participate.

"Indian companies that have expressed interest in participating in the exhibition include BrahMos Aerospace and Pipavav Shipyard. As a thriving defence hub, we look forward to India's valuable contributions at activities and conferences organised at IMDEX Asia 2011," Jimmy Lau, Managing Director of Experia Events, organiser of the show, told reporters here.

Trusty tanker Bayleaf bows out

AFTER 29 years’ service, veteran tanker Bayleaf sails for the final time for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary this week.

Much of that service has been spent supporting RN and Allied naval operations in the Gulf (including an unprecedented 12 years as the Armilla Patrol/Arabian Gulf Ready tanker and eight years continuously east of Suez) – and it is from that volatile region that the ship has returned from her last tour of duty.