Welcome
to the homepage of
Allied Maritime Command HQ Northwood
Allied Maritime Command Headquarters Northwood is
based at Northwood in the United Kingdom and provides specialist
Maritime expertise to the Joint Force Commander in Brunssum, the
Netherlands.
For more details on NATO please see www.nato.int
6 Feb 12
Successful start to
2012 for Operation Ocean Shield
The
first 13 days of January were busy ones for NATO’s counter piracy task
force; they successfully stopped and disrupted three separate pirate
groups from launching attacks on legitimate maritime traffic. In the
first incident on Friday 6th January the USS CARNEY acting on
intelligence from other counter piracy forces intercepted the Indian
flagged dhow AL QASHMI off the south western coast of Oman. Once onboard
the dhow the USS CARNEY’S Board and Search Team quickly discovered that
all evidence of potential piracy had been disposed of and questioning of
the dhow’s crew revealed that they had been hijacked with the 9
suspected pirates launching from a different dhow. The 9 suspected
pirates were detained. The crew of the AL QASHMI were offered assistance
and then allowed to go about their lawful business.
News Release
1 Feb 12
NATO and Russia
Exercise Together in Gulf of Aden
Yesterday,
NATO and Russian Counter Piracy Forces met in the Gulf of Aden to look
at the practicalities of conducting refuelling at sea between NATO and
Russian ships. This was the tactical part of an ongoing dialogue between
NATO and Russia which aims to foster closer cooperation in counter
piracy operations. Two weeks ago, the NATO Task Force Commander Rear
Admiral TOSUN met with his Russian counterpart Captain 1st Rank Ildar
Ahmerov. The Commanders talked about the various areas where NATO and
the Russian Task Force could cooperate, one of which was refuelling at
sea.
News Release
More pictures
30 Jan 12
NATO Commanders Visit NATO’s Counter Piracy Task
Force Flagship in Djibouti
On 27th January, Deputy Supreme Allied
Commander Europe (DSACEUR) General Sir Richard Shirreff KCB CBE,
Commander Allied Maritime Command Northwood Admiral George Zambellas DSC
and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Commodore Bruce Belliveau visited
NATO’s Counter Piracy Task Force Commander Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi TOSUN
on board his flagship TCG GIRESUN while it was in Djibouti.
Admiral Zambellas said after the visit, “having the opportunity
to visit the task force this early in my command has given me an
excellent opportunity to see NATO’s capabilities at first hand and to
experience the counter piracy effort and challenges faced on a daily
basis by our ships. I have been very impressed with the dedication and
professionalism shown by all those in the task force.”
News Release
More pictures
24 Jan 12
Change of Command for NATO Group
Yesterday,
in Taranto Naval Base, Italy Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi (ITA N)
handed over Command of the Standing NATO Maritime Group One to Commodore
Ben Bekkering (NLD N). The Ceremony took place on board of the former
flagship, ITS Andrea Doria and was presided over by the Deputy Commander
of Maritime Command Northwood, Vice Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer.
Platoons from ITS Andrea Doria as well as from the incoming ships, HMNLS
De Ruyter (the Netherlands), FGS Rhoen (Germany) and HCMS Charlottetown
(Canada) were in attendance.
News Release
20 Jan 12
A Norwegian Naval Officer
assumes command of NATO's Mine Counter Measures Group 1
Today,
Norwegian Commander Erik Hansen assumed command of Standing NATO Mine
Counter Measures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1). He will be in command of this
permanent international flotilla until next summer. Cdr Hansen joined
the Norwegian Navy in 1987 and spent most of his career in the mine
counter measures branch both at sea as Mine Counter Measure Vessel
commanding officer, and at staff level. Cdr Hansen took over from Cdr
Guy Terryn (Belgian Navy) who has been in charge of SNMCMG1 for the past
six months during a handover ceremony which took place in
Kristiansand,
Norway.
Biography
More Pictures
20 Jan 12
NATO Commander meets Chinese
Counterpart in Gulf of Aden
On
19th January, Rear Admiral (LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN, Commander of the NATO
Counter Piracy Mission Operation Ocean Shield, met with his Chinese
counterpart Rear Admiral LI Shihong. They paid reciprocal visits to each
others’ flagships on the same day while the Chinese Task Group ships
were escorting a convoy and the NATO flagship, TCG Giresun was
patrolling through the Gulf of Aden. During these warm and constructive
meetings both Commanders had an opportunity to share information and
experiences about their counter piracy operations, learn more of each
other’s capabilities and also discuss matters of mutual concern in how
to tackle piracy.
News Release
20 Jan 12
NATO SHIP RETURNS PIRATED DHOW TO
RIGHTFUL YEMENI OWNER
Royal
Navy and Royal Marine forces, embarked on RFA Fort Victoria, part of
NATO’s counter piracy mission Operation Ocean Shield have successfully
rescued a dhow from the clutches of 14 suspected Somali pirates, and
returned it to its rightful owner in Yemen.The Yemeni fishing dhow,
which was recovered from the suspected Somali pirates on Friday 13th
January, had been hijacked and held in a known pirate camp ashore. Awadh
Barasheed, 27, the owner of the dhow said: "I am happy to receive my
dhow back after being pirated since 18 May 2011. I would like to thank
the coalition forces and specifically the British Navy (Royal Navy) for
retrieving my dhow from the hands of the criminal pirates. This dhow is
the only source of income for me, my brothers and our families.
News Release
18 Jan 12
NATO Commander meets Russian
Counterpart in Gulf of Aden
Yesterday,
Rear Admiral (LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN, Commander of the NATO Counter Piracy
Mission Operation Ocean Shield, visited the Commander of Russian Warship
Detachment of Russian Pacific Fleet, Captain 1st Rank Ildar AHMEROV on
board his flagship ADMIRAL TRIBUTS in the Gulf of Aden. The Russian
Federation warship, as part of its counter piracy operation, was
escorting a merchant vessel convoy and passed the area where the NATO
flagship TCG GIRESUN was patrolling.
News Release
16 Jan 11
NATO Warship Renders
Assistance to Stricken Dhow
Over
the weekend, ITS GRECALE, part of the NATO’s Counter Piracy Task Force
Operation Ocean Shield, was tasked by NATO Task Force Commander to
render assistance to the Iranian flagged dhow, Tahriri, which had
reported an engine failure and was dead in the water. The dhow, with 5
Iranian and 9 Pakistani crew members, had recently been released from
suspected Somali pirates by
another NATO Task Force unit, HDMS ABSALON, on 7th January.
News Release
13 Jan 12
NATO
Warship Disrupts Another Pirate Ship
RFA
Fort Victoria, part of NATO’s counter piracy task force Operation Ocean
Shield has successfully disrupted a suspected pirate vessel looking to
launch attacks on merchant vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden.
On Thursday 12 January, USS Carney also part of Operation Ocean Shield
discovered and tracked a suspected pirate vessel. Early on Friday 13th
January, RFA Fort Victoria along with her embarked helicopter was tasked
to intercept the suspected pirate vessel. At first light, Fort Victoria
launched her helicopter to investigate the suspected pirate vessel. In
order to stop the vessel, the helicopter fired several rounds of various
warning shots.
News Release
9 Jan 12
NATO Task Force Neutralises Two Pirate Mother Ships
Over
the last 3 days in two separate operations units of NATO’S Counter
Piracy Task Force 508 successfully identified
and neutralised two ocean going dhows that had been pirated and were
subsequently being used as mother ships from which Somali pirates were
intending to launch attacks on merchant shipping in the sea lanes off
Somalia and the southern Arabian coasts.
News Release
6 Jan 11
Ne
w Commander for Maritime
Command Northwood
Today,
Admiral George Zambellas DSC (Royal Navy) took
over Allied Maritime Command Northwood during a ceremony in North London.
The Royal Navy’s outgoing Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar
KCB OBE, handed command to Admiral Zambellas in Northwood this morning.
Admiral Soar has spent two and a half years at the helm. NATO’s Supreme
Allied Commander Europe, Admiral Jim Stavridis, who attended the ceremony as
guest of honour declared about Admiral Soar that “He had done so much more
than his duty, bringing creativity, energy, diligence and sense of duty to
this command”. This change of command occurs as NATO undergoes the major
reorganisation of its command structure which was decided at the Lisbon
Summit in November 2010. Looking ahead, Admiral Zambellas said that “in
addition to existing operational commitments, MC Northwood would need to be
able to speak with a single voice to become the beating heart of NATO’s
maritime soul”.
More pictures
Admiral Zambellas' biography
5 Jan 11
NATO’s Flagship visits Muscat
Rear
Admiral (LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN, Commander of NATO’s Counter Piracy Task
Force, with his flagship TCG GIRESUN welcomed in 2012 by visiting
Muscat, Oman.
The scheduled visit allowed Rear Admiral
(LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN to pay a visit to the Chief of the Royal Omani Navy,
Rear Admiral
Abdullah bin
Khamis Al-Raisi.
During his visit, Rear Admiral (LH) TOSUN had a chance
to explain the role of NATO’s counter piracy mission and to stress once
again the importance of the regional countries’ support to counter piracy
activities in ensuring the safe transit of the merchant vessels.
“The
Muscat port visit was a good opportunity for us to assure Omani authorities
that NATO remains firm in its commitment to fight against piracy in the
region. Piracy in the Arabian Sea threatens neighbouring countries. We had
an extremely useful and constructive face-to-face discussion about the
current situation and shared our thoughts on how to tackle piracy.” said
Rear Admiral (LH) TOSUN.
20 Dec 11
MC Northwood Senior Officer wins Royal
Canadian Military Institute Award
Captain
T.C. Tulloch (Royal Canadian Navy) won the 2011 Wing Commander Hamilton E.
Boulter Award for the best article in SITREP, the journal of the Royal
Canadian Military Institute. Capt. Tulloch, currently serving at MC
Northwood, was presented this award for his article “The Problem with
Pirates” (SITREP May-June, volume 71, Issue 3). In this article, Capt.
Tulloch successfully explains the complexity of Somali politics, piracy
tactics and the international community’s response to the challenges pirates
pose. In conclusion, Capt. Tulloch acknowledges that although the naval
forces deployed in the region “have achieved a measure of success” the issue
of piracy remains a significant one which can only be resolved by greater
political commitment.
Read the
article
16 Dec 11
NATO and CMF Commanders Meet At Sea
On
14th December Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi TOSUN Commander of NATO’s Counter
Piracy Force, hosted the Task Force Commander of the Combined Maritime
Forces (CMF) Rear Admiral (UH)
Kaleem SHAUKAT SI (Pakistan Navy). The two Commanders met on board the
NATO flagship, TCG GIRESUN, in the Gulf of Aden to discuss matters of
mutual concerns such as cooperation in the most effective deployment of
ships and aircraft in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.
News release
13 Dec 11
Seychelles Coastguard Flies with Norwegian MPA
The Norwegian Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) has been in the Indian
Ocean region since the middle of September and in that time has flown
numerous missions in support of NATO's counter piracy mission, Operation
Ocean Shield. Recently, it flew with four members of the Seychelles
People's Defense Force (SPDF) Air Wing. This flight not only gave the
four Seychellois officers the opportunity to work with Norwegian
officers but also proved to be an excellent way to establish and build
good working relationships between two maritime air commands.
NOR_SEY_CG_1.jpg)
NOR_SEY_CG_5.jpg)
12 Dec 11
NATO Warship Disrupts Suspected Pirate Activities
On
10 December, the NATO warship USS De Wert prevented a suspected pirate dhow
from engaging in acts of piracy and forced it back to the Somali coast
making further acts of piracy impossible at this time. While engaged in a
replenishment at sea, USS De Wert received intelligence reports that a dhow
acting suspiciously was in the vicinity and looked to be preparing to
conduct acts of piracy. USS De Wert was tasked with locating and
tracking the dhow while being prepared to conduct a boarding the following
morning. At first light, USS De Wert closed the range to the dhow in
preparation to board the vessel, but a high sea state was not conducive for
a safe boarding.
News Release
12 Dec 11
Danish MPA Begins Work With Operation Ocean Shield
Denmark
has agreed to support NATO in the fight against piracy in the Indian ocean
and Horn of Africa. For this purpose one of their RDAF Challenger aircraft
has been deployed from Air Transport Wing Aalborg to the Seychelles. The
aircraft is equipped with a maritime surveillance radar and infra
red/electro optical cameras. The advanced equipment onboard the aircraft can
collect pictures and intelligence data, thereby assisting other NATO units
in the area. The Danish detachment, comprised of 18
people, arrived in the Seychelles on the 29th of November , and
started operations on the 1st of December. Operations will be continuing
till the end of January. Operational control of the aircraft is
carried out via NATO’s HQ in Northwood.
More pictures
9 Dec 11
New NATO Commander Has Busy Visit Progamme in Djibouti
During the operational handover in Djibouti, the new NATO Commander of
Operation Ocean Shield, Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi TOSUN took the
opportunity to meet his military counterparts. Speaking at the end of
his visit programme, RAdm Tosun stated, " It was an excellent start with
very productive visits. It gave us not only a chance to deepen our
reciprocal knowledge but also an opportunity to advance the existing
coordination among the Commands conducting operations in the same
region."
8 Dec 11
Turkey Assumes Command of NATO’s Counter
Piracy Task Force
Yesterday, Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi TOSUN (Turkish Navy), assumed the
command of Operation Ocean Shield, NATO’s counter piracy force, from
Rear Admiral Gualtiero MATTESI (Italian Navy) who completed a 6-month
deployment in the region.
As the handover was completed, RAdm Tosun stated “I am extremely proud
to take over command of such a task force from my predecessor, RAdm
Mattesi.
News Release
7 Dec 11
NATO Warship Disrupts Pirate Attack Group
in Gulf of Aden
Earlier
this week USS Carney, part of NATO’s counter piracy task force Operation
Ocean Shield, worked with other NATO forces and coalition partners to
disrupt pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden.
A Japanese maritime patrol aircraft patrolling the area on
counter-piracy operations spotted a suspicious skiff with seven
suspected pirates aboard and contacted the NATO flagship ITS Andrea
Doria who in turn tasked USS Carney to investigate.In a co-ordinated
operation, Carney approached the skiff, while the patrol aircraft
circled overhead. As the warship appeared on the horizon the skiff
attempted to flee however it stopped when hailed. The patrol aircraft
and Carney observed the suspected pirates throwing items overboard. The
items were visually confirmed by the patrol aircraft as ladders and
other pirate-related equipment. A team from Carney boarded the skiff and
after a thorough search seized the excess fuel and other items useful to
piracy activity, before ensuring the skiff had enough fuel to return to
the Somali coast. In 2009, 45 ships were hijacked in the region; so far
in 2011, 21 ships have been hijacked effectively halving the number of
ships taken. Naval warships have been in the region constantly providing
a visible presence and deterrence and this has undoubtedly contributed
to the pirates’ lack of success. This is a very clear example of the
work that NATO and its partners have been involved in for the past three
years in the region. Pirates should not be under the illusion that the
Christmas season is a good time to launch pirate attacks – NATO ships
will be patrolling just as they have done throughout the year.
News Release
2 Dec 11
Norwegian P-3 Crews Receive NATO’s Africa
Medal
On
16 November, Commander Maritime Air Northwood, Rear Admiral Jacques de
Solms (FRA N) presented the Norwegian P-3 SAINT detachment with the
non-article 5 NATO Africa Medal for their deployment as part of NATO’s
counter-piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield. Rear Admiral de Solms
complimented the P-3 detachment saying, “The SAINT detachment has done
an outstanding and exemplary job in the counter-piracy effort. Maritime
Command Northwood is extremely pleased with their results and we look
forward to many more Norwegian detachments in the future. Their
professionalism and ability to conduct surface search (SSC) and
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) gathering have
proven, yet again, that maritime air is an invaluable asset to counter
piracy operations.”
News Release
1 Dec 11
NATO Warship Stops Pirate Attack Group
On 28 November, the Royal Navy vessel, RFA Fort Victoria was patrolling
in an area approximately 420 nautical miles from the Seychelles and 350
nautical miles from the Somali coast as part of NATO’s counter piracy
task force 508.
Early that morning, she received information that a Spanish fishing
vessel operating to the north of their position had come under attack
from a group of pirate vessels. The
ship’s Lynx helicopter was quickly despatched to investigate.
Once at the scene, the helicopter identified two suspect
vessels, a whaler and a skiff, in the vicinity of the fishing vessel.
The faster of the two, a skiff, sped away at over
25 knots as the helicopter gave chase. When the skiff ignored orders to
stop, the Lynx
helicopter fired warning shots ahead of the fleeing vessel which stopped
and the suspected
pirates onboard were then transferred to Fort Victoria via boat.
Fort Victoria’s Royal Marines boarding team then boarded the whaler and
another skiff in the vicinity. As a result of the day’s action, a total
of seven suspected pirates were detained onboard Fort Victoria along
with their whaler as evidence, with no injuries being sustained by
either side.
Captain Gerry Northwood Royal Navy, embarked in Fort Victoria said: “It
has been a long but rewarding operation with many complex aspects.
Operating under NATO tasking and in consultation with our headquarters
in the Middle East and in the UK, we utilised a range of national and
international assets to bring these events to a satisfactory conclusion.
Fort Victoria has once again demonstrated that multinational
coordination can be successfully deployed to disrupt piracy in this area
in order to protect international merchant shipping.”
29 Nov 11
ITS Andrea Doria supports the crew of the
MV Rosalia D'Amato
Over
the weekend, NATO’s flag ship, the Italian ship Andrea Doria assisted
the MV Rosalia D’Amato after she was released from 7 months in pirate
captivity. A team of Italian marines from the San Marco regiment
boarded the MV Rosalia D’Amato to act as a Vessel Protection Detachment
and were accompanied by a medical and technical team. The medical team
looked after the crew while the technical team assessed the engine
prior to the Rosalia D’Amato leaving Somali waters. The Italian marines
will remain on board as the Vessel Protection Detachment until the
vessel reaches her next port of call. Early Sunday afternoon the MV
Rosalia D’Amato was able to begin her transit to her next port of call.
More
pictures
25 Nov 11
United Nations
commends NATO Counter Piracy Efforts
At
its meeting in New York this week the United Nations Security Council
voted to extend its mandate for those fighting piracy off the Horn of
Africa by a further 12 months. NATO deployed on its Counter Piracy
operations in response to the UN’s concern over the damage and
disruption to world trade caused by the rapid growth in piracy off the
Somali coast. The extension of the mandate through to the end of 2012
reflects the NATO mission sanctioned by the North Atlantic Council which
is also due to expire at the end of 2012.
Press Release
24 Nov 11
Maritime Command Northwood hosts the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
Yesterday,
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Defence and
Security Co-operation visited MC Northwood. The delegation was welcomed by
MC Northwood's Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer and
received briefings on the headquarters’ role in NATO’s maritime strategy,
operation Ocean Shield and MC Northwood’s future place in the new NATO
command structure. This visit took place only three days after another NATO
Parliamentary Assembly delegation visited Djibouti to be briefed on counter
piracy by Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi, Commander of NATO's counter piracy
task force. Beyond raising awareness on the threat of piracy, this
parliamentary visit was a key opportunity to maintain a high level dialogue
between NATO and the MPs representing NATO countries. This dialogue thus
contributes to the preservation of the Alliance’s democratic foundation and
accountability.
18 Nov 11
Counter Piracy Forces receive Lloyd's list "Newsmaker of the
Year" Award
Last
Wednesday, counter-piracy naval forces were presented the 2011 “Newsmaker of
the Year Award” by Mr. Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President & Managing
Director, DP World, UAE Region. The ceremony was organised by Lloyd’s List
and took place in the Baniyas Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
NATO was represented by Lt. Cdr. Mark
Reed
from operation Ocean Shield to
receive this distinction together with representatives from Combined
Maritime Forces (Cpt. Tony Aldred, Royal Australian Navy) and the European
Union (Cdr. Stephen Draper, Royal Navy). This award was presented by Lloyd’s
List to the counter-piracy naval forces for
having influenced a major aspect of the news agenda with their
outstanding efforts to combat the threat piracy off the coast of Somalia.
16 Nov 11
Northwood Assumes Operational Control of NATO's Counter Piracy
Mission
Yesterday
in a ceremony at NATO Allied Joint Force Command Lisbon (JFCLB) in
Oeiras, Portugal, NATO’s Maritime Command Headquarters Northwood (MC
Northwood) assumed operational control of NATO’s counter-piracy mission,
Operation Ocean Shield.The handover took place during SACEUR's
Commanders Conference, held in the Lisbon Headquarters. Supreme Allied
Commander Europe (SACEUR), Admiral James Stavridis, formally handed over
the operational control from Lieutenant General Philippe Stoltz,
Commander JFCLB, to Admiral Sir
Trevor Soar KCB OBE, Commander MC Northwood.
Passing the Operation Ocean Shield tin plate, Admiral Stavridis
dedicated an “extraordinary well done to Lieutenant-General Philippe
Stoltz and his magnificent team”. He continued, “Admiral Sir Trevor
Soar, I am very honoured to pass this plate to a wonderful, professional
naval officer”. This change of command ceremony is one of the outcomes
from the recent NATO Command Structure Reform. It was launched at the
Lisbon Summit in November 2010 and the model and geographical footprint
were approved by defence ministers in June 2011. The implementation is
expected to take at least one year and the handover from Lisbon to
Northwood is the first step in the process.MC Northwood has considerable
experience in counter-piracy operations at the tactical level already
which it will be able to carry over to the higher operational level.
Under the Command Review Northwood will become the Alliance’s single
Maritime Headquarters in NATO and as such will have responsibility for
delivering command and control of the full spectrum of joint maritime
capabilities and to act as NATO’s principal maritime advisor.
15 Nov 11
NATO Parliamentary Assembly meets Counter
Piracy Commander
Yesterday
members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly went on board NATO’s
counter piracy flagship, ITS Andrea Doria. The Assembly were in Djibouti
for a programme of meetings with officials and ITS Andrea Doria was on a
port visit. Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi, Commander of NATO's counter
piracy task force and Captain Domenico Guglielmi, Commanding
Officer of the flag ship hosted a meeting on board of ITS Andrea Doria.
It provided a excellent opportunity for RAdm Mattesi to share with the
political part of the NATO Alliance his experiences of counter piracy
and pirates in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. He and the current
NATO Task Force have been in the region since June 2011.The
Assembly visit was undertaken by members of the Mediterranean and Middle
East Special Group and Sub-Committee on NATO partnerships.
For more information about the NATO Parliamentary Assembly visit
NATO
Parliamentary Assembly
14 Nov 11
International counter piracy collaboration helps NATO to foil
pirates
On
November 12, 2011, a successful operation between a NATO warship and a
Japanese maritime patrol aircraft resulted in the location and disarming of
a pirate skiff operating in the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor
(IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. Following a boarding investigation all
piracy-related equipment was confiscated by NATO to prevent the skiff from
posing any further threat to international shipping.
Along with several other nations the Japanese Defence Forces have committed
Maritime Patrol Aircraft to counter piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
MPA aircraft constitute effective assets to detect and disrupt piracy at sea
by covering large areas of ocean visually and by radar searching and
tracking suspected pirate vessels. This is the latest example of an
aircraft working in co-operation with ships to identify and eliminate Pirate
Action Groups.
News
Release
More Pictures
1 Nov 11
HDMS Absalon back for more counter piracy
work with NATO
The Danish frigate, HDMS Absalon today joins the NATO counter piracy
task force (TF508) for a second period of duty.HDMS Absalon was NATO’s
counter-piracy flagship between January and March 2010 when she spent a
busy 3 months in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Rear Admiral
Gualtiero Mattesi, Commander of NATO’s counter piracy Task Force said “
I’m very pleased to welcome HDMS Absalon back into NATO’s counter piracy
work and look forward to working with her and her crew. The Absalon is
equipped and has the resources necessary to enhance our mission.”
News Release
31 Oct 11
NATO Commander Gives Update on Counter Piracy Operation
During a recent port visit in Muscat, Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi
hosted a lunch on board for Diplomats from various NATO countries. It
gave RAdm Mattesi and his Flag Captain, Domenico Guglielmo the
opportunity to update the Diplomats and Defence Attaches on NATO's
efforts in combatting piracy, the recent rescue of the MV Montecristo
and other counter piracy achievements. RAdm Mattesi stressed that all
regional countries need to be aware of the threat that pirates can pose
to all vessels transiting through the region. Diplomats and Defence
Attaches from Italy, USA, Turkey, the Netherlands, Germany and France
were in attendance.
24 Oct 11
NATO's future Counter Piracy Task Force Commander visits MC
Northwood
Today,
Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi Tosun (Turkish Navy), who has been designated to
take command of NATO's counter piracy operation Ocean Shield next month,
visited MC Northwood with his staff to be briefed on the operation's
most recent developments. Admiral TOSUN was welcomed by MC Northwood’s
Commander Admiral Soar, the Deputy Commander Admiral Witthauer and the
Chief of Staff Admiral ORT.
19 Oct 11
NATO
disrupts Pirate Mother Ship responsible for the attack on MV
Montecristo
Following
NATO’s successful release of the pirated Italian merchant vessel, MV
Montecristo earlier last week, the naval units contributing to NATO’s
counter piracy operation succeeded in locating and disrupting the
suspected pirate mother ship responsible for the attack. Successful
coordination of military assets and information sharing amongst naval
units operating in the region made it possible to locate the pirate dhow
which was stopped whilst heading towards the Somali coast.
News Release More
Pictures
11 Oct 11
NATO successfully rescues the crew of MV
Montecristo
Earlier
this afternoon, NATO successfully conducted a coordinated intervention to
rescue the crew of MV Montecristo, some 200 Nautical miles south-east of the
Omani coast. The 11 pirates who attacked the merchant vessel surrendered to
the NATO boarding team showing no resistance. The rescue operation involved
two NATO naval units contributing to NATO’s counter piracy operation, RFA
Fort Victoria and USS De Wert. The crew of MV Montecristo, while still in
the engine room, managed to communicate with the NATO boarding team to tell
them they were all safe.
News Release More
Pictures
7 Oct 11
NATO and the Seychelles pursue Cooperation on counter Piracy
NATO’s
counter piracy flagship, ITS Andrea Doria, has just completed a
successful port visit to the Seychelles between September 30 and October
4, 2011. This visit focused on NATO’s cooperation with the Seychelles
Coast Guard and other key actors involved in combating piracy. The
commander of NATO’s counter piracy taskforce, Rear Admiral Gualtiero
Mattesi engaged in a series of meetings with the Seychelles Defence
Forces and local authorities to discuss cooperation between Victoria and
NATO in the field of counter piracy. This is NATO’s eighth visit to Port
Victoria in 2011. Previous port visits this year have been opportunities
for NATO and the Seychelles to share experiences and to conduct mutual
counter piracy exercises. On this last occasion, Rear Admiral Mattesi
and his staff visited the Seychelles’ Coast Guards and Maritime Rescue
Coordination Centre (MRCC), two organisations deeply committed to
counter piracy efforts in the Indian Ocean.
News Release More
Pictures
4 Oct 11
NATO Chief Warns of Increasing Pirate Activity
In
the last few days the number of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia
has increased highlighting the fact that now the monsoon is weakening,
the pirates are once again ready to attack merchant ships transiting
through the Indian Ocean. MC Northwood’s Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral
Hank Ort (NLD N) states, “in the last few years, it has been the case
that come October when the South West monsoon weakens, the pirates have
been able to put to sea and we have seen the number of attacks on
merchant vessels increase. We are warning vessels that reports show that
there are pirate groups operating already in the Indian Ocean, Arabian
Sea and Gulf of Aden. Merchant vessels should ensure that Best
Management Practices are followed and that vessels continue to make it
as difficult as possible for pirates to board and take control of their
ships. Our Naval forces are not complacent and remain vigilant. Despite
the lull in pirate attacks over the Summer due to the monsoon they have
continued to patrol throughout the region."
News Release
Slide
of small boats
4 Oct 11
NATO Attends Launch of Maritime Piracy
Humanitarian Response Programme
MC
Northwood's Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Hank Ort, attended the launch
of the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) in London
last week. He was part of a panel answering questions about the issue
and NATO's involvement in the MPHRP. It was officially launched on World
Maritime Day, 29 September 2011 at the London Docklands Museum. This
programme has been developed to "assist seafarers and their families
with the humanitarian aspects of a traumatic incident caused by a piracy
attack, armed robbery or being taken hostage". A pan-industry alliance
of shipowners, unions, managers, insurers, manning agents and welfare
associations have all been involved in the setting up of this programme.
Full article
26 Sep 11
Norwegian Aircraft Makes First Flight for Operation Ocean Shield
On Friday 23rd September, the Norwegian Maritime Patrol Aircraft
(MPA) call sign Golden Arrow made its first flight in Operation Ocean
Shield. The MPA arrived at its base on 13th September and after some
maintenance work flew along the Somali coast for the first time on Friday.
Aircraft provide the NATO ships with information which in turn allows them
to patrol the sea in a more focussed area. The area where Somali pirates are
operating is so large that an aircraft is essential to be able to patrol it
effectively.
26 Sep 11
USS De Wert Helps Vessel in Distress
During
the early morning of September 21, the USS De Wert and her crew helped a
cargo dhow which was experiencing engineering problems and making no way
through the water. DE WERT launched her helo to gain an initial
observation and shortly after manned the boat deck to launch her rigid
hull inflatable boat (RHIB). Sixteen crew members, along with one
interpreter, loaded the RHIB and approached the dhow. Upon boarding,
crewmembers found 5 personnel, along with an inoperable motor and only a
bag of rice and a can of tuna to share. The master of the dhow told DE
WERT’s boarding officer that they left Yemen on September 5 for a
routine twenty-four hour trip to Somalia to deliver fuel in exchange for
fish. Unfortunately, without a motor, this twenty-four hour trip turned
into being stranded at sea for fifteen days. Upon inspection of the
motor, it was discovered that the battery needed to be replaced,
so the RHIB returned to DE WERT to obtain the proper battery along with
other supplies that were needed for the repair. As the repair party
worked on the motor, other DE WERT crew members distributed food and
water among the members of the dhow. When all repairs were made, DE WERT
stood by to ensure that all problems were fixed and watched as the dhow
maneuvered along on its own into the horizon.
21 Sep 11
NATO Warship Rescues M/V Pacific Express
Crew
In
the morning of September 21, 2011, NATO’s counter piracy flag ship, Italian
Ship (ITS) Andrea Doria, rescued the crew of M/V Pacific Express, 180
nautical miles off the coast of Kenya. M/V Pacific Express had reported
being under pirate attack on September 20, 2011.
News Release
More Pictures
19 Sep 11
NATO Counter Piracy Flag Ship ITS Andrea
Doria visits Mombasa
ITS
ANDREA DORIA, NATO’s counter piracy task force flagship left Mombasa
yesterday (18th September) after a period of rest, repairs and
maintenance in Kilindini Harbour. The port visit was a good opportunity
for Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi (ITA N), Commander of the counter
piracy task force to meet with local authorities and officers from the
Kenyan Navy to assure them that NATO remains firm in its commitment to
fighting piracy in the region.
News Release
24 August 11
NATO and Indonesia exchange Views and Lessons-Learned on Counter-Piracy
Today,
a delegation from Indonesia led by H.E. Ambassador Riphat Kesoema,
Deputy for Foreign Policy at the Indonesian Ministry for Politics, Law
and Security Affairs, visited MC Northwood to exchange views on Counter
Piracy. The delegation was welcomed by Northwood's Deputy Commander Vice
Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer and received a briefing on NATO’s counter
piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield. The participants then shared
their respective experiences of combating piracy and discussed potential
cooperation between Indonesia and NATO in the Indian Ocean.
16 August 11
New NATO
Website for Shipping Community
Today,
the new, improved NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) website goes live providing
more comprehensive and timely information about pirate activity around the
Horn of Africa for the shipping community. Having received a briefing on the
new website, the Commander of MC Northwood, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar
KCB OBE said; “Piracy is a serious threat for the shipping community and
anything that can be done to deal with and overcome this issue is to be
welcomed. The NATO Shipping Centre has
listened to their users and responded to their needs with a new, more
interactive and relevant website demonstrating that NATO and the shipping
community are working together to tackle the scourge of piracy.”
News Release
29 July 11
NATO and Russian Commanders Meet in Gulf of Aden
Earlier
this week, the Commander of the Russian Tactical Group, Captain Vladimir
Alexandrovich Kondratov visited the NATO Flagship, ITS Andrea Doria where he
had a meeting with NATO’s Commander, Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi. The
visit occurred at the end of a port visit to Djibouti by the Russian Group.
6 July 11
NATO and EU Commanders meet in Gulf of Aden
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Rear
Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi, Commander of NATO’s counter piracy Task Force
hosted a visit on board the NATO flagship, ITS Andrea Doria by his opposite
number in the EU Task Force, Commodore Alberto Manuel Silvestre Correia
(Portuguese Navy). The visit gave the two Commanders the opportunity to
meet, exchange ideas and discuss the issue of counter piracy and its
developments in 2011. Afterwards, both RAdm Mattesi and Cdre Correia spoke
of beneficial the meeting was. RAdm Mattesi said “This was a very good
occasion to enhance cooperation and common views among the counter piracy
Commanders in the Horn of Africa to provide safe passage for international
merchant shipping through this very busy maritime corridor.” Cdre Correia
said, “I’m glad to have had the opportunity to meet RAdm Mattesi on board
ITS DORIA. Our cooperation and mutual knowledge are vital for the success in
this fight against piracy. Best wishes for you and for your Task Force. I
will be looking forward to have the chance to receive you on board my
flagship. Together we will fight as one.”
4 July 11
Counter Piracy Commanders gather for Handover Ceremony
Last week in Djibouti, the Commander of NATO’s counter piracy task
force, Rear Admiral Gualtiero Mattesi attended the handover ceremony for
Task Force 151 on board USS Mason. Rear Admiral Harris Weng Yip Chan
(Republic of Singapore Navy) handed over command to Capt. James (Jim)
Gilmour of the Royal New Zealand Navy. As well as NATO being represented by
RAdm Mattesi, Commodore Alberto Silvestre Correia (Portuguese Navy) attended
in his capacity as Commander of the EU’s counter piracy operation, Atalanta.
This was a rare opportunity when all commanders of the 3 international naval
task forces were together.
30 June 11
Lt Cdr Paul Mountford receives Canadian Medal
Earlier this week, Lt Cdr Paul Mountford (Can N) was awarded the
Canadian Forces Decorations Medal 1st Class which recognises 22
years of service to Canada. Commodore Bruce Belliveau (Can N), Deputy Chief
of Staff (Operations) at MC Northwood made the presentation.
22 June 11
PO Leblanc 54 Hole Golf Challenge For Charity
Earlier
this week, PO1 Gilles LeBlanc (Can N) completed a mammoth 12 hour, 54 hole
golf challenge raising £600 for the two NATO charities Linda Jackson
Macmillan Centre and the Peace Children’s Centre Watford. PO1 LeBlanc
completed the three rounds of gulf and was welcomed back to the club house
at Batchworth park Golf Club by Lt Cdr Janet McDougall (CAN N).
His colleague, PO Andy Gibbs (RN) collected
another £110 from the club members. In total, between the efforts of PO1
LeBlanc and PO Gibbs and his team, a total of over £800 was raised.
Full text and Pictures
17 June 11
New Commander for NATO's Counter Piracy Task Force
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Earlier
this week, the Commander of NATO’s counter piracy Task Force, Operation
Ocean Shield Commodore Michiel B Hijmans (Royal Netherlands Navy),
handed over responsibilities to his successor Rear Admiral Gualtiero
Mattesi (Italian Navy). Looking back at his two terms of Ocean Shield
Commodore Hijmans said: “It has been a satisfying and challenging period
and I feel privileged and honoured to have commanded the forces in
NATO’s counter piracy operation. The excellent cooperation between all
task forces has been vital and proved very successful. During the last
few months NATO was able to disrupt numerous mother ships and pirate
groups, significantly decreasing the number of successful attacks on
merchant vessels. As Rear Admiral Mattesi takes over I know he will
continue this determination to fight piracy to the full extent of our
mandate.”
News Release
16 June 11
Commendation Award Presented to Commander Larry Trim (Can N)
Earlier
today Commander Larry Trim (Can N) was awarded a commendation by Rear
Admiral Hank Ort. Commander Trim received the commendation because as
the Future Ops Branch Head
he provided an outstanding support to MC Northwood during his two years
tour. He demonstrated outstanding professionalism by utilizing his
knowledge, experience and expertise and was determined to improve the
fight against piracy.
For the afloat forces and their staffs as well as for the higher
headquarters in NATO, EU and CMF Commander Trim has been recognised as a
key point of contact for Operation Ocean Shield. Commander Larry
Trim's outstanding performance in this Headquarters has undoubtedly
contributed to the success and the reputation of excellence in MC
Northwood.
16 June 11
Belgian Ambassador and Estonian Ambassador visit NATO Northwood
Yesterday
the Belgian Ambassador to the UK, Mr Johan Verbeke and the Estonian
Ambassador to the UK Mrs Aino Lepik von Wirén visited MC Northwood to
receive a first hand view of MC Northwood's role including a brief on
Operation Ocean Shield and NATO's Maritime Standing Groups. They also
received a brief on Operation Atalanta of EUNAVFOR. The Ambassadors took
the opportunity to meet with the delegations of their home countries.
http://www.estonia.gov.uk/news_events/news/aid-1636
10 June 11
Russian Submarine Works with U.S. Sub Rescue System for First
Time
Earlier
this week, during exercise Bold Monarch 2011, for the first time a
Russian submarine mated with a U.S. submarine rescue system, the
Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS), demonstrating
they could work together and reach a milestone of international
cooperation and interoperability.“During Bold Monarch thirteen countries
worked together to exercise rescuing submariners from the depths of the
sea,” said NATO’s Deputy Commander Submarines Capt. David Dittmer (USN),
who is in tactical command of the units involved in this exercise. Bold
Monarch 2011 is a NATO exercise supported by both the Submarine Escape
and Rescue Working Group (SMERWG) and the International Submarine Escape
and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO).
News
Release
More pictures
8 June 11
Russians Join Nato Submarine Rescue Drill during
Media Day BM 11
For the first time ever, a Russian submarine is
taking part in the exercise, carrying out test dockings with Nato rescue
vehicles. Both the BFN and The BBC were given rare access to an American
rescue module on a journey to the bottom of the sea and the Russian
submarine, the Alrosa.
Link to BFN web page:
http://www.bfbs.com/news/top-story/exclusive-glimpse-life-russian-submarine-during-exercise-48392.html
link to BBC webpage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13692299
07 June 11
Russian Federation Navy fully Integrated in NATO Submarine Rescue Exercise
Bold Monarch
Russian
Federation Navy Submarine ALROSA from the Black Sea Fleet based in
Sevastapol is pictured on the surface during Exercise Bold Monarch 2011 in
waters off the coast of Murcia, Southern Spain. This remarkable sight marks
the groundbreaking progress being made in international cooperation and
coordination between submarine operating Navies worldwide. The rescue
exercise marks the first time a Russian submarine has ever performed a fully
integrated role in a NATO led exercise. Surfacing amidst a fleet of NATO and
non-NATO warships, salvage and diving support vessels, she is a daunting
sight to any surface fleet officer regardless of their nation. At Bold
Monarch she is a most welcome participant and key player in the numerous
rescue scenarios and serials planned.
Press Release
More
pictures
05 June 11
NATO Submarine Rescue Exercise Improves International Cooperation for Saving
Human Lives
A demonstration of submarine rescue operations, in the framework of Exercise
Bold Monarch 2011, took place today at the presence of Admiral Giampaolo di
Paola, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee (CMC), Gen
Nikolay Makárov,
Chief of Joint Staff of Russian Federation Armed Forces and Admiral General
Manuel Rebollo Garcia, Chief of the Spanish Navy, along with other NATO
Officials. The exercise Bold Monarch is the world’s largest event of this
kind, bringing together every three years submarines, ships and aircraft
from both NATO and non-NATO countries. The 2011 edition includes the
participation of Russia, marking it as the first time a Russian submarine
participates in any NATO exercise. Rescue forces equipped with a range of
sophisticated debris clearance, diver-assisted gear and submarine rescue
vehicles from Italy, USA, Russia and Sweden, together with a jointly-owned
rescue system from France, Norway and United Kingdom engaged in a series of
rescue operations for the “sunken” submarines. The exercise will conclude in
the next days with a 48-hour coordinated rescue and evacuation operation for
some 150 survivors, including many simulated casualties, from a ‘disabled’
submarine.
Full Text
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pictures
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03 June 11
Russian Submarine Participates in NATO Submarine Rescue Exercise For The
First Time
Yesterday, for the first time, a Russian submarine
mated with a NATO submarine rescue system, specifically with the Italian
submarine rescue bell, demonstrating they could work together and reach the
milestone of international cooperation and interoperability during exercise
Bold Monarch 2011.
News Release
more
pictures
02 June 11
A Commendation Award was Presented to Petty Officer Andy Gibbs
(Royal Navy)
A
Commendation Award was
presented today to Petty Officer Andy Gibbs (Royal Navy) by
Commodore Bruce Belliveau (Canadian Navy, MC Northwood Deputy Chief of
Staff Operations). Since he arrived in Northwood, PO Gibbs has dedicated
a significant part of his spare time to collecting funds for the “Help
for Heroes” charity. PO Gibbs helped raise over £70 000 to support
members
of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the line of duty. To reach
this figure, he collected money in central London and walked 168 miles
between Wembley
and Cardiff for the Wales v. England football match. During the HQ’s
weekly brief, Commodore Belliveau took the opportunity to express NATO’s
appreciation for the dedication and selflessness shown by PO Gibbs.