HMAS Newcastle conducts counter-terrorist operations in Bab-el-Mandeb strait

HMAS Newcastle (FFG 06) is a Royal Australian Navy Adelaide-class frigate, laid down in 1989 and commissioned into the RAN in 1993. She will be replaced by one of the new Hobart-class destroyers (due to commission between 2016-19).

HMAS Newcastle completes counter-terrorism focused operation

One of HMAS Newcastle’s Ridged Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) returning from boarding operations.

In July, HMAS Newcastle completed an intensive counter-terrorism focused operation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with the multi-national Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).

During the focused operation, Newcastle executed 58 boarding actions, three replenishment activities with foreign ships and five deterrence transits of the (BAM).

The BAM, which translated from Arabic means the ‘Gate of Grief’, is a critical choke point that connects the Gulf of Aden to the Southern Red Sea, leading north to the Suez Canal. The narrow body of water is part of a global shipping network that connects the West and the East. It is frequently used by ships travelling from Europe to nations whose maritime boarders are on the Indian Ocean. CTF 150 estimates that between 55 and 65 merchant ships transit the BAM daily.

A boarding party from HMAS Newcastle conducts Approach and Assist Visits on a boat in the Middle East Area of Operations.

Principal Warfare Officer, Lieutenant Mike Forsythe described the BAM as a high risk area for terrorism related activities.

“It is high risk because of the width of the strait and the number of small boats that operate in it,” Lieutenant Forsythe said.

“The aims of the coalition and regional partners involved in the focused operation were to build a better understanding of the patterns of life in the area, to deter terrorist activities, and restrict the terrorist’s freedom of movement,” he said.

The boarding actions executed by Newcastle during the focused operation were Approach and Assist Visits (AAV), which are conducted regularly by coalition warships to build rapport with local mariners and seek information on what they may have seen in the area. The visits allow the coalition ships to collect intelligence on patterns of illegal activity.

Newcastle used her S-70-B2 Seahawk helicopter to survey the area of operations to gather intelligence on patterns of life and identify targets for her Boarding Party to visit.

During the focused operation, Newcastle also conducted three replenishment activities with coalition ships, from France and the United States, to take on fuel and stores ensuring that Newcastle could remain in the area and focused on her mission.

The Australian crew battled through 97 percent humidity for more than four hours to complete one of the Replenishment at Sea (RAS) evolutions with the United States Naval Service oiler USNS Patuxent, which included a Heavy Jackstay. Newcastle also conducted her first evening RAS with French Ship (FS) Somme, their third replenishment activity together since Newcastle arrived in the Middle East Area of Operation (MEAO).

The focused operation was a true multi-national affair with the Australian warship interacting with British, French, U.S. and Spanish units.

“The BAM is an important strategic strait to the international community. Without it, ships would have to transit all the way around Africa. We all have an interest in the security of this region,” Lieutenant Forsythe said.

On completion of the counter-terrorism focused operation, Newcastle was assigned to another CTF 150 operation – targeting the smuggling of weapons.

CTF 150 is one of three task forces operated by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 28-nation coalition based in Bahrain. The principle mission of CTF 150 is to deter, disrupt and defeat attempts by international terrorist organisations to use the maritime environment as a venue for attack or as a means to transport personnel, weapons and other materials.

Newcastle is in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) assigned to Operation SLIPPER – the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, counter smuggling and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and enhancing regional maritime security and engagement. Her deployment is the 55th rotation of an Australian warship to the MEAO since 1990.

HMAS Newcastle’s Boarding Team, boarding the Yemeni Dhow SONA after being invited on during an Approach and Assist Visit (AAV) to build rapport with local mariners in the Bab Al Mandeb strait.

http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2013/Operations/344#.UiB0hD-WObg

Decline of Royal Navy frigate and destroyer strength 1983-2013

‘Were I to die at this moment “want of frigates” would be found stamped on my heart.’ Horatio Nelson, 1798.

In 1983, 30-years ago (which scarcely seems credible to this old fart), in the midst of the it-seemed-hot-enough-at-the-time Cold War, in the immediate aftermath of the Falklands Conflict, the Royal Navy planned for a force of 50 frigates and destroyers (HC Deb 28 November 1983 vol 49 cc661-737).

HMS Achilles (F12) Leander-class frigate at HMNB Portsmouth, 1983.

In 1993, post Cold War, already in draw down and reaping the so-called peace dividend, the Royal Navy was facing reductions to a force of 40 frigates and destroyers (HC Deb 25 February 1993 vol 219 c717W).

HMS Amazon (F169) Type 21 frigate sold to Pakistan as PNS Babur (D182) in 1993.

By 2003, in the midst of the Global War on Terror and with the Iraq War coming to the fore, the force had been reduced to 31 frigates and destroyers… of which only 26 were operational (HC Deb 12 May 2003 vol 405 cc47-50W).

HMS Glasgow (D88) Type 42 destroyer at HMNB Portsmouth, 2003. Copyright Kev Slade.

Today, 2013, realpolitik, Spain rattles its sabres over Gibraltar, Argentina remains bellicose over the Falklands, there is continued instability in Libya, Syria and Egypt, there are standing demands for counter-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean and counter-piracy patrols off the coast of East Africa, and the war of terror continues, and there is always the need for a Fleet Ready Escort… well… we’re down to just 19 frigates and destroyers (13 surviving Type 23, 5 Type 45 in commission, 1 Type 45 undergoing sea trials).

HMS Dragon (D35) Type 45 destroyer, off Gibraltar, 2013. Crown copyright.

Just 19. And not a single Type 26 on order. Talked about, but not ordered. Spec’d, but not ordered. Number to be purchased undecided.

Type 26 Global Combat Ship. (Copyright © 2013 BAE Systems)

I don’t want to think about how things will be in 2023.

Operation Slipper: Australia’s contribution to the War on Terror

HMAS Newcastle is an Adelaide-class frigate commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1993.

The Adelaide-class is a modified version of the US Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class in RAN service. Four ships were built in the US and two were built in Australian yards. The vessels are nearing the end of their operational life with two (Canberra and Adelaide) already decommissioned. They will be replaced by Hobart-class air defence destroyers from 2016 onward.

HMAS Newcastle participates in Counter Terrorism Operation

HMAS Newcastle’s boarding team conducts an approach and assist visit with a Dhow in the Middle East Area of Operations.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ship HMAS Newcastle is participating in a focused operation in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea as part of the international campaign against terrorism.

During the operation, Newcastle has conducted an Approach and Assist Visit (AAV) to a Yemeni flagged fishing vessel (dhow) in the Gulf of Aden.

Newcastle’s boarding party was invited to board the Yemeni flagged vessel by its crew, and donated a small quantity of sunglasses and sunscreen to the fishermen as a sign of good will.

AAVs are conducted regularly by coalition ships to foster good relationships with the local maritime community by approaching vessels and engaging in dialogue in the maritime environment. AAVs typically include confirmation of the welfare of the mariners, and seek information on what they may have seen in the area or any issues they may have.

Newcastle’s Boarding Officer, Lieutenant Alec Fieldsend said his boarding party was well received by the crew of the Yemeni fishing vessel.

“It’s all about building relationships with them and letting them know that we’re in the area to protect them and to keep the region secure,” LEUT Fieldsend said.

“For most of these fishermen, security in the maritime environment directly relates to their ability to make a living. So, most of them are very happy to see us out here conducting patrols,” he said.

CTF 150 is one of three task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 28-nation coalition based in Bahrain.

CTF 150’s Area of Operation (AOO) spans over two million square miles, covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman. The task force exists to create a lawful and stable maritime environment free from terrorism, smuggling and other illegal activities.

Newcastle’s participation in CTF 150 is part of her assignment to Operation SLIPPER – the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, counter smuggling and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and enhancing regional maritime security and engagement.

Newcastle’s current deployment is the 55th rotation of an Australian warship to the MEAO since 1990. She is due to return to Australia in October, after handing over Operation SLIPPER duties to HMAS Melbourne.

Imagery is available on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library at http://images.navy.gov.au/S20130678.

http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jul2013/Operations/140

HMS Kent using bottles of water in the fight against piracy

HMS Kent (F78) is a Type 23 frigate commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2000.

Kent left Portsmouth on 25th May for a 6-month deployment East of Suez which was her first deployment following a year-long £24m ($36m) refit.

Kent finds cool water is a key weapon in the war against piracy

Sailors and Royal Marines from HMS Kent are using a simple cool bottle of water as one of their key ‘weapons’ in the fight against piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean.

The frigate is building up the ‘pattern of life’ of seafaring off the Horn of Africa, speaking to the crews of around a dozen merchant ships every day.

Kent’s chaplain Rev James Francis – known as the ‘Battle Bish’ – overcomes the barriers of language, culture and creed by handing the planet’s most precious commodity to a dhow crewman. Pictures: LA(Phot) Joel Rouse, HMS Kent

WHAT’S the Royal Navy’s best weapon in the struggle against criminal activity in the Indian Ocean?

HMS Kent 4.5in gun? Her Merlin helicopter, crammed with technology and Royal Marines snipers on the end of a machine-gun? The fully-honed boarding team of commandos and sailors? The team in the operations room poring over displays which draw information on the waters and skies around the ship from a myriad of sensors?

Or maybe it’s the personal touch? A bottle of chilled water for passing fishermen in seas where the temperature at this time of year is well into the 30˚s Celsius, and sometimes over 40˚C.

For all the hi-tech wizardly on the Portsmouth-based frigate – nearing the half-way point in a counter-piracy and counter-terrorism patrol east of Suez – daily interaction with crews on dhows and other vessels plying their lawful trade in ‘Pirate Alley’ between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula is just as useful in understanding what the Navy calls the ‘patterns of life’ in the region.

Kent’s boarding team approach a dhow with the frigate standing watch in the distance

On a typical day, Kent carries out around a dozen ‘approach and assist visits’ to dhows and medium-sized ships and boats, with her boarding team chatting with crews to assure them the warship is here to help.

“Operating 4,000 miles from home, in a region with 20 different languages or dialects and a vastly different culture presents challenges that require of HMS Kent the ability to interact diplomatically and with sensitivity to local personnel,” says Lt Cdr Mickey Rooney, Kent’s weapon engineer officer.

“In gaining trust and empathising with the tough existence that many of these mariners endure, there is one simple currency that secures trust, breaches all barriers and which, in terms of value, makes fossil fuels and rare metals look like small change – water.”

Before dawn Kent’s upper deck team prepare for a replenishment at sea with the FS Somme

Although the Gulf region is synonymous with oil and gas production – it’s Kent’s task along with other ships in the 27-nation Combined Maritime Forces to ensure nothing interrupts the flow of that oil and other goods by sea – it’s far from blessed with natural resources of water, particularly on the small dhows at work in the height of summer.

“As the ship’s boarding teams constantly find that for all of the water they ride on, being a mariner in the Gulf is thirsty work,” says Lt Cdr Rooney.

“The power of water can be seen first hand as one of HMS Kent’s high speed boats makes an approach to a dhow and offers a litre of fresh cold water, held high like a universal calling card of humanity. The reception is warm, friendly and without barriers.”

HMS Kent takes on fuel from FS Somme in the Indian Ocean

Cdr Ben Ripley, HMS Kent’s Commanding Officer, adds: “A simple gesture like the gift of a bottle of water – which may seem insignificant for many – goes a long way to building relationships and trust with the seafarers that HMS Kent is here to protect.

“For the Royal Navy the simple gesture of gifting drinking water to break down all barriers is turning out to be one of the most powerful forms of currency in securing safe passage for our way of life.”

Kent is currently attached to Combined Task Force 150, comprising warships from Australia, France and Canada, and working with vessels from Djibouti, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Somme like it hot… A crewman on the French support ship takes a breather during the replenishment

The force is charged with safeguarding the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor – effectively a protected motorway of the sea for all legitimate mariners.

“The Combined Task Force is something of a counter-piracy and counter-terrorism high seas patrol – a 21st-Century CHiPs for those who remember the 1980s TV show,” Lt Cdr Rooney explains.

The force provides assurance for the safe passage of merchant vessels of any nationality through the infamous Bab Al Mendab Strait at the foot of the Red Sea and beyond.

HMS Kent, FS Somme and patrol craft from nations bordering the Red Sea form up near the Bab Al Mandeb Strait

It’s policing on a gargantuan scale, with the ‘motorway’ covering some 190,000 square miles of sea – that’s over twice the size of Great Britain – with up to 40 large scale ships passing every hour or, spread over a year, about 40 per cent of all the goods and essential materials Europe needs.

As for Kent’s material needs – notably fuel – she’s been making use of the French support ship FS Somme which is currently providing black gold to power the Coalition vessels on the ‘motorway’.

“Working with our allies in patrolling the high seas in order to reassure legitimate users that these waters are safe sends a strong message of how important the international community take this tasking,” Cdr Ripley underlines.

HMAS Newcastle conducts RAS in Gulf of Aden

HMAS Newcastle is one of the Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide-class frigate, which is based on the US Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry class. Six frigates were built between 1978 and 1992, with the first four built in the US and the remaining 2 built in Australia. As the aging class begins to decommission (Canberra in 2005 and Adelaide in 2008) they will be replaced by the Hobart-class air warfare destroyer.

HMAS Newcastle Replenishes at Sea in the Gulf of Aden

A heavy pallet of food stores being transfered via heavy jaskstay from USNS Patuxent to HMAS Newcastle.

HMAS Newcastle’s Ship’s Company has battled through 35-degree heat and 97-percent humidity to complete multiple replenishment operations with the United States Naval Service ship USNS Patuxent in the Gulf of Aden, in the Middle East Area of Operations.

Newcastle was supplied with 400,000 litres of F44 and F76 fuel during the four-hour Replenishment At Sea – Liquids (RAS-L).

The RAS-L involved a large fuelling hose being extended from Patuxent to Newcastle to transfer the fuel.

Thirty-eight pallets of stores, mostly fresh food, were then transferred from Patuxent to Newcastle by heavy jackstay.

Petty Officer Boatswain (POB) Francis Standen said “heavy jackstays” were an important seamanship skill to have on a warship and it was good for the crew to successfully complete the evolution while on operations.

“We don’t get to conduct heavy jackstay very often, so the experience was great for the whole crew,” he said.

“Everyone did really well and it was great to see the whole ship’s company working together to get the job done,” POB Standen said.

Leading Seaman Maritime Logistics – Supply Chain (LSML-SC) Sarah Hickling said the food stores transferred from Patuxent to Newcastle during the Heavy Jackstay would keep her crew fed for several weeks.

“We took on frozen meat, potatoes, strawberries, mandarines and all kinds of tinned, frozen and dry food. We also took on stores for our canteen. Overall, we took on enough food to last us another two to three weeks,” LSML-S Hickling said.

The evolutions allowed Newcastle to continue her mission at sea, without having to visit a port to refuel and resupply.

The Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG) will conduct more RAS evolutions during her deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

Newcastle was in the area participating in a counter terrorism focused operation as part of the multi-national Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).

Patuxent is a non-commissioned United States Naval Service oiler assigned to the replenishment taskforce, CTF 53.

CTF 150 is one of three task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 28-nation coalition based in Bahrain.

CTF 150’s Area of Operation (AOO) spans over two million square miles, covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman. The task force exists to create a lawful and stable maritime environment free from terrorism, smuggling and other illegal activities.

Newcastle’s participation in CTF 150 is part of her assignment to Operation SLIPPER. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution of a Major Fleet Unit in the Middle East Area of Operations as part of the international campaign against terrorism, counter smuggling and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and enhancing regional maritime security and engagement.

Newcastle’s current deployment is the 55th rotation of an Australian warship to the MEAO since 1990. She is due to return to Australia in October, after handing over Operation SLIPPER duties to HMAS Melbourne.

Imagery is available on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library at http://images.navy.gov.au/S20130651.

Yemen intercepts illegal arms shipment in Red Sea

Good to see Yemeni authorities policing their own patch. CTF-150 can’t be everywhere and alliés locaux must actively support the international mission.

New illegal weapon cargo is apprehended off the coast of Yemen

The authorities confirmed on Sunday that the armed forces managed to successfully apprehend a ship traveling off the coast of Yemen with on board an illegal cargo of weapons.

The Supreme Security Committee told the press on Sunday that the ship had been intercepted as it was entering Yemen territorial waters near the island of Zoqar in the Red Sea.

Prior inspections showed that the weapons are Turkish-made.

An official was quoted by Saba, the state news agency as saying, “The seized weapons were planned to reach its destination inside the country after being unloaded in an island of the Hunish Archipelago via small boats and then to the Yemeni coasts.”

An investigation has been launched into the incident to determine who the cargo was intended to and more importantly the identity or identities of those responsible for loading the ship with illegal weapons in the first place.

The matter is bound to strike a nerve with Turkey as it has been earlier this year, in January accused of meddling within Yemen internal affairs by providing military equipment and weapons to dissident groups, after several illegal weapon-cargo bearing alleged links to Ankara were intercepted by the Yemeni authorities.

The Turkish government had to work really hard to dispel doubts.

Whether the shipment was being sent to Yemen to be later on moved to another location has yet to be determined. Security analysts have increasingly warned that the impoverished nation is being used as a by-pass country for traffickers.

Yemen Post Staff

http://yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=7027

HMAS Newcastle makes port visit in Tanzania

HMAS Newcastle (FFG 06) is an Adelaide class guided-missile frigate. She was built by AMECON (now Tenix) at Williamstown Dockyard and commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy on 11th December 1993. Design for the Adelaide class frigates was based on the US Navy Oliver Hazard Perry class.

Newcastle stops in Dar es Salaam

Warrant Officer Phil Smit (Ships Warrant Officer) pays his respects at the World War I and II memorial at Dar es Salaam, Upanga Road, Cemetery.

HMAS Newcastle visited the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam from 16-20 June 2013 after a busy patrol period in the Somali Basin.

The port was Newcastle’s second since arriving in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) on 27 May and marks the first visit to the city by a Royal Australian Navy warship since 1985.

The visit strengthened ties between the two nations with formal engagements, while the four-day visit allowed the crew some much earned rest and relaxation.

A highlight of the trip was the opportunity for members of ship’s company to experience the local culture, bartering for souvenirs at the local markets and taking safari tours of the national parks which allowed members to get up close with animals such as lions, zebras and elephants.

POML-C Jeremy Bowman was one of more than half of ship’s company who took full advantage of the rare opportunity.

“The safari allowed us to experience some local animals and terrain. The highlight of my tour was when a family of eight elephants almost attacked the bus,” he said.

“To say I have experienced an African safari is a once in a lifetime event and it will not easily be forgotten.”

ABEW Georgina Herdmun was also on the tour and took the opportunity to photograph the unique sights.

“Getting to see the animals in their natural habitat was well worth the long drive in the bus. It was a great day out and I had a lot of fun,” she said.

Some members of ship’s company, including LSML-SC Sarah Hickling also attended a World Cup football qualifying match between Tanzania and Ivory Coast.

“Having this rare opportunity is without a doubt my highlight of the deployment to date,” she said.

“Being surrounded by 80,000 passionate Tanzanians cheering on their National team against an opposition that includes world class players was an exhilarating experience I will never forget.”

“To see Tanzania win would have been a fairytale ending pushing them through to qualify, unfortunately the more experienced Ivory Coast outplayed them to win 4-2.”

Newcastle hosted Tanzanian Defence Force personnel including Chief of Navy Major General Omar on board for a luncheon catered for by the ships cooks and stewards during the port visit. A contingent of Tanzanian sailors was also hosted for tours of Newcastle.

The Ship’s Company also paid respects at the Dar es Salaam Commonwealth War Cemetery to those who fell in the two World Wars and contains the graves of two Australian servicemen who died in the First World War: Stoker William Bryant of HMAS Pioneer and Lighthorse Trooper James Gilbert.

Chaplain Grant Ludlow led a small contingent to remember the fallen in a remembrance ceremony including the Ship’s Warrant Officer, WO Phil Smith, who laid a wreath on behalf of the ship’s company.

“The cemetery sits in amongst the hustle and bustle of Dar es Salaam, quite innocuously, and the gardens are meticulously maintained,” WO Smith said after the visit.

“The grounds were peaceful and had a calming, almost reflective feel to them – fitting for the last resting place for these Australian Servicemen.”

Having thoroughly enjoyed the visit and recharged the batteries, Newcastle sailed on 20 June to commence her second patrol in support of OP SLIPPER and CTF150.

Imagery is available on the Royal Australian Navy Media Library at http://images.navy.gov.au/S20130582.