2012

NATO and Russia hold talks on Counter Piracy cooperation in St. Petersburg

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:12:00 GMT

Rear Admiral Hank Ort, head of NATO's delegation and his Russian counterpart Rear Admiral Leonid Sukhanov met on

18-19 December 2012

NATO and the Russian Federation’s Navy conducted their fourth talks in two years to improve the effectiveness of counter piracy forces near Somalia. On 18 and 19 December a delegation from the Allied Maritime Command (HQ MARCOM) visited St. Petersburg where they met with their Russian counterparts in a very open and constructive atmosphere. With the vast number of nations involved in the fight against piracy, talks like these are an effective means to maximise the output of the international effort.

Rear Admiral Hank Ort, head of NATO's delegation and his Russian counterpart Rear Admiral Leonid Sukhanov agreed that although piracy figures are declining, complacency must be avoided at all cost. While the number of ships that have been attacked or highjacked over the past year is far lower than the previous year, the time is not to sit back and relax. Pirates collected approximately 150 million dollars last year in ransom, which is potentially still available to them to step up their game again.

Forces off the Horn of Africa all have the same objective: to prevent merchant ships and their crews from being harmed and taken hostage for ransom. Agreeing on the way of working between different nations and the possibility to exchange information are key to success and the main reason for meeting. For that purpose both parties agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding on the use of a communication system which supports secure sharing of information related to piracy in the area. This allows the memorandum to be signed in the near future. Also a document describing the common conduct of counter piracy operations (Common Approaches and Procedures) was signed by Rear Admiral Ort and Rear Admiral Sukhanov.

Allied Maritime Command (HQ MARCOM) visited St. Petersburg where they met with the Russian Federation’s Navy and conducted their fourth talks in two years to improve the effectiveness of counter piracy forces near Somalia, 18-19 December 2012.

NATO and the Russian Federation cooperate on a wide range of topics among which counter piracy. Rear Admiral Geir Osen, NATO's military liaison in Moscow, joined the meeting and noted the cooperative posture of both delegations. "Not only are important practical steps taken to work together more efficiently in maritime operations near Somalia, but increased mutual awareness and understanding is also established, which is incredibly valuable in the longer term".

A combat Christmas

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:51:00 GMT

Combined Team Uruzgan Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Moser presents Regimental Sergeant Major of the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Task Group Warrant Officer Class 1, Michael Landy with a Christmas tree from Trees-4-Branches. (Photo by WO2 Andrew Hetherington)

MULTINATIONAL BASE TARIN KOT, Afghanistan - More than 11 years into the war in Afghanistan, care packages continue to be a pleasant reminder that soldiers serving at Multinational Base Tarin Kot are remembered during the holiday season.

More than 20 organizations have adopted coalition forces at MNB-TK, sending various items from festive stockings to live Christmas trees. This has not gone unnoticed by the command group.

"It is extremely humbling that these organizations have sent gifts for our Australian and U.S. soldiers,” Command Sgt. Maj. Jefferson Moser, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division said.

BevAnn Brevig, an Operation Shoebox volunteer, sent more than 1,400 Christmas stockings with food, hygiene items, pens and paper to make the troops holiday a little more cheerful.

"We are pleased to bring you these stockings in hopes to bring you some enjoyment through the holidays,” said Brevig, "God Bless America; God bless you and your family.”

Trees-4-Branches also helped soldiers get in the Christmas spirit when they sent Christmas trees in memory of their Australian friends who passed.

"I am dedicating these trees to pay tribute to Australians and the service that they provide,” Dave Kohler, Trees-4-Branches volunteer, said.

"We are honoured to accept these gifts on behalf of the men and women who serve here,” said Michael Landy, Regimental Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One, 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Task Group.

Soldiers appreciate everything that they receive because it makes their Christmas a little more festive even while they are in combat.

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Story by Capt. Gina Goris

No Christmas Holiday for Somali Pirates

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:33:00 GMT

Disruption of suspected pirates on 11 October 2012 (Photo credit: HNLMS Rotterdam, Operation Ocean Shield)

NATO is urging the merchant shipping community not to lower their guard or preparation over the Christmas period as the pirates operating in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters will not be taking a holiday. The recent attack (16th December) on the MV Torm Kristina proves that the pirates are still on the lookout for targets.

Vice Admiral Christian Canova, Deputy Commander at NATO’s Maritime Headquarters in Northwood said, "Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean is at its lowest point since 2008 and this is good news, however we cannot be complacent. The weekend’s attack on the MV Torm Kristina shows that the pirates are active and are able to operate at great distances from the Somali coast. NATO and her maritime partners are still patrolling and disrupting pirate activity, however, the merchant community have their role to play and should continue to ensure that vessels implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and are prepared to repel pirate attacks.”

Best Management Practices (BMP4) provides useful updates to masters in implementing ship protection measures to deter piracy. The publication is designed in a well-organised layout with clear definitions of terminology and procedures. BMP4 can be downloaded from the NATO Shipping Centre website www.shipping.nato.int where you will find information about the latest pirate attacks and where they occurred.

All international vessels transiting the area are encouraged to register with the UK’s Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO), based in Dubai and the EU’s Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), London so that their transits can be monitored and any incidents quickly reported by the master of the vessel.

Background Information:

NATO has contributed to the international counter piracy effort off the Horn of Africa since December 2008. The mission has expanded from escorting UN and World Food Programme Shipping under Operation Allied Provider and protecting merchant traffic in the Gulf of Aden under Operation Allied Protector. In addition to these activities and as part of the latest mission, Operation Ocean Shield, NATO is working with other international bodies to help develop capacity of countries in the region to tackle piracy on their own.

The NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) is the link between NATO naval forces and the merchant shipping community. Permanently manned by NATO, the NSC is the primary point of contact for the exchange of merchant shipping information between NATO's military authorities and the international shipping community. The NSC is part of the Allied Maritime Command Headquarters Northwood in the UK.

NATO Allies agreed on 19 March 2012 to extend Operation Ocean Shield for a further two years until the end of 2014.

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

 ITS SAN MARCO – Flag Ship (ITALY)
 HDMS IVER HUITFELDT (DENMARK)
 USS HALYBURTON (UNITED STATES)
 TCG GOKOVA (TURKEY)

Secretary General thanks Belgium for its contribution as a reliable Ally

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:50:00 GMT

The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen congratulated Belgium for its important role in NATO-led operations during a meeting with the Belgian Prime Minister Elio di Rupo and Defence Minister Pieter De Crem.

Joint Force Command Lisbon Deactivation Ceremony

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:21:00 GMT

The formal casing of the colours at JFC Lisbon, 18 December 2012, during the Deactivation Ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, (NATO photo by Ger. Army Sgt. Emily Langer)

Oeiras, Portugal – Today, the 18th of December 2012, Joint Force Command Lisbon (JFC Lisbon) conducted a deactivation ceremony at the Reduto Gomes Freire Compound in Oeiras.

JFC Lisbon Commander Lieutenant General Manuel Mestre welcomed the Portuguese Minister of Defence, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), the Portuguese Chief of Defence and a large number of guests for the Deactivation Ceremony.

Prior to the deactivation ceremony, there were two additional ceremonies to mark the closure of the headquarters. An official unveiling of the JFC Lisbon Monument and the transfer of authority of NATO Support to African Union from JFC Lisbon to Naples.

JFC Lisbon was selected as one of the headquarters to be deactivated by the end of 2012 within the transformation process aiming a new NATO Command Structure (NCS) which is effective, leaner and affordable.

NATO, however, will maintain a significant footprint in Portugal with the continued presence of Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre (JALLC) at Monsanto, and, upon relocation from Italy, Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and the NATO Communications and Information Systems School (NCISS).

Background Information:

The history of NATO existence in Oeiras goes back to 1972. After that, there have been several changes to the functionality and area of responsibility in parallel to the NATO Transformation efforts. And at the final stage, At the NATO Summit in Lisbon in November 2010, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance adopted a new strategic concept that will serve as the Alliance's roadmap for the next ten years and agreed on the reforms of the NCS and the agencies.

The new NCS will be effective, leaner and affordable. It will have an overall strength of some 8,800 posts after the reduction from 13,000, and there will be a significant reduction in the current number of headquarters. This reduction includes the closure of JFC Lisbon and ending up with 2 Operational level Headquarters, one in Brunssum and one in Naples. Finally, as part of the wider command arrangements Striking Force NATO (STRIKFORNATO) will be moved to Oeiras/Portugal from Italy. Furthermore, the NATO CIS (Communications and Information Systems) School will also be moved from Italy to Portugal.

NATO Support to African Union: NATO began providing support to the African Union Mission in May 2005 and the approach in Africa is based on recognition of the African Union's desire to provide African solutions to African problems. SHAPE delegated the authority to JFC Lisbon to have the operational lead for NATO engagements with the African Union. With the deactivation of JFC Lisbon, the authority for this mission will be transferred to JFC Naples.

To view more pictures from the closing ceremonies at Allied Joint Force Command Lisbon please click here.

To view the video of Joint Force Command Lisbon, please click here.

General Domröse assumes command of JFC Brunssum.

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:24:21 GMT

General Hans-Lothar Domröse assumed command of Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum, 14 December, at a Ceremony presided over by Admiral James G. Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

NATO Warship HDMS IVER HUITFELDT Frees Danish Ship After Pirate Attack

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:17:00 GMT

The vessel, MV Torm Kristina which was attacked by suspected pirates on 15 December.

Late yesterday, the Danish MV Torm Kristina was sailing to Muscat (Oman) in order to perform a quick logistical port visit, when she was approached by 2 suspected pirate skiffs. The crew quickly assembled in the citadel and sent a mayday message out.

Meanwhile the mayday message was passed to the Commander of the NATO counter piracy task force, Rear Admiral Antonio Natale. He tasked one of the NATO warships HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, which was in Muscat for a port visit and therefore only 90 miles away, to proceed to the MV Torm Kristina and assist her.

By the time the NATO warship arrived on the scene three hours later, the pirates had left the Torm Kristina. It is believed that they saw the warship coming towards them and realised they had no realistic possibility of taking control of the Torm Kristina.

A boarding party from the Iver Huitfeldt boarded the Torm Kristina, searched the ship to ensure that no pirates were still on board and once this was established they freed the crew from the citadel.

Members of the boarding team from HDMS Iver Huitfeldt on board the MV Torm Kristina, after they had searched to ensure no pirates were on board. (Photo credit: Operation Ocean Shield)

Vice Admiral Christian Canova, Deputy Commander at Allied Maritime Command said, "Despite the winter monsoon which generates bad sea states, this incident demonstrates the pirates are still active and able to operate far away from Somalia, but we are watching them and when Best Management Practices such as citadels are in effect on merchant vessels, we are able to react quickly and deter pirate actions. Once again, NATO warships have proved their ability to react quickly and to use their speed and capabilities to deter and disrupt piracy and to free innocent merchant sailors. This incident shows that we cannot be complacent.”

MV Torm Kristina is now free to sail.

Background Information:

NATO Allies agreed on 19 March 2012 to extend Operation Ocean Shield for a further two years until the end of 2014.

HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, Denmark's contribution to NATO's Counter-Piracy Mission, Operation Ocean Shield. The ship freed crew of the MV Torm Kristina from suspected pirates on 15 December 2012. (Photo credit: Operation Ocean Shield)

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

. ITS SAN MARCO – Flag Ship (ITALY)

. HDMS IVER HUITFELDT (DENMARK)

. USS HALYBURTON (UNITED STATES)

. TCG GOKOVA (TURKEY)

NATO Secretary General thanks Dutch Prime Minister for commitment to Alliance

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:40:50 GMT

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen thanked the Netherlands for its commitment to the Alliance, and in particular its contribution of two Patriot batteries to augment Turkey’s air defences, after talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, on 13 December.

Petty Officer Julien Riviere nominated Staff Member of the Year

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:07:00 GMT

PO Julien Riviere (French Navy) was nominated Staff Member of 2012.

(Photo credit: MC Northwood)

On 13 December, PO Julien Riviere (French Navy) was nominated Allied Maritime Command staff officer of the year for 2012, making him the first French nominee on the list.

PO Riviere, who is part of Operation Ocean Shield’s Command and Control team in Northwood, was praised by the Commander of the Maritime Command, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, KCB DSC, for his invaluable contribution to the success of this operation.

PO Riviere has been briefing the HQ’s Commander on a regular basis on crucial operational developments and has also served as the Maritime Command’s liaison officer abroad for several months.

Having already received a commendation for his contribution in Exercise Ramstein Ambition II as "an invaluable naval subject matter expert”, the entire staff agreed his nomination as staff member of the year was well deserved.

Global movement comes to rural district of Spin Boldak, Afghanistan

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:22:00 GMT

U.S. Navy Lt. Darren Myers, an officer with the Rule of Law Field Force-Afghanistan, carries humanitarian assistance to distribute to villagers attending a women's meeting at the Spin Boldak District Centre, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012. The meeting, led by female Afghan leaders from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, non-government organizations and other local professional women, was held in conjunction with the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign which was conducted from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – As organizations and advocates across the world gathered and hosted events to recognize the official 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, women in the rural district of Spin Boldak learned of the movement during a rare women’s gathering at the Spin Boldak District Centre in Kandahar province, Dec. 7.

Female Afghan leaders from Kandahar province representing the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the non-government organization Women’s Economic Empowerment Office and professional local women met with approximately 40 female villagers to spread the news of the campaign and discuss topics of importance in the area.

"We are all like you,” said Mahmoona Tarek, a representative from WEEO. "We have husbands, kids, family, and we take care of them. The only difference is we get to go outside and talk with people and share our problems.”

Women’s gatherings in the district are still very rare, as most women do not travel outside their homes or villages.

"We all have rights,” she said. "Females and males have the same rights, and men are not supposed to beat you up.”

Tarek spoke to the women as she passed out purple ribbons for attendees to wear throughout the campaign as well as information cards highlighting key campaign facts.

An Afghan girl waits inside the gathering area of a women's meeting at the Spin Boldak District Centre, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012.

The 16 Days campaign in Afghanistan addresses issues such as the fact that violence against women is against the law, informing women of their rights and how to defend them, and steps to take if their rights are violated.

In addition to the campaign, leaders spoke about vaccinations, medical care, hygiene and personal care, as well as emphasized the importance of education for both girls and boys, going to college, and the opportunities created by continuing education and developing new skills.

The invitation by district leaders to female leaders and villagers to gather at the district centre was an initial step toward promoting women’s rights as many women see the district centre as a place of business for men only.

"A lot of females did not come, so go home and share this information with your family and friends,” said Dr. Zubidah, a local women’s doctor and guest speaker. "Each person can educate 50 others.”

Zubidah let the women know leaders and International Security Assistance Forces representatives are there to help them.

"If you have problems, like somebody is bothering you, you can share it with us and the director of Women’s Affairs and we can try to help you,” she said.

Roquia Achekzai, the Kandahar province Director of Women’s Affairs, and Peri Jachmi, a women’s rights representative also spoke during the meeting.

ISAF forces from Civil Affairs Team 613 of the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, the Female Engagement Team of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, the Rule of Law Field Force-Afghanistan, and the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion helped facilitate the event to bring the female leaders and villagers together in a safe environment.

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

Story by 1st Lt. Veronica Aguila

NATO Special Operation Headquarters Official Opening

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:13:00 GMT

On Wednesday December 12, 2012 a ceremony attended by Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander – Europe, and LtGen. Frank Kisner, Commander of NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ), marked the official opening of the NSHQ co-located with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Casteau, Belgium.

The history of Special Forces within NATO goes back to 2006 with the creation of the NATO Special Operations Coordination Centre (NSCC). In 2010 NATO Special Operations Headquarters was created, but quickly out-grew its facilities as 26 NATO member nations and three non-NATO partner nations contributed personnel.

The new NSHQ will enable the special forces of these nations to better train, plan, and work together. As Stavridis noted during the opening ceremony, "I expect this to be a venue for ideas about equipment and technology. We can share and learn from each other.”

Additionally, NSHQ acts as the coordinator for all Special Forces across NATO operations by directing the activities of Special Operations Component Commands. The new headquarters, which accommodates about 200 personnel will be the centrepiece of NATO Special Operations well into the 21st Century.

Hungarian Chief of Defence Visits SHAPE

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:38:00 GMT

On 12 December 2012 General Benkö, Hungarian Chief of Defence, made his first official visit to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) where he was welcomed with an honour guard. Following the official welcome ceremony, General Benkö participated in an Office Call with Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

General Benkö also visited SHAPE’s new entity: the Comprehensive Crisis and Operations Management Centre (CCOMC). The Director of CCOMC, Brigadier General Deakin, welcomed the Hungarian Chief of Defence Staff, and provided a guided tour of the facility. General Benkö was also briefed on the activities and processes employed within CCOMC and specifically how Allied Command Operations handle emerging crises in a comprehensive, collective and coordinated way.

During General Benkö's visit to SHAPE, Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, was presented with the Commander's Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit with Star, Military Division. Admiral Stavridis was recognised for his support in the contribution of Hungarian Defence Forces to the security missions in Europe and Afghanistan.

Afghan soldiers take the lead to defeat IEDs

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:32:21 GMT

Equipped with the knowledge of this menace and potential means to defeat it, the upper levels of the ANA leadership have placed counter IED training at the top of their priorities.

General Freers Assumes Duties as SHAPE Chief of Staff

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:40:00 GMT

MONS, Belgium — On 10 December 2012, General Werner Freers became the Chief of Staff of NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), assuming these duties from General Manfred Lange.

Ceremonies honouring General Lange and welcoming General Freers were presided over by Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

General Freers, a German Army officer with over 39 years of experience, is joining SHAPE after recently serving as the Chief of the German Army. He has extensive previous experience with NATO including two deployments in support of the ISAF mission.

"I congratulate General Freers on this significant appointment and I am looking forward to working with such an accomplished and experienced officer,” said Admiral Stavridis. "The position of Chief of Staff is absolutely vital to any commander in assisting with the coordination of NATO’s daily operations around the globe,” he said. "Such a job requires a special set of skills and abilities, and I have the utmost confidence that General Freers is up to the challenge.”

General Lange, a German Air Force Officer, is retiring after two and a half years in his current position and following a distinguished career of 42 years.

"General Lange has been instrumental in helping manage the more than seventy thousand military and civilian personnel across three continents that comprise SHAPE. Throughout intense operations in Afghanistan, Libya, the Mediterranean Sea, off the Horn of Africa, and the Balkans, his service has been exemplary, and stands as a credit to his home country Germany and to all of NATO,” said Admiral Stavridis. "Perhaps General Lange’s greatest challenge was to oversee the implementation of NATO’s transformation to a more streamlined military structure, which will be his lasting legacy of positive change here. General Lange has been and always will be a trusted colleague and friend.”

Prior to assuming the position of Chief of Staff, General Lange was Deputy Chief of Staff of the German Air Force in Bonn. He also previously served as Deputy Chairman of NATO's Air Defence Committee and of the NATO Air Command & Control Management Organization (NACMO) Board of Directors at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

He will retire to his home in northern Germany and will continue to work on his farm.

"It has been an honour to serve as Chief of Staff of SHAPE during the last three years,” said General Lange. "I would like to offer my sincere thanks and best wishes to all the dedicated personnel working within Allied Command Operations. You have made my time here in Belgium truly special,” he said.

ANSF, ISAF come together to discuss Afghan infrastructure

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:32:00 GMT

Regional Command Southwest servicemembers and Afghan National Security Forces came together to attend the ANSF Infrastructure Execution and Transition Conference aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 through 6, 2012. The two-day conference combined ANSF forces, to include Afghanistan’s National Army, Border Police, Uniformed Police and its National Civil Order Police, and members of Regional Command Southwest in one room to discuss the current infrastructure status of Afghanistan and how to improve it.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN - Afghan National Security Forces and Regional Command Southwest servicemembers gathered for the ANSF Infrastructure Execution and Transition Conference aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 5 through 6.

The RC (SW) servicemembers met with members of Afghanistan’s National Army, Border Police, Uniformed Police and its National Civil Order Police to discuss Afghanistan’s current infrastructure and ways to improve it as the Afghans prepare to assume complete control of their country.

"The principle really is to try and get the ANSF in a room to talk about the infrastructure they’re going to have,” said British Army Maj. Charlie Beatty, officer in charge of ANSF construction and development with RC (SW) engineers. "It’s an opportunity for them to talk about their plans.”

The two-day conference was mostly comprised of ANSF engineers. The forces were seated panel style in the centre of the room as exchanges of information flowed from ANSF and RC (SW) representatives.

Regional Command Southwest facilitated the conference, providing the location and aiding in extending the invites out to the many difference branches. The rest of the work was done by the Afghans, who were joined at the conference by officials from Kabul.

"What I have seen is very encouraging,” said Gunnery Sgt. Richard Arvey, ANSF construction chief for RC (SW) engineers. "Just how they’re wanting to grow as a nation, they want to build. The leaders that we deal with are striving the best they can to build infrastructure.”

Improving infrastructure covers a large umbrella of things that can be built to aid the country and the ANSF. A few of these areas were touched on during the meeting.

"(They discussed) billeting and places for their troops to live and work,” said Arvey, about examples of infrastructure ANSF leaders think are important.

Each ANSF representative was given time to discuss and present their thoughts on how to move forward in Afghanistan.

Conferences like this are scheduled to occur every three months, allowing the ANSF to track and control issues as they arise and as they continue to build Afghanistan to greater heights.

Regional Command Southwest
Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr

Italian Navy Assumes Command of NATO’s Counter Piracy Mission

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, Commander Task Force 508, Operation Ocean Shield

On 7 December 2012, in Djibouti, Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, assumed command of Operation Ocean Shield, NATO’s counter piracy mission from Cdre Ben Bekkering (Royal Netherlands Navy) who has completed a successful 6-month deployment in the region. After a short port visit, the flagship will commence counter piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia.

Pirate attacks off the Somali coast, one of the world’s busiest shipping areas, have dramatically decreased this year – three years after NATO and the European Union began conducting naval patrols there. Naval patrols, armed security guards and best management practices on merchant ships are often stated as the reasons for the reduced number of pirate attacks and hijacks, however, to discourage pirates from going to sea in the first place the task force is moving into the coastal waters of Somalia. This has allowed them to engage with local and regional seafarers, these visits to dhows and their crews are a key instrument in this containment off the coast as they deter pirates, and reassure local villagers and fishermen.

Commodore Bekkering (NL) and his counterpart and relief Rear Admiral Natale (IT) on the navigation bridge of HLNMS Rotterdam, Djibouti 5 December 2012.

NATO Maritime Command’s Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral Christian Canova, said "We are containing them, we are succeeding, but piracy is not eradicated and we cannot afford to be complacent. It is encouraging that shipping companies notice a difference and feel safer, but pirates are still in Somalia,”

NATO is working alongside EUNAVFOR, Combined Maritime Forces and individual nations to tackle acts of piracy. By joining forces, counter piracy efforts are more effective and can achieve more than any one ship, navy, organisation or country working alone.

Background Information:

NATO Allies agreed on 19 March 2012 to extend Operation Ocean Shield for a further two years until the end of 2014.

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

ITS San Marco (flagship) – Italy
USS Halyburton – United States of America
HDMS Iver Huitfeldt - Denmark

Local heroes hard at work in Afghanistan

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:07:00 GMT

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Currier and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony McRoberts work diligently at Camp Nathan Smith behind the scenes in the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team’s (KPRT) personnel section by providing much needed services to KPRT members. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jeff Neff)

Day-to-day operations at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City, Afghanistan wouldn’t be the same without U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Currier and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony McRoberts working diligently behind the scenes in the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team’s personnel section, or S-1, providing much needed services to KPRT members.

There isn’t much that happens without their involvement, from personnel rosters and daily tracking to soldier’s finances, awards, and promotions. They effectively create or revise memos and other correspondence for U.S. Navy Commander Robert Ashburn, and are skilled in written communication. When the mail arrives, soldiers and sailors wait patiently outside while Sgt. 1st Class Currier and Petty Officer 3rd Class McRoberts drive over and get it. Mail is an issue near and dear to all and S-1 serves as the lifeline from family members to the troops.

McRoberts was born in Colorado Springs, Colo. and lives in Midland, Mich. He is stationed at Naval Air Station Coronado on the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan. He plans to complete his bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management and pursue a career after his time in the Navy in the Information Systems Management field. He has been in the Navy for two years. McRoberts concurrently works as a Counter Radio Electronic Warfare (CREW) Master Gunner.

Being a CREW Master Gunner consists of radio frequency engineering for electronic warfare jamming systems, which involves being able to upload and alter firmware that emits frequencies to react and counter radio-controlled explosives. Petty Officer 3rd Class McRoberts routinely checks the mission’s vehicles systems and on-foot systems to ensure the equipment is working properly.

Sgt. 1st Class Currier was born in San Antonio, Texas. and lives in Newport News, Va. He is an Army Reservist from the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and has been in the Army for 22 years. Currier served in a variety of duty positions, starting as a Combat Medic in the 1st Cavalry Division, he conducted research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and culminated with a combat deployment to Iraq in charge of a Military Police Aid Station. After transitioning to Civil Affairs, he deployed as to Kosovo as First Sergeant of a Civil Affairs detachment. He works as a contractor in the Training Brain Operations Centre as the Future Operations Lead for his civilian career. Currier holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Olivet College, Mich. He plans to re-start his Master’s after this; his last deployment.

KPRT, a civil-military organization consisting of U.S. Navy and Army active-duty and reserve members, conducts operations to support the growth in capacity and capability of the Kandahar provincial government. KPRT works closely with other military units, civilian agencies, contractors and non-governmental organizations to support Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan progress toward sustainable stability.

Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff Neff

NATO Ships Step Up Visits to Assist Somali Villagers

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:10:00 GMT

NATO’s counter piracy task force continues to operate along the Somali coast as much as possible, engaging with local and regional seafarers, meeting elders and conducting medical visits using landing craft deployed just offshore. The aim is to expand the reach and effect of the counter piracy effort and prevent pirate action groups putting to sea.

Over the last few days NATO’s ships, HNLMS ROTTERDAM, USS HALYBURTON and HDMS IVER HUITFELDT have been busy conducting visits to local skiffs and dhows. These visits allow exchange of information that will further the counter piracy effort. It also allows NATO to explain what its ships are doing in the region as well as detailing ways in which information regarding pirate activity can be reported.

Rotterdam’s medical officer attending to a young child, while treating villagers off coast of Quandala,

19 Nov 2012.

(Photo credit: MC Northwood)

In addition, ROTTERDAM conducted yet another successful local leader engagement, followed by medical assistance on board a landing craft off coast Quandala. Over the course of a few hours, the medical team of Rotterdam saw as many as 45 villagers. Main medical complaints were related to the poor quality of water in Quandala resulting in stomach problems and diarrhoea. According to the villagers the local wells and waterworks have been severely damaged by the heavy rains over the last few weeks.

"I sense a growing trust and understanding from the villagers. We obtain information that will allow us to make distinctions between pirates and local people going about their legitimate business. All this will contribute to a further reduction of the freedom of movement of the pirates in these coastal regions. And that will ultimately bring back to maritime security that is vital for international, regional and local shipping alike,” stated CTF 508, Commodore Ben Bekkering.

The amount of pirate action reported this season in the waters off the coast of Somalia is significantly lower than that reported in previous years. Naval patrols and best management practices on merchant ships are clearly a factor in reducing the number of successful pirate attacks and hijacks. However, it is also the effect of the containment operations that are visible off the coast that discourages pirates from going to sea in the first place.

From 1 December Northwood Headquarters which is the operational HQ for Operation Ocean Shield, officially became host to NATO’s new Maritime Command. The change is a result of a larger programme decided at NATO’s 2010 Lisbon Summit aimed at making NATO’s command structure more efficient and effective. Throughout the whole of NATO positions are being trimmed from 12,000 HQ personnel to around 9,000 and reducing the number of NATO HQs from ten to six, in the largest re-structuring since the end of the Cold War. The new Maritime Command will report directly to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.

Lieutenant General Anders Silwer visits Brunssum

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:29:00 GMT

Lieutenant General Silwer met the Commander JFCBS
General Wolf Langheld.

The Director of Operations of the Swedish Armed Forces visited Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), 4 December 2012.

Lieutenant General Silwer from the Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters met the Commander JFCBS General Wolf Langheld, Deputy Commander Air Marshal David Walker, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Richard G. Tieskens and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Major General Joseph Reynes.

In context of JFCBS Regional Focus the increasing communication and relationship between our Headquarters and Swedish military authorities are very important. During the office calls, briefings and the following discussions the focus was on future cooperation, the new NATO command structure and update on ISAF post-2014 planning.

Sweden is not only participating in ISAF, it has also taken part in the operations Unified Protector, SFOR and KFOR. Sweden has indicated an interest to be involved in the post-2014 NATO mission in Afghanistan as well. In 2014 Sweden will host and organize the exemplary Comprehensive Approach Exercise VIKING, to which HQ JFCBS will deploy staff.

NCO of the Semester award

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:36:00 GMT

Warrant Officer Patrick Thomas of the France Navy was today named as Maritime Command Naples Non-Commissioned Officer of the Second Semester 2012.