Dienstag, 31. Januar 2012

Okinawans, Team Kadena Gain Insight through Internship Program

PACOM Headlines








Okinawans, Team Kadena Gain Insight through Internship Program





By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers


18th Wing Public Affairs







KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - During the past two weeks, 25 students from Nikkei College of Business and Okinawa College of Information and Accounting

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S. Korean Officers to Train at U.S. Military Academy (The Korea Herald)

Dozens of South Korean non-commissioned officers (NCOs) will receive leadership training at a U.S. army base in South Korea this spring, officials said Tuesday.The South’s Army said 65 NCOs will enter a four-week program starting in April at the Eighth U.S. Army Wightman Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. The academy is based in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, north of Seoul.According to South Korean officials, 50 NCOs will enter the academy’s “Warrior Leader Course,” and 15 more will

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John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Concludes Singapore Visit

PACOM Headlines








John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Concludes Singapore Visit





From John C. Stennis Strike Group Public Affairs


<!--From John C. Stennis Strike Group Public Affairs
-->

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, at sea - Ships from the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) departed the Republic of Singapore Jan. 30 after a

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Patriot Sailors Help Clean Historic Park (Maritime Security)

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines – The guided missile destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines (RP) for a port visit Jan. 29.
While visiting the RP’s capitol city, Wayne E. Meyer plans to host ship tours and conduct a community service project at the village of Batasan Pambansa Hills in Quezon City, a part of metro Manila.
“The United States has a close and long standing relationship with the people and government of the Republic of the

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Recon Marines, Japanese Soldiers Helo Cast into the Pacific

PACOM Headlines








Recon Marines, Japanese Soldiers Helo Cast into the Pacific





By Cpl. John Robbart III


From 15th MEU




MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and Japanese soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force practiced helo casting at the Red Beach

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Recon Marines, Japanese Soldiers Helo Cast into the Pacific

PACOM Headlines








Recon Marines, Japanese Soldiers Helo Cast into the Pacific





By Cpl. John Robbart III


From 15th MEU




MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif - Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and Japanese soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force practiced helo casting at the Red Beach

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India’s big push for Africa, Indian Ocean strategy

NEW DELHI: India is giving a big push to its Africa and Indian Ocean strategy even as there appear to be signs of a Chinese reassessment of its approach to Africa. On Wednesday, India will welcome the president of Seychelles James Michel, who, though ostensibly here for the sustainability summit, will hold talks on Indian Ocean security with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Michel's visit comes after reports that China has been given permission to set up a naval base in the island nation.

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India’s big push for Africa, Indian Ocean strategy

NEW DELHI: India is giving a big push to its Africa and Indian Ocean strategy even as there appear to be signs of a Chinese reassessment of its approach to Africa. On Wednesday, India will welcome the president of Seychelles James Michel, who, though ostensibly here for the sustainability summit, will hold talks on Indian Ocean security with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Michel's visit comes after reports that China has been given permission to set up a naval base in the island nation.

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Battle on the High Seas

Janet Plume

Should the commercial shipping industry be applauding last year’s reduction in vessel hijackings by Somali pirates as an indication the tide is turning in this war? Anyone who does applaud should take a closer look at the statistics; the number of Somali pirate attacks actually rose last year, increasing to 237 along key shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, an increase of 12 percent from 2010, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
Somali pirates are responsible for

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Iranian Navy Thwarts Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker in Int'l Waters

TEHRAN (FNA)- An attempt by the Somali pirates to hijack an oil tanker was thwarted after the Iranian Navy fleet deployed in the Gulf of Aden thwarted the attack with timely action.
"An oil tanker was attacked by pirates 35 miles Southeast of the Gulf of Aden," Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Seyed Mahmoud Moussavi said on Tuesday. After the Iranian Navy forces entered the scene, the unknown boats fled the area and the oil tanker was saved unharmed, he

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Somalia Pirates Adopt Troubling New Tactics

The stunning rescue by Navy SEALs of two hostages in Somalia points to a worrying new trend of pirates leaving their ships for vicious land-based attacks. Expert Jay Bahadur on what’s next.
By Jay Bahadur and Venetia Archer.
The deployment of an elite unit of US Navy SEALs to a remote airstrip in central Somalia last Tuesday night was an unprecedented move on the part of the United States. Acting under explicit orders from the White House, in less than an hour the team had

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The OTHER Anti-Piracy Legislation

BY ROGER L. PHILLIPS
There is a continuing debate over whether flag states should sanction the hiring of armed guards aboard commercial ships. There are significant financial risks associated with hiring Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs), including liability for damages to cargo and crew. As a Congressional Research Office report concluded in April 2011, “Some industry experts suggest that hiring armed security teams may be more expensive

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Indian Navy to Host Multi-nation Exercise This Week

The Indian Navy will host a six- day multi-nation exercise from Wednesday off the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, local media reported Tuesday.
Warships and delegations from 14 countries of the Asia-Pacific region would be taking part in the "Milan" exercise which will focus on countering maritime terrorism, piracy and poaching as well as search and rescue operations and capacity building, the Times of India quoted officials as saying.
The participants include

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Gulf nations boost maritime cooperation as threats rise

By Samia Badih

Abu Dhabi: Maritime security in the Gulf region has become a concern today more than ever before which is why the GCC countries are combining efforts to protect their territorial waters and sea lines of communication.
"Now the threat is coming from the maritime sector," said Lieutenant Commander Mubarak A. Al Sabah, Chief of Maritime Operations at the Kuwait Coast Guard, to Gulf News in an interview yesterday.
"We are trying our best to secure the Arabian Gulf from terrorist

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International cooperation between Seychelles, UK and Denmark takes tough stance on piracy

International cooperation to counter the increasing threat of piracy has led to the successful detention of 18 suspected pirates who will be transferred to, and possibly prosecuted, in Seychelles. The government of Seychelles has agreed to take custody of the prisoners for prosecution, given initial reports suggesting overwhelming evidence, and after seeking assurances to address concerns on issues of transfer mechanisms.The Seychelles government, which has consistently expressed concern over

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Latest Coast Guard counter-piracy directive describes a broader area of threats

By: Jacob Goodwin

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that it updated its counter-piracy Directive 104-6 for the fifth time on Dec. 30, 2011 and that this latest version “provides a revised and updated list of designated high risk waters and areas,” says a Coast Guard notice posted in the Federal Register on Jan. 30.
The five earlier versions of the same Coast Guard directive provided counter-piracy guidance to operators of U.S.-flagged vessels operating

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Saudi Arabia: Kingdom, UK to work on Somalia problem

By GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN

RIYADH: The United Kingdom, a major donor to African nations, has pledged to work closely with Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to solve a plethora of problems facing African countries, especially Somalia and Sudan.

The pledge was made by Henry Bellingham, British undersecretary for Africa, here Saturday evening after holding talks with senior Saudi officials including Nizar Obaid Madani, minister of state for foreign

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Government OKs private guards on ships to protect seamen

The Philippines has given Manila-flagged merchant vessels the go-ahead to employ private security on board to protect Filipino seafarers from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The move, however, is “subject to the Philippine shipping companies’” adherence to strict guidelines promulgated by the Maritime Industry Authority and the International Maritime Organization

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Somalia breaking down, official warns

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The underlying causes of poverty, drought and piracy in Somalia must be addressed if there's any hope for recovery, a British secretary said.
Andrew Mitchell, British secretary of state for international development, said following a tour of Somalia that most of the international effort in the country so far has failed.
"The famine was caused by a terrible drought, high food prices and insecurity -- conditions made much worse by the fact Somalia is a

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Australia&#039;s navy told to be more visible near resource projects

* Report calls for greater Indian Ocean military presence
* South China Sea, Korean instability remain threats
* Calls for more focus on resource sites


CANBERRA, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Defence planners urged
Australia's military on Monday to maintain a stronger presence
in the country's north and northwest to guard the booming
resource industry and be better placed to

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Can You Be a Pirate on Land?

Only if you’ve already become a pirate on the sea.
By Will Oremus
Two days after U.S. special operations forces rescued a pair of aid workers from Somali abductors, news surfaced that another American, surfing journalist Michael Scott Moore, had been “kidnapped by Somali pirates.” But the crime didn’t happen anywhere near the surf. Moore was on land, driving to a Somali airport, and his captors were described as 15 men in two SUVs. Can you

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U.S. Negotiating Release of American Writer in Somalia

Days after the rescue of a U.S. aid worker held hostage in Somalia, officials are now working on the release of an American writer taken captive by pirates and now under the threat of death.
The writer was only supposed to be in the country for a few weeks to work on a book on piracy, though he’d reportedly been warned of the dangers he faced. On Saturday, he was grabbed by heavily armed men who’d overpowered his security.
At his family’s request, ABC News is withholding

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Cage of pirates

75 captives in cell made for 4 as evil hijackers are rounded up
From TOM NEWTON DUNN, Political Editor, in Garowe, Somalia
PRISONERS grasp the bars of a hell-hole jail cell — a stark warning of the fate that awaits Somalia's notorious pirates.
The strife-torn East African country is finally winning the battle against the seaborne hijackers who shame its name.
The Sun yesterday saw the grim prison where 17 suspected pirates are among 75 captives jammed into a cell built for

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Patriot Sailors Help Clean Historic Park

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines – The guided missile destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines (RP) for a port visit Jan. 29.

While visiting the RP’s capitol city, Wayne E. Meyer plans to host ship tours and conduct a community service project at the village of Batasan Pambansa Hills in Quezon City, a part of metro Manila.“The United States has a close and long standing relationship with the people and government of the Republic of the

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Montag, 30. Januar 2012

USS Wayne E. Meyer Visits Manila

PACOM Headlines








USS Wayne E. Meyer Visits Manila





By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant P. Ammon


7th Fleet






MANILA, Republic of the Philippines - The guided missile destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines (RP) for a port visit Jan. 29.


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Yama Sakura 61 Begins with Opening Ceremony (DVIDS)

CAMP ITAMI, Japan –- Yama Sakura 61, an annual bilateral exercise with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force and U.S. Army Pacific officially began, Jan. 30, at Camp Itami, Japan.The Yama Sakura exercise is a simulation-driven joint bilateral command post exercise designed to enhance U.S. and Japan combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bi-lateral relationships. U.S. military members and Japan Ground Self Defense Force members are afforded the opportunity to exchange ideas,

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USS Patriot Arrives in Takamatsu, Japan

PACOM Headlines








Patriot Arrives in Takamatsu, Japan





By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow


7th Fleet






TAKAMATSU, Japan - Mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Takamatsu, Japan for a port visit Jan. 27.This is the first time a U.S. Navy ship has visited the

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14 Countries to Join India in Naval Exercise (IBNLive)



From
in
















PTI | 09:01 PM,Jan 30,2012
New Delhi, Jan 30 (PTI) Aiming to strengthen cooperation
among the navies in the region, Indian Navy will host 14 of
its counterparts from South East Asia, Asia-Pacific and Indian
Ocean Region (IOR) for the eighth edition of the Milan
exercise in Andaman and Nicobar Islands starting Wednesday.
The five-day exercise will see the participation of
Seychelles and Mauritius for

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U.S., Japan Service Members Come Together for Keen Edge 2012

PACOM Headlines








U.S., Japan Service Members Come Together for Keen Edge 2012





By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca

374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs






YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan - U.S. service members stationed in Japan and other locations around the world joined their Japanese counterparts to take part in

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Australia&#039;s navy told to be more visible near resource projects

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Defense planners urged Australia's military on Monday to maintain a stronger presence in the country's north and northwest to guard the booming resource industry and be better placed to respond to challenges from Asia and the Indian Ocean.
An interim report of Australia's defense posture review said
a more visible military presence could counter perceptions that offshore oil and gas projects could be easy targets.
The recommendation

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First sale made at Ocean Park Condominiums in Indian River County

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY —
Alex MacWilliam, Inc. Real Estate and Craig Von Kohorn announced they made the first sale of an Ocean Park condominium.

Ocean Park consists of 12 residential units, three retail stores and a public restaurant in Indian River County. The residential units are high-end two- and three-story town homes that have their own elevators. Each unit ranges from over 2,800 square feet to over 5,600 square feet of residential living space.

The limited oceanfront units enjoy

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DCNS exhibits at PACIFIC 2012

31st January~3rd February, Sydney, Australia (Booth 5G17)

DCNS is a major player in the European and world markets for value-added naval defence systems. As a naval prime contractor, shipbuilder and systems integrator, DCNS combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCNS delivers innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment, services and new energy solutions.
The DCNS stand showcases:
Submarines
DCNS

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IMO To Counter Piracy On Land

A newly formed team at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is hoping to give its campaign against piracy a fresh direction by helping the failed state of Somalia to recover.
One of the first moves of secretary-general Koji Sekimizu was to appoint Hartmut Hesse as special representative for maritime security and antipiracy programmes. Working along with Hesse is Maritime Safety Division deputy director Chris Trelawny.
Hesse’s newly created role was made to take forward the

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German Owners Threaten to Quit Flag in Anti-Piracy Row

The question whether to use private maritime security companies against pirates has opened a rift between the German government and owners’ association VDR, which has threatened to register ships outside the country unless there is swift legal change.
“Over the next two weeks, we should see a detailed proposal on how to change the trade law,” VDR general secretary Ralf Nagel told a German paper.
“Otherwise, German owners have no option but to fly a different flag when

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Insurance Sector Rejects Idea it can Ease Somalia's Woes

The insurance industry has said that any call for it to boost legal commercial activities in Somalia and attract local investors is unrealistic.
Speaking at an Insurance Institute of London lecture, the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre director Pottengal Mukundan said the insurance industry could help to stimulate legitimate commerce in the war-torn and famished country.
He said an insurance product could work like export guarantee schemes to encourage people to

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Insurance Sector Rejects Idea it can Ease Somalia's Woes

The insurance industry has said that any call for it to boost legal commercial activities in Somalia and attract local investors is unrealistic.
Speaking at an Insurance Institute of London lecture, the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre director Pottengal Mukundan said the insurance industry could help to stimulate legitimate commerce in the war-torn and famished country.
He said an insurance product could work like export guarantee schemes to encourage people to

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USS Arleigh Burke deploys Monday

Leanna Caplan
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - USS Arleigh Burke will be deploying from Naval Station Norfolk Monday to conduct counter-piracy operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
The destroyer returned from her last deployment on October 21, 2009, Navy officials said.
Most recently, she returned to Norfolk on Nov. 9, 2011 following Joint Warrior 11-2, a series of training exercises in Scotland and Mayport, Fla.
The ship, led by Cmdr. Corey Keniston, is the namesake

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Seychelles accepts pirates from Absalon

Seychelles accept to take some of the pirates off the hands of Absalon, that took them prisoner on the 7th of January.
Seychelles has accepted four of a total of 25 pirates who have been in captivity on the Danish warship Absalon."We continue efforts to assign the remaining 21 suspected pirates on board Absalon, to other countries in the region aiming for prosecution," said Foreign Minister Sovndal (SF) in a written statement.Source: DR

This article was posted by Neptune Maritime Security

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Russian warships to visit Manila

MANILA, Philippines – A group of Russian ships – a large anti-submarine ship (Admiral Panteleyev), a rescue tag (Fotiy Krylov), and a large sea tanker (Boris Butoma) – of Russian Navy will visit here tomorrow, Jan. 31.
The visit of the warships will promote the willingness of the Philippines and Russia to continue joint response to modern challenges and threats, which include international terrorism, piracy and transnational crime.
Senior politicians and representatives of

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French firms work on anti-pirate ship of the future

By Michel Moutot (AFP)

NANTES, France — Blind them with light, drench them with water cannons or deafen them with sound blasts: these are some of the on-board anti-pirate features that figure in a project being developed in France.
The project was presented Thursday and Friday in Nantes in western France to some 400 delegates attending MARISK, a forum on shipping security.
A series of traps and non-lethal defences are set to be installed on board the Partisan, a French military

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Legal battle against piracy sails into uncharted waters

Carol Huang

ABU DHABI // A legal fog over who should prosecute pirates is leading to offenders being disarmed and set free, a maritime security conference has heard.
Countries are detaining an increasing number of pirates but confusion arises over which nation's laws, if any, apply, experts said at the three-day Maritime Security and Surveillance conference, which began yesterday at the Armed Forces Officers Club.
Fifteen pirates captured by the US at the start of this month have yet to

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Somalia: British minister on 'first visit ever' to Puntland State

GAROWE, Somalia Jan 30, 2012 (Garowe Online) - A senior official in the UK Government visited Puntland State, marking the first time a British minister has visited the stable state in northern Somalia, Radio Garowe reports.
UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell and his delegation arrived Monday morning at the airport in Garowe, capital of Puntland State. Minister Mitchell was received at the airport by Puntland officials, including Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama, Education Minister Abdi

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Navy Sending Floating Base to Middle East

By Jon E. Dougherty
 
The Navy is sending a warship it had planned to decommission to the Middle East at the request of U.S. Central Command to serve as a floating base for commandos and other special operations forces.
The vessel is the USS Ponce, an amphibious assault ship that can accommodate smaller fast boats and helicopters used by Navy SEALs and other special operators. The request to turn the Ponce into a floating base, or "mothership," comes as tensions rise with Iran, al

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Socotra Island: Jewel in the Arabian Sea

By NOORA FARAJ
In an area consumed by war, famine, and poverty, Yemen’s Socotra Island stands out for resembling an oasis of calm.Socotra is a an archipelago of four islands situated in the Indian Ocean, 240 kms east of Somalia, and 380 kms south of the Arabian peninsula. It was enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008.Its remoteness from the mainland has led Socotra Island to be described as the most alien-looking place on earth, as a third of its flora hasn’t been

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India, Japan Coast Guard units demonstrate capabilities

M. DINESH VERMA

A mock drill on the deep seas by the Indian and Japan Coast Guard units on Sunday demonstrated the inherent capabilities of the two forces to jointly counter a range of maritime threats in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Indo-Japan Coast Guard Joint Exercises, which alternates between India and Japan every year, was organised off the Bay of Bengal where fleets headed by the newly-commissioned Indian Coast Guard vessel Vishwast and the Japanese ship Settsu simulated a range of

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Rising crime a threat to EAC integration

By ADAM IHUCHA
Rising insecurity tops the list of challenges to regional integration in 2012, East African Community officials have said.


The EAC region is under renewed pressure to deal with rising cases of piracy, cyber crime, terrorism, human trafficking and money laundering.


Beatrice Kiraso, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, is worried that these potential threats if not addressed could greatly undermine regional integration. Ms Kiraso cited

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Rohit, crew of hijacked ship, returns home

T Ramavarman
KOCHI: Rohit (28) of Triprayar in Thrissur district of Kerala who was one among the 21 crew members on board the Indian oil tanker hijacked by Somali pirates on August 20, reached home safely on Thursday evening. The crew and the tanker were released by pirates after protracted negotiations last week, and had reached Salalah port in Oman on Tuesday night. Rohit was flown from Salalah to Muscat by Oman Air

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Britain may try, jail Somali pirates

By Aaron Maasho
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Britain may put on trial and jail Somali pirates in the United Kingdom if its citizens are attacked at sea, but the government's priority is to help Somalia boost its inadequate prison capacity, a British minister said on Saturday.
Pirates operating from the Somali coast have raked in hundreds of millions of dollars in ransoms from hijacking ships and currently hold up to 10 ships and 200 hostages.
International navies have struggled to contain

Read more ...

Australia&#039;s navy told to be more visible near resource projects

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Defense planners urged Australia's military on Monday to maintain a stronger presence in the country's north and northwest to guard the booming resource industry and be better placed to respond to challenges from Asia and the Indian Ocean.
An interim report of Australia's defense posture review said
a more visible military presence could counter perceptions that offshore oil and gas projects could be easy targets.
The recommendation

Read more ...

USS Wayne E. Meyer Visits Manila

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines – The guided missile destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines (RP) for a port visit Jan. 29.

While visiting the RP’s capitol city, Wayne E. Meyer plans to host ship tours and conduct a community service project at the village of Batasan Pambansa Hills in Quezon City, a part of metro Manila.“The United States has a close and long standing relationship with the people and government of the Republic of the

Read more ...

Patriot Arrives in Takamatsu, Japan

TAKAMATSU, Japan – Mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Takamatsu, Japan for a port visit Jan. 27.

This is the first time a U.S. Navy ship has visited the coastal city since USS Rentz (FFG 46) in 2009.While in port, Sailors will have the opportunity to experience regional customs and engage with the local community.Approximately 20 Patriot Sailors will also be rolling up their sleeves and participating in a community service (COMSERV) project at one of Japan’s

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DCNS exhibits at PACIFIC 2012

31st January~3rd February, Sydney, Australia (Booth 5G17)
DCNS is a major player in the European and world markets for value-added naval defence systems. As a naval prime contractor, shipbuilder and systems integrator, DCNS combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCNS delivers innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment, services and new energy solutions.
The DCNS stand showcases:
Submarines
DCNS is

Read more ...

Deep Six Somali Pirates

The recent rescue of hostages in Somalia by a Navy Seal Team brings into focus the ongoing problem we have with the Somali pirates.  These pirates continue to wreak havoc on commercial shipping off the coast of Africa, and there are numerous ships and hostages currently being held by the pirates for ransom.

In February 2011 four Americans were taken hostage aboard their yacht off Africa, and were subsequently killed by their captors.  During the same time frame the pirates

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Somali Pirates Hijack Yemeni Fishing Dhow

The Vessel Was Seized Off Gulf of Aden With Crew
By JD
Somali pirates have hijacked a Yemen fishing boat off the Gulf of Aden with 8 Yemeni crew members on board, officials and pirates told Somalia Report on Saturday.
The name of the vessel has not yet been released. Sources privy to the attack confirmed to Somalia Report that the pirates were holding it in captivity as they planned to use it as a mother ship.
“Pirates arrived here with a hijacked fishing boat and then they moved it. We

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Michael Scott Moore Moved to Hareeri Farah

Pirates Demand $8 Million Ransom
By JD
According to a pirate source close to the kidnappers of American journalist Michael Scott Moore, he was moved on Saturday from Hinlabi village near Cadado district to Hareeri Farah, 60km from Harardhere. The pirate sources told Somalia Report that the move was a tactic to protect their lives and the hostage.
Sources added that pirates moved the hostage with armed escorts. “There are a large number of pirates using more than three Land Cruisers.

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Al-Khaliil Begins Mother Ship Operations

Hijacked Iranian Fishing Dhows Sets Out From Garacad
By JD
Somali pirates are reportedly using the Iranian dhow al-Khaliil, hijacked last Wednesday despite the presence of an armed guard team, as a mother ship. The boat and its crew of 19 Iranians put out to sea late on Sunday, according to residents and pirates in Puntland who spoke to Somalia Report.
The al-Khaliil had been anchored near Garacad, in Mudug region.
“I can confirm that the pirates left from Garacad to use the boat as a

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PH to allow private security guards on ships as anti-piracy measure

By Jerry E. Esplanada

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has given Manila-flagged merchant vessels the go-ahead to deploy private security groups to minimize the risk Filipino seafarers face from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The move, however, is “subject to Philippine shipping companies” adherence to strict guidelines promulgated by the Maritime Industry Authority and the

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Sonntag, 29. Januar 2012

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British naval hero&#039;s sword found on wreck

Published: Jan. 29, 2012 at 3:48 PM



BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- A British diver says he found artifacts belonging to naval hero Lord Nelson on a Victorian-era British warship that sank off the coast of Lebanon.
British diver Mark Ellyatt was part of a team that discovered the shipwreck of the HMS Victoria warship, which sank in 1893 off the coast of Lebanon, in 2004, The Daily Telegraph reported Sunday.
Now, Ellyatt said he has located the ship's admiral's cabin, which

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Northrop Grumman Highlights Maritime Security Capabilities at Pacific 2012, Sydney

15:45 GMT, January 27, 2012 LONDON | Northrop Grumman Corporation is participating in the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Conference in Sydney, Australia, where it will highlight its maritime security capabilities and programmes, including marine navigation and ship control technology, and unmanned aircraft systems for maritime and coastal surveillance. The Pacific 2012 show is the commercial maritime and naval defence showcase for the Asia-Pacific region and will take place at the

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Philippines, US agree to bring joint security, defense efforts to higher gear

MANILA, Philippines – Citing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty as the basis for their alliance, the Philippines and the United States have agreed to shift into higher gear their cooperation in maritime security, defense and law enforcement, among other areas, during their second bilateral strategic dialogue, held on January 27 in Washington.
In a joint statement, the two allies reaffirmed their commitment to an “invigorated and expanded alliance capable of addressing 21st century

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Britain may try, jail Somali pirates

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Britain may put on trial and jail Somali pirates in the United Kingdom if its citizens are attacked at sea, but the government's priority is to help Somalia boost its inadequate prison capacity, a British minister said on Saturday.
Pirates operating from the Somali coast have raked in hundreds of millions of dollars in ransoms from hijacking ships and currently hold up to 10 ships and 200 hostages.
International navies have struggled to

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Samstag, 28. Januar 2012

Philippines, US agree to bring joint security, defense efforts to higher gear

MANILA, Philippines – Citing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty as the basis for their alliance, the Philippines and the United States have agreed to shift into higher gear their cooperation in maritime security, defense and law enforcement, among other areas, during their second bilateral strategic dialogue, held on January 27 in Washington.
In a joint statement, the two allies reaffirmed their commitment to an “invigorated and expanded alliance capable of addressing 21st century

Read more ...

Northrop Grumman Highlights Maritime Security Capabilities at Pacific 2012, Sydney

15:45 GMT, January 27, 2012 LONDON | Northrop Grumman Corporation is participating in the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Conference in Sydney, Australia, where it will highlight its maritime security capabilities and programmes, including marine navigation and ship control technology, and unmanned aircraft systems for maritime and coastal surveillance. The Pacific 2012 show is the commercial maritime and naval defence showcase for the Asia-Pacific region and will take place at the

Read more ...

Northrop Grumman Highlights Maritime Security Capabilities at Pacific 2012, Sydney

15:45 GMT, January 27, 2012 LONDON | Northrop Grumman Corporation is participating in the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Conference in Sydney, Australia, where it will highlight its maritime security capabilities and programmes, including marine navigation and ship control technology, and unmanned aircraft systems for maritime and coastal surveillance. The Pacific 2012 show is the commercial maritime and naval defence showcase for the Asia-Pacific region and will take place at the

Read more ...

India, Thailand face common security threats as maritime neighbours: PM

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Wednesday said both India and Thailand face common security threats from emerging non-traditional challenges such as terrorism, security of sea lanes of communication and piracy as maritime neighbours.
Dr. Singh in his banquet speech during the state visit of Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, said: "As maritime neighbours, both India and Thailand face common security threats from emerging non-traditional challenges

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Urgent!!! PHL-US Dialogue in Washington: expanded alliance for 21st century challenges

by Gloria Jane Baylon


MANILA ? Manila and Washington reaffirmed on Friday (Washington time) their bilateral commitment to Asian-Pacific security ?through an invigorated and expanded alliance capable of addressing 21st century challenges.?




These challenges include security, defense, commerce, law enforcement, human rights, disaster relief, maritime security cooperation, and bilateral trade and investment.In a Joint Statement released

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:: 26, Jan 2012 :: A DASH OF COLOURS FOR SINGAPORE MARITIME WEEK 2012

A DASH OF COLOURS FOR SINGAPORE MARITIME WEEK 2012








Singapore, 26 January 2012 | For immediate release
A DASH OF COLOURS FOR SINGAPORE MARITIME WEEK 2012
As one of the busiest ports in the world, maritime containers are a common sight on our shores. Containers are very much part of our lives and they bring colours to our lives by bringing us goods from all over the world. Now you have the chance to bring colours to these containers by taking part in the ‘Your

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US not seeking military bases in SE Asia

The US wants a greater military presence in South-East Asia but does not seek permanent bases anywhere in the region, the chief of the Pacific Command says.
The US wants a greater military presence in South-East Asia but does not seek permanent bases anywhere in the region, the chief of the Pacific Command says.

Despite impending budget cuts, the US wants to reinforce its presence in the Asia-Pacific, as its involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan winds down.

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US military says Philippines offer a boost

WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday welcomed the Philippines' offer to allow more US troops on its territory, saying it would boost US power in Asia, and assured it was not seeking to re-establish bases in the former colony.The Philippines said earlier Friday that it planned to hold more joint exercises and to let more US troops rotate through the Southeast Asian country, which is embroiled in increasingly tense territorial disputes with China."We would welcome discussions with the

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&#039;No bases&#039;, but US welcomes Philippine offer for larger military presence

28-Jan-12, 7:26 AM | Agence France-Presse










WASHINGTON - The United States has welcomed the Philippines' offer to allow more US troops on its territory, saying it would boost US power in Asia, and assured it was not seeking to re-establish bases in the former colony.
The Philippines said earlier Friday that it planned to hold more joint exercises and to let more US troops rotate through the

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Manila offer a boost, says US military





Manila offer a boost, says US military


The United States has welcomed the Philippines’ offer to allow more US troops on its territory, saying it would boost US power in Asia, and assured it was not seeking to re-establish bases in the former colony.
The Philippines said earlier Friday that it planned to hold more joint exercises and to let more US troops rotate through the Southeast Asian country, which is embroiled in increasingly tense

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US hails PH offer for larger military presence but won&#039;t set up bases

28-Jan-12, 7:26 AM | Agence France-Presse










WASHINGTON - The United States has welcomed the Philippines' offer to allow more US troops on its territory, saying it would boost US power in Asia, and assured it was not seeking to re-establish bases in the former colony.
The Philippines said earlier Friday that it planned to hold more joint exercises and to let more US troops rotate through the

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Authorities seize 1,500 pounds of marijuana aboard boat off Malibu coast; 3 men arrested

MALIBU - The federal government seized an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 pounds of marijuana from a Mexican panga boat beached at Malibu's Smugglers Cove, and arrested three men, a Department of Homeland Security official said today.
Sheriff's deputies searched today for a possible fourth smuggler in lush, gated Point Dume residential compounds. Deputies combed the gardens and sideyards at mansions along Cliffside Drive, which are some of the priciest real estate in Malibu, but called of the search

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Philippines to beef up security in South China Sea

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The Philippine Coast Guard is beefing up security in the disputed waters around the country by deploying three vessels to conduct round-the-clock monitoring and security.
The PCG has allocated the bulk of the 1.6 billion pesos (US$37 million) it received from the Malampaya natural gas project for major repair work on three of its old vessels, which would then be deployed to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), said PCG commandant Rear Adm. Edmund

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Freitag, 27. Januar 2012

INTERVIEW/Admiral Robert F. Willard: Japan-U.S. Alliance to Rise in Prominence as U.S. Shifts Strategy (Asahi Shimbum)

HONOLULU--The Japan-U.S. alliance will rise in prominence as Washington shifts its strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region, Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said in a recent interview with a delegation of Japan National Press Club in Honolulu.
He described the buildup of China's military capabilities as "impressive to watch" and stressed the importance of developing technologies and TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) to overcome challenges to freedom

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Odierno: Army Seeks Increased Partnerships in Asia

PACOM Headlines








Odierno: Army Seeks Increased Partnerships in Asia

















By Todd Lopez

US Army





WASHINGTON - The Army is looking for increased opportunities to partner with allies in Asia, including both Korea and Japan.Chief of

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Japan, U.S. Defense Chiefs Agree to Push for Futenma Relocation Plan (Mainichi)

Japan's new Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's new defense minister, Naoki Tanaka, and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta agreed Friday to make further efforts to realize a bilateral accord to relocate a key U.S. Marine base within Okinawa Prefecture.
Tanaka told a press conference that he and Panetta reaffirmed in their first telephone

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Navy's Commitment to Renewable Energy Takes the Nation's Center Stage

PACOM Headlines








Navy's Commitment to Renewable Energy Takes the Nation's Center Stage

















By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW) Sam Shavers

Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs





WASHINGTON - The Department of the Navy's

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The Imperative of India-Russia Defence Cooperation (Indrus)

INS Chakra AKULA II Class submarine
The year 2012 witnesses some of the significant achievements
in India-Russia defence cooperation. One of the gaps in India’s defence arsenal
is filled by the Russian Akula-II class nuclear-powered submarine ‘K-152
Nerpa’, commissioned to the Indian Navy on 23 January 2012. The nuclear powered
submarine, to be leased to India for ten years, has been rechristened INS
Chakra by India, and will be the only submarine that India

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From naval base to Olympic venue



27 January 2012
Last updated at 14:20 ET











Weymouth and Portland will host the sailing events during the 2012 Olympics

With six months to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympics, the timetable is looking good for the Dorset-based sailing events.
Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour

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Philippines studying U.S. offer to deploy spy planes

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines is considering a U.S. proposal to deploy surveillance aircraft on a temporary, rotating basis to enhance its ability to guard disputed areas in the South China Sea, the Philippine defence minister said on Friday.
Two days of talks in Washington this week on security ties between the two allies include plans to deploy more littoral combat ships and spy aircraft, Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.
The effort to

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State’s naval base to be built in Dalat — Defence minister

Posted on January 28, 2012, SaturdayKUCHING: The state’s first naval base would be built in Dalat, Mukah, but its construction would only take off after the site is identified and allocation granted, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.He said the original plan to build it at Kampung Buntal here had been scrapped as the site was deemed unsuitable.“After a thorough inspection, it was found that the land (Buntal) is not suitable. My discussion with Chief Minister Pehin Sri

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India, Thailand face common security threats as maritime neighbours: PM

Dr. Singh in his banquet speech during the state visit of Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, said: "As maritime neighbours, both India and Thailand face common security threats from emerging non-traditional challenges such as terrorism, security of sea lanes of communication and piracy. We are expanding our cooperation in dealing with them."Asserting that Asia is in the midst of an economic resurgence, Dr. Singh said: "Both India and Thailand are in a position to play a key role

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MALAYSIAN, INDONESIAN FISHERMEN WILL NOT LONGER BE NABBED IN UNRESOLVED WATERS

NUSA DUA (BALI), Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian and Indonesian
authorities will no longer nab fishermen from either country for straying into
maritime boundaries that had yet to be resolved, instead they will be shooed
off.
Both countries will also continue to provide information to their fishermen
on the maritime boundaries and advise them against encroaching the waters.
This understanding is stipulated in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on
the guideline on the treatment of fishermen

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EU NAVFOR Force Commander promoted during the visit of Spanish Chief of the Defence to the Flagship in Djibouti.


Rear Admiral Potts, arrives onboard the Flagship and congratulates the Force Commander, Rear Admiral Jorge Manso, on his promotion
On 27 January 2012, the Spanish Chief of Defense, Admiral Fernando García Sánchez, visited the EU NAVFOR Flagship, ESPS PATIÑO alongside in Djibouti, accompanied by the Spanish Chief of the Navy, Admiral Manuel Rebollo, Chief of the Air Force, General Jose Jimenez Ruiz, Commander of the Joint Command for Operations, Lt. Gen Jaime Dominguez and the EU

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MALAYSIAN, INDONESIAN FISHERMEN WILL NOT LONGER BE NABBED IN UNRESOLVED WATERS

NUSA DUA (BALI), Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian and Indonesian
authorities will no longer nab fishermen from either country for straying into
maritime boundaries that had yet to be resolved, instead they will be shooed
off.
Both countries will also continue to provide information to their fishermen
on the maritime boundaries and advise them against encroaching the waters.
This understanding is stipulated in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on
the guideline on the treatment of fishermen

Read more ...

Malaysian, Indonesian fishermen will not be nabbed in unresolved waters




Both countries will also continue to provide information to their fishermen on the maritime boundaries and advise them against encroaching the waters.



This understanding is stipulated in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the guideline on the treatment of fishermen by the Malaysian and Indonesian maritime enforcement agencies penned here today.



The guideline was finalised two months after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul

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DFA Hosts 78th Maritime Breakfast Forum, Discusses Maritime Policy and Trade Issues

27 January 2012- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hosted today the 78th Maritime Breakfast Forum (MBF) that provided a venue to discuss the policies and actions of the Philippines on key maritime issues in the national and international scene.




Assistant Secretary for Ocean Concerns Gilberto Asuque of the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Special and Ocean Concerns welcomed the members of the Maritime League and other invited guests, led by Commodore Carlos L. Agustin (Ret.),

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US senators back PH sea defense

President Aquino welcomes to Malacañang on Tuesday four prominent American senators—Joe Lieberman (left), John McCain, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kelly Ayotte. McCain ran against President Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election. Lieberman was Al Gore’s running mate in the 2000 White House race. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Expressing “strong affinity” with the Philippines, a group of visiting United States senators, led by former Republican Party presidential candidate John McCain, has

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Philippines eyes stronger defense ties with the US

The Philippines government announced Friday it would significantly boost military cooperation with the United States as it seeks to secure claims to parts of the South China Sea.
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Manila would accept a greater US military presence on its territory and engage in more joint exercises with its former colonial ruler.
"It is to our definite advantage to be exploring how to maximize our treaty alliance with the United States in ways that would be mutually

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Philippines studying U.S. offer to deploy spy planes

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines is considering a U.S. proposal to deploy surveillance aircraft on a temporary, rotating basis to enhance its ability to guard disputed areas in the South China Sea, the Philippine defense minister said on Friday.
Ongoing talks in Washington on security ties between the two allies include plans to deploy more littoral combat ships and spy aircraft, said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
An expanded U.S. military presence in the

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EUNAVFOR moves to set piracy record straight

The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) has expressed concern that perceptions are growing that piracy attacks off Somalia are on the decrease. In a recent meeting in Brussels, EUNAVFOR Operation Commander Admiral Duncan Potts was alarmed by the notion that such attacks have vastly decreased, an opinion that flies in the face of official figures which show that pirate attacks have actually increased, although successful hijackings have significantly decreased.
Several media reports have

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Mozambique: European Union Formalises Fisheries Agreement

Maputo — The European Union on Monday ratified a new fisheries partnership agreement with Mozambique.
Under the agreement, which actually came into force on 1 January 2012, 75 European fishing boats will be allowed access to Mozambican waters. Of these boats, 43 are tuna purse seiners and 32 are surface longliners.

The three-year agreement sets a quota of 8,000 tonnes a year, with the European Union paying the Mozambican government 980,000 euros per year in compensation. This includes

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Seychelles and La Reunion Carnival receives confirmation that Indian navy will be present to show solidarity for drive in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Military Attaché based in the Seychelles has today confirmed that an Indian Navy Ship will make a call to Port Victoria in the Seychelles in the spirit of solidarity with the island nation in its drive to rid the shipping routes off the African Coast of the plague of piracy.The Seychelles and La Reunion Islands are jointly hosting the 2012 Carnival of Carnivals that will be held in Seychelles from March 2-4. The carnival is known around the world as the Carnival of Carnivals

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Challenges faced by a Filipino seafarer

by Charles Pe

Editors Note: The story is from the book “Migrants’ Stories, Migrants’ Voices 3" published by the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) with the support from CEI (Conferenza Episcopale Italiana) or the Italian Bishops' Conference. The book contains a collection of 12 stories of the realities of migration as faced by Filipinos abroad and their family members in the Philippines. abs-cbnNEWS.com obtained permission from PMRW to publish the stories online.
I

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Former Seal Team 6 commander says more raids likely as military evolves

On Wednesday, the now-famous SEAL Team Six conducted another high-profile operation, rescuing two hostages in Somalia. Ryan Zinke, a politician and former Team Six commander, says as the military and conflicts evolve, these sorts of actions will become more common.

Navy SEAL Team Six was responsible for killing Osama bin Laden.
They shot and killed pirates on a small boat a great distance away, in order to rescue hostages. And on Wednesday, the team, more properly known as the U.S.

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Help Somalia fight roots of piracy

By Jon Huggins, Special to CNN

Editor's note: Jon Huggins is the director of the Oceans Beyond Piracy project at One Earth Future. The Oceans Beyond Piracy project encourages close cooperation across the international maritime community to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to piracy. He previously served as NATO's operational liaison officer to the European Union Council Secretariat in Brussels.
(CNN) -- The U.S. Navy Seals' dramatic rescue of Poul Hagen Thisted and

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MSC hikes piracy surcharge between African ports

It will increase its piracy risk surcharge by $100

Mediterranean Shipping Co. said it will put a new piracy surcharge into effect on containers it transports between ports in South Africa and East Africa beginning in March.
The Geneva-based carrier said it is implementing the surcharge because "piracy activities are becoming more and more aggressive, consequently the insurance costs on the vessels to the region have become prohibitive." MSC said the increasing incidence of hijacking has

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Training Day: 3RG's MSO Course

What does a Maritime Security Officer (MSO) need to know? It’s something most former service personnel will ask themselves before trying to get into the maritime security industry and it’s a big question. The answer comes from organisations such as 3RG, a specialist security and training firm who are at the forefront of security certification.
To get a better idea of just what they do, I spent a day with them and sat in on one of their Maritime Security Officer courses. Normally a

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The right way to deal with Somalia's thugs

Three months ago, two aid workers helping to clear land mines out of Somalia were captured by local pirates. Jessica Buchanan, a 32-year-old American, and Danish citizen Poul Hagen Thisted, 60, had been held for ransom ever since. Efforts by the Danish government to secure their release were unsuccessful. At some point over the last few months - when exactly is unclear - the United States developed intelligence on their location, and also discovered that Ms. Buchanan was suffering from an

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The right way to deal with Somalia's thugs

Three months ago, two aid workers helping to clear land mines out of Somalia were captured by local pirates. Jessica Buchanan, a 32-year-old American, and Danish citizen Poul Hagen Thisted, 60, had been held for ransom ever since. Efforts by the Danish government to secure their release were unsuccessful. At some point over the last few months - when exactly is unclear - the United States developed intelligence on their location, and also discovered that Ms. Buchanan was suffering from an

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Galkayo Official Describes Rescue Operation

Pirates Seek Revenge; Another American Held
By SHIINE OMAR, MOHAMED BEERDHIGE
Tuesday night's successful rescue of two hostages by US Navy SEALs was conducted through the use of the Galkayo airport, based in Somalia's Mudug region. One airport official who spoke to Somalia Report on the condition of anonymity described the operation.
"Around 9:30pm on Tuesday night some US military soldiers arrived at the airport and proceeded to secure it. We knew they were going to use our airport, but did

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Two-day Ohio conference focuses on Somalia's humanitarian, piracy and financial problems

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Somalia's numerous problems, from piracy to humanitarian suffering to receiving money from overseas immigrants, are the subject of a two-day conference at Ohio State University.
The previously scheduled conference comes just days after U.S. special forces rescued two hostages inside Somalia and killed nine captors in the process.
The Somalia at Crossroads conference begins Friday and includes Somali officials, academic

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Somali pirates keep U.S. hostage on the move

Pirates moved an American hostage athreatened Thursday to kill him after US rescue two hostages

Pirates moved an American hostage at least three times in 24 hours and threatened Thursday to kill him after U.S. Navy SEALs rescued an American and a Dane in a bold, dark-of-night raid that raises questions about whether other Western captives are now in greater danger.
"If they try again, we will all die together," warned Hassan Abdi, a Somali pirate connected to the gang holding the American,

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Donnerstag, 26. Januar 2012

India becomes 6th nation to join elite nuclear submarine club

India's long hunt for a nuclear submarine is finally over. But it will take the country another 10-12 months to get an operational nuclear weapon triad - the capability to fire nukes from land, air and sea. India on Monday became the world's sixth country after the US, Russia, France, the UK and China to operate nuclear-powered submarines when the Russian Akula-II class submarine `K-152 Nerpa' was commissioned into Indian Navy as INS Chakra on a 10-year lease under

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Spacecraft may land in Indian Ocean

Russia is hoping a failed space probe will fall into the Indian Ocean, far away from any populated areas, but still has no guarantee of the crash site.Space agency Roscosmos said on Wednesday that the midpoint in a three day window when Phobos-Ground's debris is expected to fall is at 0918 GMT (2018 AEDT) on Sunday, when the probe will be above the ocean, about 1,700 kilometres west of Jakarta.It added that the forecast will be clarified as the probe's orbit draws closer to Earth.The

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FALLBROOK: Fallbrook High senior accepted to Naval Academy

Fallbrook High senior Jennifer Chavez has been accepted to the
U.S. Naval Academy.



Karen Ricci, college and career counselor at the high school,
said Chavez plans to study mathematics at the academy and hopes to
become a pilot. She described Chavez as a very focused student with
a 3.9 grade point average.



Chavez also is a member of the school's varsity swimming team
and attended the Naval Academy's

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John C. Stennis Strike Group Visits Singapore

PACOM Headlines








John C. Stennis Strike Group Visits Singapore

















By USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

7th Fleet





SINGAPORE - Ships from the John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) arrived in Singapore for a port visit Jan.

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S. Korean Troops to Join US-led Drill in Thailand (CRI English)

South Korean Navy and Marines Corps will take part in a U.S.-led multinational military exercise to be held next month in Thailand, the Navy said here Thursday.
Some 320 South Korean troops, an armored amphibious vehicle and a 2,600-ton landing ship tank will join six other countries, including the United States, Thailand and Japan, for the Cobra Gold exercise slated for Feb. 5-17.
The troops will participate in a field training exercise, a command post exercise and a humanitarian

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Bold Alligator 2012 to Revitalize Amphibious Operations

PACOM Headlines








Bold Alligator 2012 to Revitalize Amphibious Operations

















<!--By Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett and Staff Sgt. Cynthia Spalding

-->
From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs






NORFOLK - Commander,

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Mongolia Holds Seminar to Mark Anniversary of Ties with U.S. (CRI English)

Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade held a seminar Thursday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the United States.
Addressing an audience of some 100 government officials, scholars and U.S. diplomats, U.S. ambassador to Mongolia Jonathan Addleton said the two countries have expanded cooperation in a wide range of areas over the past years and more and more big U.S. companies have been engaged in Mongolia's economic development.

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Aircraft Deicer Keeps the Mission from Freezing

PACOM Headlines








Aircraft Deicer Keeps the Mission from Freezing

















By Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett and Staff Sgt. Cynthia Spalding

673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs






JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - A large

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Spacecraft may land in Indian Ocean

Russia is hoping a failed space probe will fall into the Indian Ocean, far away from any populated areas, but still has no guarantee of the crash site.Space agency Roscosmos said on Wednesday that the midpoint in a three day window when Phobos-Ground's debris is expected to fall is at 0918 GMT (2018 AEDT) on Sunday, when the probe will be above the ocean, about 1,700 kilometres west of Jakarta.It added that the forecast will be clarified as the probe's orbit draws closer to Earth.The

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China Maritime Week 2012 - Challenging Year Ahead

China Maritime Week, to be held in Hong Kong from February 28 to March 1, will provide a platform for industry leaders from Asia, Europe and the US to discuss issues and formulate ideas to overcome the looming crisis for the shipping industry. There is intense activity throughout the region in ship-owning, ship-building, ship-repair, naval architecture, port operations, tugs, work boats, ferries, tourism, commercial fishing, naval, police and coast guard, and pollution control.Arthur Bowring,

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Battle for influence in Asia

"Where there is sugar, there are ants," is perhaps the appropriate phrase to visualize the ongoing and increasing struggle among the major powers over influence in Asia – the continent with the world’s fastest growth and abundant natural resources. Along with these colliding interests, comes the race to exercise control and to tap the continent’s resources and huge potential.
The struggle among nations, particularly superpowers like the United States and the rapidly emerging power China,

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Opinion: Battle for influence in Asia

Jakarta (The Jakarta Post/ANN) - "Where there is sugar, there are ants," is perhaps the appropriate phrase to visualize the ongoing and increasing struggle among the major powers over influence in Asia - the continent with the world's fastest growth and abundant natural resources. Along with these colliding interests, comes the race to exercise control and to tap the continent's resources and huge potential.
The struggle among nations, particularly superpowers like the United States and the

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Turkey extends its anti-piracy role in Somali

Parliament yesterday adopted a motion extending the mission term of naval elements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) for one more year in Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
 
National Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz criticized those who oppose to the motion and described the piracy activities off the coast of Somalia as a threat and cruelty. “It is our humanitarian task to prevent this. Those who don’t have a guilty conscious about Somalia’s children cannot

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Hostage rescue: Will US intervene more in Somalia?

The US military has largely left East African nations to bring peace to Somalia. But hostage rescue, such as the SEAL operation Tuesday, is a tool the US military is using more often.
By Scott Baldauf, Staff writer 
Now that the US Navy Seals have successfully rescued two hostages – an American and a Dane – from Somali criminal gangs, will the US military begin to increase its presence in the ongoing Somali civil war?

Not likely.
For

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Ex-naval officer says spying scandal bound to happen

A retired naval intelligence officer says he was "shocked but not surprised" about a spying scandal that involves a junior naval officer from Nova Scotia."I'm shocked but not surprised," said Hugh Williamson, a former lieutenant commander with the Royal Canadian Navy."You're shocked at the individual details but you're not surprised that something was eventually going to happen."Sub-Lt. Jeffrey Delisle, who lives in the Bedford area of Halifax, was charged earlier this month with two counts of

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New Westminster Man May Have Solution To Pirate Problem

A Queensborough man may have the solution to the very real threat piracy that is plaguing ships that move goods through the Arabian Sea.
Graham Pfister, a sea captain, ship designer and owner of Trawlercat Marine Designs, has designed what he says is the world's first purpose-built anti-piracy personal escort vehicles (PEV), designed for use in the pirate-infested waters off the Somali coast.
Armed pirates in small skiffs frequently hijack ships, and hold them, their crew and their cargo for

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Somalia rescue aside, expensive ransoms are route to freedom for most hostages

AFFAN CHOWDHRY

U.S. President Barack Obama added to the growing narrative around a commander-in-chief who has authorized gutsy military strikes to secure the freedom of captive Americans and eliminate the country’s enemies.
On the day Mr. Obama delivered his televised State of the Union address, U.S. special forces carried out a successful rescue operation to free an American and Danish aid worker held captive by pirates for more than three months in Somalia.

The operation was done

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Aye, Matey - Who Will Win The War Against Pirates?

Maritime piracy is at an all-time high, and it is costing businesses and ultimately consumers. Watchdog group the International Maritime Bureau reports that worldwide pirate attacks in the first nine months of 2011 reached a record high of 352 attacks and involved 625 people being taken hostage.

But another risk factor in maritime piracy is the cost of doing business. A report from U.K. think tank Chatham House found that the cost of re-routing ships to avoid risky waters costs

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Ex-naval officer says spying scandal bound to happen

A retired naval intelligence officer says he was "shocked but not surprised" about a spying scandal that involves a junior naval officer from Nova Scotia."I'm shocked but not surprised," said Hugh Williamson, a former lieutenant commander with the Royal Canadian Navy."You're shocked at the individual details but you're not surprised that something was eventually going to happen."Sub-Lt. Jeffrey Delisle, who lives in the Bedford area of Halifax, was charged earlier this month with two counts of

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Awards for Naval officers

Surgeon Rear Admiral Nirmala Kannan



The Southern Naval Command, Kochi, will honour some of its personnel with awards for exceptional service on the occasion of Republic Day. The officers selected for the Nao Sena Medal (for devotion to duty) are Surgeon Rear Admiral Nirmala Kannan, VSM, Command Medical Officer; Commodore Sunil Anand, Chief Staff Officer (Personnel and Administration) and Commander Manoj M. Jacob, Chief Manager (Production), Naval Aircraft Yard. The officer selected for

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Technology used to combat piracy (VIDEO)

Big players in defence intelligence have come together in London to highlight how data and intelligence, used in a smart way, can help tackle piracy. It is the latest move in the effort to combat the 3000 pirates believed to be operating from Somalia. The event showed companies how using statistics and information about previous attacks could help commercial ships avoid becoming a target for pirates.

This article was posted by Neptune Maritime Security via BritishForcesNews.

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Somali Pirate Gun Locker: An Oddball Assault Rifle, at Sea

By C. J. CHIVERS

Somali pirates cannot seem to stay out of the news. Whether they are losing their hostages without resistance to a U.S. Navy destroyer or losing their hostages (and their lives) in a U.S. military raid, they have been the January surprise on the conflict beat. This is in some ways unexpected, as, statistically, incidents of piracy off the East African coast have recently been in decline, a result of both an international naval counterpiracy presence in

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Georgian Captain Recounts Somali Hostage Ordeal: 'They Treated Us Mercilessly'

By Marina Vashakmadze, Daisy Sindelar



BATUMI, Georgia -- After nearly a year and a half at sea as a hostage held by Somali pirates, Memed Zakaradze is relieved to know his grandchildren in this Georgian port city still recognize him. "They've grown up in my absence," the 63-year-old Zakaradze says ruefully. "But they still remember me."In September 2010, Zakaradze was captaining a run-down tanker, the "Olib G," through the perilous Gulf of Aden when his ship was approached

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Pirates Hijack Vessel Just Off Somali Coast, While Somali Guards Sleep!

Iranian Dhow Fishing Legally with Support of Puntland Government
By MOHAMED BEERDHIGE, JD
Despite having a government appointed security team on board, Somali pirates hijacked the Iranian fishing dhow, al-Khaliil, and kidnapped her crew of 19 as the vessel was fishing legally in the waters off the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, according to officials and pirates who spoke to Somalia Report this evening.
The vessel had been fishing in the area of over a month and had the necessary permits

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Poacher Turned Gamekeeper

With piracy off West Africa now running rampant, Nigeria’s leading opposition party wonders why Nigerian government concessions maritime surveillance to an alleged former war lord.
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised an alarm over the plan by the federal government to hand over the nation’s maritime security to a private firm owned by an ex-militant warlord, wondering whether this is part of the agenda being pursued in recent times by a group that has been championing

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World Maritime Brief, 26 January 2012

United States: "U.S. to keep 11 aircraft carriers"
CBS News, 21 January 2012
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has ended speculation regarding the future of the aircraft carrier fleet by pledging that the United States Navy will maintain a force of 11 large-deck carriers despite upcoming budget cuts. Many, including Robert Gates, Panetta's predecessor as secretary of defense, had questioned the feasibility of maintaining the force in times of financial restraint; some had suggested that

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Regional Friendship Forged Within Combined Maritime Forces

The Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS PARRAMATTA, and Royal Saudi Naval Force Ship, RSNF AL-TAIF, rendezvoused in the Southern Red Sea to conduct a co-ordinated transit, Jan.20.

The two ships are both operating with Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 (maritime counter terrorism), part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) that patrols the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.
Commander Guy Blackburn, Commanding Officer HMAS PARRAMATTA, said “This marks CTF 150′s

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German prosecutor demands jail terms in Somali pirate trial

The prosecutor in Germany's first piracy trial in 400 years demanded prison terms Wednesday for 10 Somalis accused of hijacking a Hamburg-registered ship off the Horn of Africa, an official said.
The 10 defendants, three of whom are being prosecuted as minors because they say they were under 18 at the time of the alleged offence, face between four and 11 and a half years in prison, a court spokesman said.
Prosecutors allege the group, who went on trial in the northern German port city of

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Piracy and kidnapping in Somalia

By CNN's Tim Lister and Zain Verjee
Over the past several years, the pirates of Somalia have enjoyed what might be called a following wind. They operate in a country where government authority is weak and in many areas non-existent. They have the longest coastline of any African country to exploit (3,300 kms), and some of the world’s busiest sea-lanes within easy reach. They have a ready pool of recruits, desperate for a share of the millions that they garner from ransoming merchant

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Naval band chief celebrates silver jubilee

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Calcutta News.NetThursday 26th January, 2012 (IANS) Indian Navy's Master Chief Petty Officer Ramesh Chand Katoch, who led the brass band at the Republic Day parade here, marched down Rajpath for the 25th consecutive year.Katoch, who led 81 musicians, was leading the naval band for 14th time.The naval contingent, comprising 144 men, was led by Lt. Cdr. K. Manikandan. The naval tableau, which showcased efforts at fighting piracy in the high seas, was led by Lt. Cdr. Genu George.The tableau

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Mittwoch, 25. Januar 2012

Stennis Strike Group Visits Singapore

SINGAPORE – Ships from the John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) arrived in Singapore for a port visit Jan. 26.
“The U.S. Navy has been visiting Singapore for more than 100 years,” said Rear Adm. Craig Faller, commander of the JCSSG. “They are one of our closest partners in the region and invaluable in our counter-terrorism and maritime security efforts.”
While in port the ships plan to host a formal reception for local and foreign dignitaries and conduct various community service

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Naval Academy appointment ticket to Bayshore senior&#039;s dreams

BRADENTON -- Olivia Trevorrow?s favorite self-images are at her fingertips or saved in her memory. A photo of an F/A-18 Hornet roaring off a carrier deck.A spacesuit worn by Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, at the Kennedy Space Center.


A visit to a nuclear submarine as a child.?Being an astronaut or submariner has been my dream since I was 6,? said the Bayshore High School honors senior.The ticket to potentially making those dreams reality was

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31st MEU Prepares for Deployment to Asia-Pacific Region

PACOM Headlines








31st MEU Prepares for Deployment to Asia-Pacific Region

















By Capt. Caleb Eames
31st MEU Public Affairs Officer





CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan - Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are preparing

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Air Force Leaders Say Strategy Calls for F-22, F-35 Capabilities (U.S. DoD)

By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 ? Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are key to America maintaining domain dominance in the years ahead, Air Force officials said here today.
Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, and Maj. Gen. Noel T. “Tom” Jones, the service’s director for operation capability requirements, said the technology – exemplified in the F-22 and F-35 – assumes greater importance

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Japanese Police Officers' Martial Arts Demonstration Attended by U.S. Army Japan Officials

PACOM Headlines








Japanese Police Officers' Martial Arts Demonstration Attended by U.S. Army Japan Officials

















By Tetsuo Nakahara
U.S. Army Garriosn Japan Public Affairs





SAGAMIHARA, Japan - An exhibition of powerful and precise martial

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USS Frank Cable Arrives in Hawaii

PACOM Headlines








USS Frank Cable Arrives in Hawaii

















By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Chris Salisbury




USS Frank Cable Public Affairs





PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Submarine tender USS Frank

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Yama Sakura 61 Soldiers Experience Japanese Culture

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Yama Sakura 61 Soldiers Experience Japanese Culture

















By Staff Sgt. Fredrick Varney
US Army





CAMP ITAMI, Japan - Many times when a U.S. Soldier hears the word "exercise" he or she may often think of a broad range of

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Fora fail as Asian naval race goes submarine

Something lurks beneath the South China Sea, keeping a watchful eye on what lies above, but also below. This is no kraken or Nessie, but rather a sleek, silent and deadly piece of weaponry: the submarine - designed give its owners an intimidating presence in waters increasingly the focus of nations and their navies.
Countries with claims to islands in these hotly contested waters see the submarine as their best way to counter a growing Chinese navy and maintain some modicum of influence over

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India, Thailand face common security threats as maritime neighbours: PM

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Wednesday said both India and Thailand face common security threats from emerging non-traditional challenges such as terrorism, security of sea lanes of communication and piracy as maritime neighbours.
Dr. Singh in his banquet speech during the state visit of Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, said: "As maritime neighbours, both India and Thailand face common security threats from emerging non-traditional challenges

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Even without Hormuz blockade, Iran has options

(Reuters) - Under pressure over its nuclear ambitions, Iran might never act on its threat to close the Strait of Hormuz but could retain enough tricks in its playbook to keep its enemies, shippers and global markets on edge.
As Western states tighten sanctions and its enemies wage an apparent covert war against its uranium enrichment program, Tehran has warned several times it may seal off the waterway, choking the supply of Gulf crude and gas.
Few intelligence, military and

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EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa visits EU NAVFOR

On 23rd January 2012, EU NAVFOR Operation Commander Rear Admiral Duncan L. Potts welcomed Mr. Alexander Rondos, the recently appointed EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa to the Operation Headquarters in Northwood for a briefing on the EU NAVFOR mission and discussed future close cooperation.
Rear Admiral Potts welcomed the Special Representative, saying:
“I look forward to working very closely with the Special Representative. His appointment as part of the European

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Jersey officer's role in anti-piracy operations

A Royal Fleet Auxiliary officer from Jersey has been describing his role in operations to capture Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.
Will Jackson, has been on a five-month deployment to the Indian Ocean on board the 30,000-tonne Oiler Replenishment vessel, RFA Fort Victoria, as part of a combined force of NATO-led ships on anti-piracy operations.
The crew went into action to apprehend a suspected pirate dhow on 13 January.
The boat was identified as a known pirate craft operating in the

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Navy must still 'catch and release' Somali pirates

No clear international jurisdiction over pirate detainees from East African waters

The Harper government has wanted the navy to play a bigger role in battling Somali pirates in the waters off East Africa, but has been stymied about what to do with potential prisoners, documents reveal.
The international effort to contain the pirating of commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and beyond is something Canada "strongly supports" and it provides the perfect, low-risk venue for the country to

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CSC Wins $60 Million Task Order to Support the U.S. Navy Aviation Simulator Training Mission

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The U.S. Navy has awarded CSC (NYSE: CSC - News) a task order to instruct naval
aviation simulator training programs as part of its ongoing national
defense mission. With an estimated $60 million total value, the task
order, awarded during CSC’s fiscal 2012 third quarter, has a one-year
base period and four one-year options. It was awarded under the Fielded
Training Systems Support (FTSS) III contract, originally

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EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa visits EU NAVFOR


Rear Admiral Duncan L. Potts welcomed Mr. Alexander Rondos
On 23rd January 2012, EU NAVFOR Operation Commander Rear Admiral Duncan L. Potts welcomed Mr. Alexander Rondos, the recently appointed EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa to the Operation Headquarters in Northwood for a briefing on the EU NAVFOR mission and discussed future close cooperation.
Rear Admiral Potts welcomed the Special Representative, saying:
“I look forward to working very closely with the Special

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Pirates Copy Al-Shabaab's Amputation Tactic

Pirates Cut Hand off Hostage to Force $3M Ransom
By JD
Somali pirates holding the crew of the hijacked Taiwanese flagged FV Shiuh Fu No 1 shifted to a new and graphic tactic to push owners to pay ransom. Pirates and other local sources informed Somalia Report that pirates cut the arm off the captain of the ship, marking a significant turn in the way pirates manage hostages and the first noted instance of forced amputation by Somali pirates in recent years.
After the owner refused to pay the

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