18 Sept 10

NATO Warship USS KAUFFMAN Disrupts Pirates in Gulf of Aden
Yesterday afternoon the helicopter from NATO warship USS KAUFFMAN
located a suspicious skiff with five suspected pirates on board. USS KAUFFMAN is operating as part of NATO’s maritime counter-piracy task force in the Gulf of Aden. As USS KAUFFMAN closed to investigate the skiff, the nearby helicopter of coalition warship ENDURANCE from the Singapore Navy, operating with Combined Task Force 151, also closed to support.

Press Release

13 Sept 10

NATO Warship Makes  Night Raid On Pirate Gang

LONDON: Whilst conducting night time patrols in the Gulf of Aden, NATO’s counter piracy flagship for Operation ‘OCEAN SHIELD’ located a boat with six suspected pirates onboard. The Royal Danish Navy warship, ESBERN SNARE initially detected the boat on radar, and then identified it as a suspected pirate skiff using the ship’s infrared camera.

Press release

11 Sept 10

NATO warship Esbern Snare Conducts Second Pirate Disruption in 24 Hours  

LONDON: Early this morning Royal Danish Navy warship HDMS ESBERN SNARE, operating as the Flagship for NATO’s counter-piracy Operation OCEAN SHIELD off the Horn of Africa, disrupted yet another group of suspected pirates preparing to attack innocent merchant vessels transiting in the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. This is the second skiff of suspected pirates that warship ESBERN SNARE has disrupted in the past 24 hours. Press release

View Video

10 Sept 10

NATO warship Esbern Snare Disrupts Piracy in Gulf of Aden

Only two days after the latest pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden, Danish warship ESBERN SNARE disrupted a group of suspected pirates in a skiff believed to be preparing for an attack. The pirates were initially detected by a Japanese maritime patrol aircraft in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. ESBERN SNARE’s helicopter fired warning shots in front of the skiff to force the suspected pirates to stop. The suspected pirates finally stopped after a shot was fired through the bow of the skiff. Prior to ESBERN SNARE’s boarding team arrival, the helicopter crew observed the suspected pirates throwing their attack ladder and weapons, including a rocket propelled grenade overboard.  Seven suspected pirates were apprehended and pirate related paraphernalia was confiscated by ESBERN SNARE’s boarding team. Captain Carsten Fjord-Larsen, the Commanding Officer of ESBERN SNARE commented that: “The pirates don’t seem to realise the danger they put themselves in by not complying with our orders.  My team did a great job today to safely compel the suspected pirates from attacking high risk merchant vessels transiting in the Gulf of Aden”. Press Release

08 Sept 10

Royal Navy Warship Begins NATO Counter Piracy Operation
Royal Navy warship HMS Montrose has arrived in the Gulf of Aden to take part in Operation Ocean Shield - NATO’s counter piracy mission off the Horn of Africa.  As part of the NATO Task Force, HMS Montrose is patrolling the busy shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, with the ship’s crew constantly on the look-out for pirates who prey on the merchant ships that transit the area. As 95% of the world’s trade goes by sea it is crucial that NATO naval forces help to keep the seas safe from acts of piracy.

Press Release

31 August 10

NATO, EU and Japanese Forces Prevent Pirate Attack off Africa.
Sunday, a Japanese Maritime Self Defence (JMSDF) maritime patrol aircraft located a pirate skiff with seven suspected pirates on board. The suspected pirates were preparing to attack merchant vessels transiting the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. Within minutes a helicopter from the Danish warship ESBERN SNARE from NATO’s counter-piracy task force intercepted the skiff. Subsequently the suspected pirates threw their weapons overboard and surrendered. The Italian warship ITS LIBECCIO from the EU Naval Force’s counter-piracy task force sent their helicopter to provide airborne support. The American warship, USS KAUFFMAN who is also in NATO’s counter-piracy operation, codenamed OCEAN SHIELD, closed and boarded the skiff and found a pirate ladder and other pirate related paraphernalia. Press Release

31 August 10

NATO Flagship ESBERN SNARE Disrupts Pirate Attacks in Gulf of Aden.
Saturday, NATO flagship HDMS ESBERN SNARE, in cooperation with international counter-piracy forces successfully disrupted multiple piracy attacks on Panamanian flagged MV Caribbean Carrier and Norwegian flagged Hoegh Oslo who were transiting in the Gulf of Aden. MV Caribbean Carrier was transiting in the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden when she reported being under attack from pirates firing at her. US warship Winston Churchill working for combined coalition forces and Danish Warship ESBERN SNARE, the flagship of NATO’s counter-piracy mission, responded to the call for help. After the pirates broke off the attack a Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) working for EU Naval Forces located and tracked the pirate skiff and observed the pirates now trying to attack another ship, MV Hoegh Oslo. After ESBERN SNARE’s helicopter arriving on scene, the pirate skiff broke off the attack and tried to escape towards Somalia.

Press Release

23 August 10

NATO and Indian Counter-Piracy Task Force Commanders Meet

The Commander of NATO’s counter-piracy task force, Commodore Christian Rune, Royal Danish Navy, met with the Commander of the Indian counter-piracy task group, Captain S. Srikant, Commanding Officer of INS DELHI yesterday.  Onboard NATO’s flagship, HDMS ESBERN SNARE, in Salalah, Oman, they discussed developments in counter-piracy tactics and improvements in communications and information sharing between the forces.

Press Release

16 August 10

NATO / Japan cooperation in Gulf of Aden disrupts pirate attack
The NATO warship HNLMS DE ZEVEN PROVINCÏEN, working in conjunction with a Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) helicopter disrupted a single skiff pirate attack on MV ANANGEL INNOVATION this morning. MV ANANGEL INNOVATION, a Greek-flagged ship, reported being approached by a small skiff while transiting eastbound in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. Commodore Christian Rune, Royal Danish Navy, Commander, Task Force 508, stated: “The helo and ship crews from JMSDF MURASAME and HNLMS DE ZEVEN PROVINCÏEN responded magnificently in disrupting another piracy attack in the IRTC. The cooperation between Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces and NATO is proof of the commitment by the international community to establish a secure maritime environment in the Horn of Africa region”. Press Release

9 August 10

USS KAUFFMAN prevents pirate attack in Gulf of Aden
Early this morning, USS KAUFFMAN’s helicopter prevented a pirate attack on MV ICE EXPLORER transiting the Gulf of Aden in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). Kauffman was conducting routine air and surface searches for suspect vessels in the area when MV ICE EXPLORER reported a possible pirate attack. USS KAUFFMAN immediately redirected their helicopter to the merchant ship whereupon the pirates broke off the attack and surrendered. KAUFFMAN’s helicopter crew observed the pirates dumping weapons and other objects in the water. USS KAUFFMAN approached the pirate skiff and her boarding team confiscated some pirate paraphernalia.
Press Release

6 August 10

NATO Co-operation with Japan continues
Close co-operation between NATO units and other forces has led to the successful disruption of pirate activities in the Gulf of Aden. Key to this success has been the ability of naval and air assets from different nations, such as Japan, to rapidly respond to any detection of pirate activity. Earlier this week, the Commanding Officers of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 and 2, Commodore Christian Rune (Royal Danish Navy) and Commodore Michiel Hijmans (Royal Netherlands Navy), hosted a Japanese delegation on board of HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën in the port of Djibouti.
Press Release

2 August 10

Russian Commander visits NATO Flagship
Earlier today, Commodore Michiel Hijmans (Royal Netherlands Navy), Commander of NATO’s counter piracy Task Force hosted a visit on board his flagship by the Russian Task Force Commander Senior Captain Vladimir Kondratov. HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën and RFS Admiral Levchenko met as they were patrolling in the Gulf of Aden near the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). Recently in June the ships had an unexpected rendezvous in the Atlantic Ocean on their way to the Gulf of Aden when the Commanders spoke of possible future cooperation. Now approximately six weeks later they are meeting again to share information and to discuss future ways of collaboration between NATO and the Russian Federation in the area.

Press Release

2 August 10

Puntland Minister visits NATO Flagship
Over the weekend, the Minister of Ports, Fisheries and Counter Piracy, Mr. Said Rage, and a delegation of the

 Puntland Coastal Monitoring Force visited the flagship of the NATO counter  piracy Task Force that is patrolling the waters off Somalia. At the moment of the visit HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën was near the Northern Somali town of Bosaso, conducting counter piracy operations near the Northern coastline. The Minister took this opportunity to come on board and meet for the second time with the NATO Task Force Commander, Commodore Michiel Hijmans (Royal Netherlands Navy), to discuss the general situation of Puntland, including its counter piracy efforts. Press Release

2 August 10

MV Suez pirated in the Gulf of Aden
At approximately 0415 GMT, the container ship MV Suez reported that they were under attack by one white skiff (small boat) and shots had been fired at the motor vessel to force it to stop. The ship was reportedly employing Best Management Practices, having barbed wire in place and fire hoses ready.
Two NATO warships, HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën and USS Cole, from the NATO counter piracy task force undertaking Operation OCEAN SHIELD, and a Singaporean warship the RSS Endurance from the CMF taskforce were within forty miles of MV Suez at the time of the attack. Despite reacting immediately and having a helicopter on the scene within 10 minutes, naval forces were unable to prevent the attack as the pirates had been able to board the ship within 5 minutes. Press Release

15 July10

Counter Piracy Commanders meet in the Gulf of Aden

The Commanding Officers of two counter piracy Task Forces met on board the South Korean Flagship ROKS Kang Gam Chan in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday 14 July. The main purpose of the meeting between Rear Admiral Beom Rim Lee (South Korean Navy), Commander of the Combined Task Force 151, and Commodore Michiel Hijmans (Royal Netherlands Navy), Commander of the NATO Task Force 508, was to exchange views and to strengthen the cooperation between the forces.

Press Release

12 July10

NATO Commander meets ministers from Puntland  

Earlier today, Commodore Michiel Hijmans, Commander of NATO’s counter piracy mission,Operation Ocean Shield, hosted a meeting on board his flagship, HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën, for Ministers from Puntland. It was the first meeting between the Puntland Ministers and Commodore Hijmans (Royal Netherlands Navy), who took up his role 30th of June 2010.

Press Release

08July10

NATO Flagship welcomes visit from Singapore Commander of Counter Piracy Task Force

The Commanding Officer of the Singaporean Armed Forces counter piracy Task Group, Colonel Tan Kai Cheong, today visited Dutch warship, HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën - the flagship of NATO’s counter piracy mission, code-named Operation Ocean Shield. Colonel Tan is based in the Singapore Navy Landing Ship Tank, RSS Endurance operating within the multinational Combined Maritime Force, based out of Bahrain. Press Release

06July10

NATO-US collaboration leads to rescue of seamen in Gulf of Aden

Early yesterday, (5th July) Puntland authorities contacted the NATO flagship HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën requesting aid for the dhow, Al Anwari. The dhow reportedly with a crew of 19, which was sailing from Omanto Boosaaso, had sunk off the North Eastern coast of Somalia. A US Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), conducting counter piracy missions in the area, was asked by the Commander of Task Force 508 to fly to the last known location of the Al Anwari to investigate. Upon arrival the MPA saw oil and debris in the water and found a life raft with people in it and others in the surrounding water, waving a flag. Press release

5 July 10

NATO Flagship meets up with US Carrier 

The new flagship of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën, met with the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in the Red Sea in order to conduct replenishment at sea with the USNS Supply, the tanker of the Strike Group. Together with USS Cole and TCG Gelibolu, HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën forms Task Force 508 which is conducting the counter piracy Operation Ocean Shield. The US Strike Group further consists of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the cruiser USS Hue City, the destroyer USS McFaul and the Air Defence Frigate FGS Hessen. The Group recently conducted operations in the Gulf of Aden. Commander SNMG2, Commodore Michiel Hijmans said: “Cooperation between different task forces and units is of vital interest. It demonstrates the flexibility of naval units all over the world and strengthens the ties between allies.”

1 July 10

The Netherlands assumes command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2

Yesterday the Netherlands assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). Commodore Michiel B. Hijmans (RNLN) took over from Commodore Steve J. Chick (RN) during a ceremony in Safaga, Egypt overseen by the Chief of Staff of the NATO Maritime Component Command in Naples, Rear Admiral Bruce N. Williams (RN). The ceremony took place on board of HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën which became the new flagship of the Group. The former flagship, HMS Chatham, was also present in Safaga. Currently SNMG2 is conducting NATO’s counter piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield, in the waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin.

Press Release / View Pictures

 28 June 10

Future Commander SNMG2 visits Training Centre in Souda Bay
During a short port visit by HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën in Souda Bay,
Commodore Michiel Hijmans RNLN, the designate Commander of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), visited the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Centre (NMIOTC). He was met by the Commanding Officer Commodore Athanasios Makris HN and was given a tour of the Training Centre. At the end of the visit Commodore Hijmans said: “In preparation of the upcoming task as SNMG2 Commander in Operation Ocean Shield and Operation Active Endeavour, this visit was a great opportunity to meet with the Commanding Officer of NMIOTC and make future plans for the training of SNMG2 units”.

Press Release

19 June 10

Russian Federation and the Netherlands shake hands at sea 

On her way to the Gulf of Aden, on 17 June, to conduct counter piracy operations the Netherlands navy ship HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën made an unexpected rendez-vous with two Russian naval vessels. Both ships, the cruiser Admiral Levchenko and the tanker Olekma, are also underway to the Gulf of Aden for counter piracy operations. Commodore RNLN Hijmans, who will have command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 for one year from 30th of June, visited the Division Chief of the force and the commanding officer of the Admiral Levchenko. On board they had the chance to meet and greet and spoke about possible future cooperation in the Gulf of Aden. Press Release

09 June 10

 Admiral Sir Trevor Soar visits Counter Piracy Flagship

Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, Northwood’s NATO Commander, earlier this week spent 2 days visiting HMS Chatham as she conducted counter piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.HMS Chatham is the Flagship to the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and the Admiral spent time with Commodore Steve Chick Royal Navy, Commander SNMG2, and his staff. Coincidentally, both Admiral Soar and Commodore Chick are former Commanding Officers of the Warship.
In between formal briefings and meetings, Admiral Soar took the time to tour the Ship and talk to as many of the Ship’s Company as possible. On his final day with HMS Chatham, a Japanese Navy aircraft detected a dhow towing 2 smaller skiffs in the Internationally Recommended Transit corridor (IRTC) and asked the Ship to investigate. Once it was established that the vessel was a fishing dhow, an assurance visit was conducted and the Admiral was able to witness how the Sailors and Royal Marines work in co-operation with the local maritime community.
Admiral Soar said “As the Command platform for CTF 508, the NATO Task Force, HMS Chatham works closely with other partners in the region such as the EU and Coalition Maritime Forces and during her time in the area piracy has been significantly reduced in the Gulf of Aden and operations continue to disrupt piracy in the Somali Basin. It has been a privilege to visit HMS Chatham on operations and to witness firsthand the effectiveness of counter piracy efforts and regional engagement in the area of operations.” View pictures

03 June 10

Puntland Security Forces free pirated ship
Early this morning, Puntland Security Forces mounted an operation to free the Panamanian-flagged, pirated ship, QSM Dubai. A force of approximately 50 personnel tracked the pirated vessel as it sailed down  the northern coast of Puntland and carried out a surprise boarding to  retake control. Shots were fired during the operation and casualties were sustained. One crew member was killed and another sustained injuries. In addition, two members of the Puntland Security Force were also injured. USS Cole, part of NATO’s counter piracy task force conducting Operation Ocean Shield, was shadowing the QSM Dubai from a distance although they took no part in the actual operation. Once the Puntland Forces had control of the ship, they requested medical assistance from USS Cole. The doctor from the NATO warship boarded the QSM Dubai once it was safe to do so and provided treatment to the injured. Press Release  

02 June 10

NATO Chairs Counter Piracy Meeting in Bahrain  

NATO acted as Chairman at the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) meeting in Bahrain for the first time. The SHADE is primarily a military meeting focussing on the issue of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. Coalition Maritime Forces (CMF), European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), China, Russia, India, Japan, South Korean, Yemen, Seychelles, Egypt, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia all attend. Press Release

28 May 10

NATO Commander hosts media event

HMS Chatham hosted an event for media off Boosaaso on Thursday 27th May. Representatives from local and international media outlets were present. The event gave Cdre Steve Chick (RN), Commander of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 the opportunity to brief the media on NATO’s counter piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield. 

27 May 10

NATO Commander hosts Puntland authorities off Boosaaso  

Commodore Steve Chick, the Commander of the NATO Task Force patrolling the waters off Somalia as part of NATO’s counter-piracy operation, code-named Ocean Shield, had the opportunity to speak with Puntland authorities yesterday on board NATO flag ship HMS CHATHAM. During the visit, the visitors were briefed on NATO’s and the other counter piracy forces, including the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean to fight piracy. The naval forces co-operate to help deter piracy and protect merchant ships, trading dhows and Somali fisherman from pirate attacks.Press Release.  View Pictures

22 May 10

NATO Warship makes dramatic rescue of 23 seamen in raging storm
Yesterday the crew from NATO Flagship HMS Chatham made a dramatic rescue of 23 seamen from a merchant vessel off the coast of Somalia. The Royal Navy warship had been busy patrolling the sea area approximately 80 miles west of Socotra as part of NATO’s counter-piracy operation 'Ocean Shield’ when the drama began early morning Thursday 20 May.

HMS Chatham’s Bridge team received a distress call from the Master of MV Dubai Moon, who said that his ship was caught in a tropical storm 90 miles south west of Socotra and struggling to make headway in extremely rough seas and high winds. The warship immediately made best speed towards the merchantman.

As HMS Chatham made her way into the storm, the weather worsened into a tropical cyclone and the situation onboard Dubai Moon became even more perilous. Listing heavily, with her cargo of vehicles crashing around the deck, she drifted ever closer to a small island off the coast. It was only due to the tireless efforts of the Master that she avoided running aground.
The Master and HMS Chatham’s Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Huntington Royal Navy, spoke throughout the night trying to determine the best way to save the vessel. At daybreak on Friday 21 May Dubai Moon dropped her anchors in an attempt to hold her position as by now she was getting ever closer to another, larger island, Jazirat Samhah. Whilst her anchors did not take permanent hold, they prevented her from running aground onto a reef, which she cleared by less than 1000 yards before being pushed offshore by the wind.

As the day wore on the weather improved slightly, presenting HMS Chatham with an opportunity to rescue the crew. In very challenging conditions, the warship launched her Lynx helicopter and, in an operation which lasted for over 3 hours, the 23 seamen were winched by helicopter to safety from the MV Dubai Moon. The relieved seamen were given hot drinks and blankets when they landed onboard HMS Chatham.

Commander Simon Huntington, the Commanding Officer of HMS Chatham said “This rescue was
conducted in the most challenging sea conditions imaginable and I am extremely proud of my
Ship’s Company whose sole focus was to assist the Master and crew of MV Dubai Moon. It was,
without doubt, the professionalism and courage of my sailors and aircrew that ensured this rescue
was a success. The tropical cyclone tested the ship and everyone on board; it is the quality of
our people, equipment and training which has resulted in the Royal Navy saving the lives of fellow
mariners in such demanding circumstances”.

After the rescue, Hassan Madar the Ethiopian Master of the MV Dubai Moon said “Normally we operate close to the coast, but we had to go far out to sea to avoid pirates. That meant we could not find shelter from the storm. If we had not been rescued by the Royal Navy and NATO we would have died with my ship. They were the only people to respond to our distress call; we owe them our lives.”

17 May

NATO Warship HMS Chatham destroys pirate boat.

NATO’s counter piracy flagship, HMS CHATHAM destroyed 2 boats after intercepting a group of suspected pirates in the Somali Basin. Commander Simon Huntington, the Commanding Officer of HMS CHATHAM said “I am extremely pleased that we have again successfully disrupted a suspected Pirate Attack Group operating in the Somali Basin and prevented them from mounting attacks against merchant shipping. This clearly demonstrates NATO’s determination and commitment to continue the fight against piracy in the region. Press release  View pictures

05 May

NATO Flagship HMS Chatham visits Dar Es Salam 

HMS CHATHAM arrived in Dar Es Salam – the largest city in Tanzania on 9 May 2010 for a 5 day port visit. The British Royal Navy frigate is the flagship for NATO’s counter piracy task force, operating under command of Commodore Steve Chick CBE Royal Navy. The code name for NATO’s counter piracy operation is “Ocean Shield”. With a busy schedule planned, the visit presents an excellent opportunity for NATO to exchange views and ideas about how to tackle piracy with the Tanzanian Government and establish informal links with the Tanzanian Navy. The ship will host a reception for 160 civic and military leaders, as well as the diplomatic community on 9 May. A briefing on Maritime Security for 20 members of the shipping industry based in Dar Es Salam will be conducted on 10 May, together with a guided tour for 20 members of the Tanzanian Navy. Commodore Chick will host a lunch for key members of the Government on board on 11 May.

View Pictures

30 April 10

Russian delegation meet NATO counter piracy task force 

On 30 April 2010 the Commander of NATO's Counter Piracy Task Force operating off Somalia met with a Russian delegation at sea in the Gulf of Aden. Commodore Steve Chick who is embarked in NATO flagship HMS CHATHAM met with Captain Yildar F. Akhmerof, the commander of the Russian Task Group in the region. Accompanying Captain Akhmerof on board HMS CHATHAM was Lt Cdr Andrey S Meschaninov, the Chief Officer for tactical Activites and Lt Dimitriy U Ubogov, an interpreter.

Full Story

29 April 10

NATO Commander Hosts Nugal authorities off Eyl

Yesterday representatives from the town of Eyl and the Nugal region of Puntland visited the flagship of the NATO task force that is patrolling the waters off Somalia. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the representatives about the counter piracy activities that are being conduct by NATO and other international forces in the region. It also provided opportunities for the local leaders to inform NATO of the actions that they have taken ashore to reduce the incidence of piracy along the East coast of Puntland. Press Release

22 April 10

International Maritime Bureau praises navies for reducing piracy threat in Gulf of Aden
Thanks to continued international efforts such as NATO’s counter-piracy operation Ocean Shield, pirate attacks around the world dropped by 34 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 compared with a year ago, according to a report published on 21 April by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).The Bureau noted a significant decline in attacks in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, where NATO and other ships patrol. In this area alone, 17 incidents were recorded in the first
three months of 2010 compared with 41 in the same period last year. Despite the decrease in attacks, Somali pirates are expanding their reach from the Gulf of Aden to the coasts of Kenya, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Madagascar and Oman. Somali pirates carried out 35 of the 67 hijackings recorded so far in 2010. NATO sent five ships to the Gulf of Aden in March 2009 as part of its counter piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector. In August 2009, the Alliance approved a new mission, Operation Ocean Shield, which additionally offers states in the area assistance in developing their own capacity to combat piracy activities if they request it.

19 April 10

NATO Warship Destroys Pirate Vessels

Turkish warship TCG GELIBOLU destroyed a group of pirate vessels over the weekend 280 miles North East of the Seychelles. The operation marked another success for NATO’s counter-piracy.Operation Ocean Shield, and reflected the close co-operation that exists between the NATO Alliance and other international forces. The pirate gang consisted of 13 pirates, in 3 vessels. As well as weapons, in their boats they carried ladders, used to climb onboard vessels and other piracy related equipment. As the Turkish warship approached, the pirates threw their guns and ladders overboard and claimed they were innocent seafarers – although they were unable to explain what they were doing 820 miles from the Somali coast, with no fishing nets or legal cargo. Press Release

16 April 10

HMS Chatham host visits from the Chinese and Indian Navy
Earlier this month, HMS Chatham, NATO’s counter piracy flagship in the Gulf of Aden hosted meetings with other nations conducting counter piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden.On 2nd April Cdre Steve Chick hosted a meeting with Capt. Sandeep Kharbanda,Commanding Officer of the Indian frigate INS Beas. Later that day, he welcomed Senior Captain Khang Wendan of the Chinese task force flagship, Guangzhou. Both meetings were an opportunity to discuss counter piracy matters and were cordial and focussed. 

15 April 10

HMS Chatham forces release of pirates dhow
An Indian flagged dhow, the VISHVAKALYAN, which had been seized by Somali pirates and used as a pirate mother ship has been intercepted by the NATO warship HMS CHATHAM in the area to the East of the Gulf of Aden. The Royal Navy frigate, which is part of NATO’s counter piracy Operation Ocean Shield, spent three days shadowing the vessel, exerting pressure on the Somali pirates on board until the mother ship ran out of fuel and was forced to stop. Stricken and overwhelmed by the warship which closed to the point of bringing the mother ship alongside, the pirates were directed to leave the VISHVAKALYAN under the shadow of HMS CHATHAM’s close range weapons and Royal Marine marksmen. They then fled back to the Somali coast in a smaller skiff, leaving the dhow and her crew unharmed. Press Release

15 April 10

Successes for NATO in the fight against piracy
The five ships of NATO’s Task Force conducting counter piracy operations have been at the centre of the fight against piracy in the waters off Somalia in recent days. Operating deep in the Indian Ocean, the Greek warship HS LIMNOS saw action against 3 pirate groups in as many days. Working closely with Swedish and Luxemburg maritime patrol aircraft operating from the Seychelles, the frigate destroyed 6 pirate attack boats together with all of their weapons and other piracy equipment between 7 and 9 April. As a result 30 pirates can no longer attack innocent merchant vessels. Press Release

08 April 10

NATO Warship Limnos Disrupts Pirates

Greek warship HS LIMNOS, who is part of NATO’s counter piracy mission, codenamed OCEAN SHIELD, successfully intercepted and disrupted a pirate gang in the Indian Ocean yesterday. The NATO warship had been on patrol to the north of the Seychelles when pirates in a large whaler towing 2 smaller skiffs, was spotted by a Swedish maritime patrol aircraft. As HS LIMNOS approached the vessel, the ship’s helicopter was launched and observed the pirates throwing weapons, ladders and other piracy equipment into the sea. Press Release

04 April 10

NATO Warship Forces Release Of Pirated Dhow
A NATO warship was involved in dramatic events in the Gulf of Aden yesterday that disrupted a pirate attack against a merchant ship and resulted in the release of a hijacked dhow. The Turkish ship TCG GELIBOLU responded to a distress call from the Danish flagged chemical carrier MV TORM RAGNHILD stating that the ship was being attacked by 6 pirates with AK47s and rocket propelled grenades. As TCG GELIBOLU raced to the scene an EU Naval Force French Maritime Patrol Aircraft provided regular position reports and reassurance to the merchant ship. Quick reaction by the alert crew and skilful evasive manoeuvres allowed MV TORM RAGNHILD to escape the pirates after 40 minutes of determined attack. Press Release

04 April 10
NATO Warship Disrupts Pirate Attack Group
In what was another successful example of international cooperation in the fight against piracy off Somalia, the Greek warship HS Limnos, operating with NATO’s counter-piracy operation Ocean Shield, intercepted a pirate group in the Indian Ocean on April 1, 2010. Press Release

30 Mar 10

NATO Helicopter Lands Safely After Shooting 

London: Earlier today, a NATO helicopter from Italian warship Scirocco landed safety back onboard after reporting that it had been fired upon by two men from the Somali coast. The Italian warship is operating in the Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden as part of NATO’s counter piracy mission, codenamed Operation Ocean Shield.
As part of NATO’s mission to deter and disrupt acts of piracy, Scirocco’s two helicopters were conducting aerial searches near to the coast of Somalia, when one of the pilots spotted two men aiming weapons at his helicopter. Shortly after,the helicopter crew saw smoke and heard rocket firing close by.

Press Release

25 Mar 10

NATO sailors reassure seafarers – Gulf of Aden

For NATO Commanders, their counter piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield, is not just about deterring and preventing pirate attacks. It is increasingly about gathering piracy information and reassuring innocent seafarers that they can be safe on the high seas. NATO boarding parties,
made up of sailors and marines are routinely conducting maritime security assurance visits to small vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden. These friendly meetings aim to allay concerns that local seafarers may have about their safety and to reassure them that naval vessels are patrolling in the area. Where necessary the navies will provide water and food to these small dhows. Press release

24 Mar 10

One Year On NATO Remains Vigilant in Gulf of Aden

London: Today marks the first anniversary of NATO ships in the Gulf of Aden to fight piracy. Five NATO ships arrived in the Gulf of Aden on 24th March 2009 as part of NATO’s counter piracy mission, Operation Allied Protector. Their aim was to disrupt and deter the piracy that was rife in the Gulf of Aden at that time. A year later our ships are still there but with an enhanced operational aim and with notable successes achieved. Press release

18 Mar 10

NATO Warship forces pirates to release ship

19 crew members from a small Iranian cargo ship, SAAD 1 are now free from their pirate captors after being held for 5 months. Their release followed intervention by the Italian warship ITS Scirocco, one of five NATO warships operating in the region as part of NATO’s counter piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield. Press Release

NATO praises crew’s actions in preventing pirate attack 

A British flagged, Norwegian owned car carrier, MV Tortugas, successfully repelled a pirate attack yesterday afternoon by two pirate skiffs in the Somali  Basin approximately 630 nautical miles south-west of the Seychelles. MV Tortugas was able to prevent the pirates hijacking the vessel because it adopted the recommended best management practices.

Press Release

12 Mar 10

NATO Warships meet for Counter Piracy Mission handover

After busy months on patrol in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin, a task force of NATO warships today handed over their counter-piracy mission, (code-named Operation Ocean Shield) to the new task force of NATO ships which had sailed to the area to take up the mission. Press Release / View Pictures

03 Mar 10
NATO continues to disrupt pirate activity

It was yet another busy night for the Danish warship HDMS ABSALON
in the Somali Basin the night between the 1st and 2nd of March 2010
where the ship again located, intercepted and disposed of two more
whalers” the so called mother skiffs used by pirates as logistic
platforms to transport their attack teams offshore.“These actions
further illustrate that this is a viable and effective way to eliminate
the tools of piracy before they can be brought into play on the high seas,”
said Commodore Christian Rune. Press Release

01 Mar 10

NATO disrupts piracy in the Somali basin

On Sunday 28 February 2010 the NATO flagship HDMS ABSALON undertook direct action to disrupt the piracy in the Somali Basin by scuttling a pirate mother skiff, one of the large, open boats that pirates use to transport and support their attack teams to offshore hunting areas. The ABSALON is the flagship of NATO’s current counter-piracy operation Ocean Shield off the Horn of Africa. Press Release 

25 Feb 10

Operation Ocean Shield Resource Coordination Meeting

SHAPE, Joint Command Lisbon, European Union OHQ and MC Naples staff met with their MC Northwood colleagues for the third in a series of Operation Ocean Shield Resource Coordination meetings. Experts from within logistics, financial resources, human resources, CIS and medical disciplines met to address common support challenges afloat and ashore for Operation Ocean Shield and Operation Atalanta. These meetings continue to successfully address common support issues and leverage opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness for EU, NATO and other national ships operating in support of counter piracy missions.

17 Feb 10

NATO Warship HMS Chatham in rescue mission

Royal Navy warship HMS Chatham, deployed on NATO’s counter piracy Operation Ocean Shield in the Gulf of Aden, yesterday provided urgent medical assistance to a seriously ill merchant seaman.
The British frigate came to the rescue after the master of the MV Zakynthos, a Liberian flagged oil tanker that was transiting through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), radioed the warship to say that one of his Filipino crew had been suffering severe abdominal pain since Sunday 14 February and could they help. Press Release

15 Feb 10

NATO Commander meets Republic of Korea Navy in the Gulf of Aden

On 13th February 2010 NATO Commander, Commodore Christian Rune met Captain Kim, Myung-Sung, the Commanding Officer of the Republic of Korea Navy destroyer Chungmugong Yi Sun-Shin, onboard the NATO flagship HDMS Absalon. Press Release

08 Feb 10

NATO Warship HDMS Absalon disrupts piracy again

On Sunday 7th February 2010 Danish warship HDMS Absalon who is part of NATO’s counter-piracy Operation Ocean Shield once again disrupted piracy in the Gulf of Aden. During the night HDMS Absalon located a suspicious ‘contact’ on radar. By using the ship’s sensors the contact was identified as a fast moving open boat with eight men onboard – a typical indication of a pirate skiff.

Press Release / View Pictures

08 Feb 10

NATO Commander meets Task Force counterpart in Gulf of Aden

Yesterday, Commodore Christian Rune, commander of the NATO Task Force operating in the counter piracy mission Operation Ocean Shield, met with the Republic of Singapore Rear Admiral Bernard Miranda. He is commander of the Combined Task Force 151 who are also involved in a counter piracy mission. The meeting took place on board the NATO flagship, HDMS Absalon.

Press Release

05 Feb 10

NATO warship HDMS Absalon saves ship from pirate attack  

Danish warship HDMS Absalon, who is part of NATO’S counter piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden today rescued the cargo ship MV Ariella which came under attack by pirates. The master of the Ariella had sent out a may-day call that pirates, armed with guns had boarded his ship and he needed urgent assistance. The crew had managed to lock themselves away in a saferoom, enabling the NATO warship to send a team of specially trained forces to board the ship and regain control.                                            Press Release /View Pictures                                  

05 Feb 10

NATO promotes best practice to Maritime Shipping in fight against piracy

NATO maritime commanders today reiterated the importance of the maritime community adopting the recommended self protection measures to help in the fight against piracy when they sail through the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. The call comes after two motor vessels came under attack by pirates this week in the Gulf of Aden, with two very different outcomes – one who adopted the self protection measures was able to successfully repel the attack, whilst the other who did not was pirated, and is now being taken to a pirates’ lair off the Somali coast. Press Release

05 Feb 10

NATO Warship HMS Chatham comes to the rescue of Yemeni Fishermen

Today Royal Navy warship HMS Chatham, who is part of NATO’s counter piracy operation OCEAN SHIELD came to the rescue of Yemeni fishermen who were found adrift in the Gulf of Aden.
The Dhow, with 21 Yemeni fishermen on board was spotted drifting in the middle of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. HMS Chatham dispatched her Royal Marines Boarding Team to the Dhow to investigate further. Press Release

01 Feb 10

NATO warship HDMS ABSALON assists Indian Cargo Ship after pirate attack

Danish warship HDMS Absalon, who is part of NATO’s Operation
Ocean Shield, today rendered assistance to an Indian flagged
cargo ship (known as a dhow). The dhow “Faize Osamani” and her
crew of 12 had been taken by Somali pirates with the intention
of using her as a mother-ship to mount further attacks against maritime shipping.

Press Release 

01 Feb 10

Royal Navy warship HMS CHATHAM arrives in the Gulf of Aden for Counter Piracy Operations  

Royal Navy warship HMS Chatham has arrived in the Gulf of Aden to take part in NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield the code name for NATO’s counter piracy mission off the Horn of Africa and into the Somali Basin. Along with other
multinational Task Groups and warships in the area, HMS CHATHAM
will help to protect the merchant ships, many of which bring goods
in to the UK, as they transit this busy sea area.

Press Release

28 Jan 10

NATO Warship HMCS Fredericton intercepts suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden                       

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship HMCS Fredericton intercepted a suspected pirate skiff today while conducting counter piracy patrols as part of NATO Operation OCEAN SHIELD in the Gulf of Aden. At 07:44 a.m. local time (10:44 p.m. EST), HMCS Fredericton received reports from her helicopter during aerial patrols in the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) that they had spotted a small skiff loitering beside the shipping corridor approximately 45 nautical miles away from the ship.

Press Release

25 Jan 10

The Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) operational Handover in
Muscat

The Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) operational handover took place this afternoon in Muscat (Oman), where the outgoing Commander, Rear Admiral Pereira da Cunha, Portuguese Navy handed over Command to Commodore Christian Rune, Royal Danish Navy. Today’s handover also marked the change of command for NATO’s counter piracy operation Ocean Shield from Portugal to Denmark..
Press Release / View Pictures