Training Vessel for Royal Navy of Oman Constructed at Damen
The Ministry of Defense in Oman has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the construction of a Sail Training Vessel (STV). The 87-metre square rigged, three-masted steel clipper and will take up her role as flagship. In addition to its key role of training young Omani navy cadets and officers, the new clipper will be deployed in a distinct diplomatic role and emphasize Oman’s centuries-old maritime tradition. Due for delivery in August 2014, the ship will replace the RNO’s current RNOV Shabab Oman and will be in the RNO Fleet. In March (2013) the ship’s keel laying ceremony took place at Damen Shipyards Galati (Romania). This was conducted by Rear Admiral Al Raisi, the RNO’s commander-in-chief. The RNO has an eight-strong overseeing team stationed in Romania.
Oman Navy Affirms Counter-Piracy Involvement
During a port visit by EU Naval Force Flag Ship FS MARNE in Salalah (Oman), the EUNAVFOR Force Commander Rear Admiral Dupuis flew to Muscat to meet Omani maritime authorities. Discussions focused on the current positive developments in counter piracy and their possible reasons (30 attacks in early 2012 compared with 111 for the same period in 2011). The Omani authorities have reiterated their interest and involvement in the fight against piracy and more generally in monitoring their territorial waters.
McFaul Crew Captures Suspected Pirates
The crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul captured 10 suspected pirates and rescued eight crewmembers from the Indian cargo dhow Faize Osamani near Salalah, Oman, April 5 after a dhow and three skiffs attempted to attack the Motor Vessel Rising Sun the same day. Rising Sun sent a distress call that morning to alert maritime forces that pirate skiffs had pulled alongside and were firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at their vessel. The Omani warship Al Sharquiyah and the USS McFaul immediately responded.
