Category: Security policy

USS Benfold crosses Formosa Strait

And they've done it again: according to the Pentagon, the American destroyer USS Benfold passed through the Formosa Strait on 28 July. The disputed strait, which is around 180 kilometres wide, forms the border between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China on Taiwan. At irregular intervals, US units, as well as ships from allies such as Australia, cross the waters in the South China Sea claimed by China and other nations. In doing so, they deliberately do not adhere to the various rules that the neighbouring countries have issued for the regions that they count as their territory. These include prior notifications and the request to grant...

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Two years of golf

The British minesweeper HMS Middleton left its home port of Portsmouth on Monday. After a 6,000 nautical mile voyage around Europe and crossing the Mediterranean, it is expected to arrive in the Persian Gulf in the coming weeks. The 750-tonne displacement Hunt-class vessel will then be stationed at the British base HMS Jufair in Bahrain for at least two years, ensuring safety in this important maritime area. During this time, two crews will rotate every four months. MCM2 Crew 7, which recently completed Operational Sea Training, will make the start...

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Minehunters in the Baltic Sea

The Second World War ended more than 76 years ago. But to this day, more than 30,000 mines and other explosives lie at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. In issue 4-2021, marineforum reported on contaminated sites in the sea and Kiel Munition Clearance Week, which takes place in September. An almost nine-minute video by the Latvian Navy and NATO shows how (not only) the partners in the east deal with the remains of a forgotten, but only seemingly long-gone danger. Their motto: every controlled demolition makes the Baltic Sea a little safer. Text: mb; Photo;...

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US air defence for UK Carrier Strike Group

During the UK Carrier Strike Group's operations in the Mediterranean, the American destroyer The Sullivans assumed the role of Air Defence Commander for the group. This has demonstrated the ability of both nations to work closely together in this important area. The USS The Sullivans is currently part of the Carrier Strike Group, one of eight ships on a 28-week voyage halfway around the world to the Indo-Pacific and Japan with the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth. A Dutch air defence frigate, the HNLMS Evertsen, has also joined the Strike Group. The Sullivans is currently...

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Covid outbreak on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth

The BBC reports the outbreak of Covid on board the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth. It currently forms the centrepiece of the UK Carrier Strike Group, which comprises a total of nine ships and a submarine. A spokeswoman for the Royal Navy has confirmed that around one hundred soldiers on board have tested positive for Covid-19. The outbreak occurred despite applicable hygiene rules such as face masks and social distancing. In addition to the aircraft carrier, other ships in the organisation were also affected. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that all crew members had received two doses of the vaccine before setting sail. There are also aircraft on board and...

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