Flag Victor validates WatchStander technology
A NEWLY launched anti-piracy system has been given the thumbs up by maritime security and operations consultants Flag Victor. The WatchStander system was originally developed for the US naval fleet but has been modified and adapted for use by commercial vessels, cruise ships and yachts. The fully automated system detects and identifies pirates before launching a series of non-lethal counter measures. Flag Victor recently put WatchStander through a robust Audit and Performance…
Non-Lethal Defense Against Maritime Piracy Unveiled
A TEAM of technology visionaries has today unveiled what it believes is the most effective way to end maritime piracy, and save lives and billions of dollars each year. The WatchStander system was originally developed for the US naval fleet but has been modified and adapted over the past two years for use by commercial vessels, cruise ships and yachts. A significant advance in anti-pirate technology, WatchStander is a fully automated and integrated system that detects and identifies pirates before launching a series of non-lethal but highly effective counter measures. It is currently undergoing an Audit and Performance Assessment by maritime security and operations consultants from Flag Victor.
IMS Dredges Helps Create Security Zone in Gulf of Guinea
IMS Dredges, a division of LWT, LLC, is facilitating the creation of a local security zone in the Gulf of Guinea. IMS Dredges' 7012 HP Versi-dredge is being utilized to develop the bases for the The African Partnership Station in its fight against piracy. The dredged material is creating these foundations as an integral part of the security effort. Developing protection, such as this, has been an ongoing struggle in the region which has initiated the creation of various defense programs. The African Partnership Station, an aspect of the U.S.
NAVEUR's Guidance – Executing Maritime Strategy
From Commander, U.S. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR)/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa Guidance for 2008 was released Jan. 8, by Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe. Fitzgerald's vision for naval forces in Europe and Africa centers on achieving excellence, continuing to build a creative, diverse and professional team, and making U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) the assignment choice in the U.S. Navy. "(We will) conduct the full range of maritime operations in theater security cooperation in concert with coalition, joint, inter-agency and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa," he wrote. In the document, Fitzgerald defines his operational objectives and strategic imperatives.
RIB Report
The first ever unassisted crossing of the North Atlantic just south of the arctic circle in a small, open, Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) has been completed by a team of dedicated adventurers led by Bear Grylls. Traveling from Nova Scotia to John O'Groats via a route which passed just south of the Arctic Circle, the expedition, which has raised around $80,000 for the UK young persons' charity, The Prince's Trust, has been completed a week ahead of schedule despite encountering icebergs and horrendous weather conditions. The expedition, which involved a five-man team sailing the open boat across 3,000 miles of the North Atlantic on a route that saw landfall in Halifax…
USS Constitution Commanding Officer Relieved
Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, Director Navy Staff, relieved Cmdr. Thomas C. Graves, Commanding Officer USS Constitution, due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command May 10. Cmdr. William A. Bullard III has assumed command of the Constitution. Cmdr. Graves has been temporarily assigned to Surface Warfare Officers School Command. Constitution is homeported in Boston. Special from Chief of Naval Information
GW Carrier Strike Group Underway for SOUTHCOM Deployment
USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 departed Naval Station Norfolk April 4 as part of U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) “Partnership of the Americas” deployment. The two-month underway period marks GW’s first deployment since leaving the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in December. “Partnership of the Americas is designed to foster goodwill among partner nations through communications, operations and training,” said Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. More than 6,500 Sailors from the GW Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) ships will deploy to the Caribbean Sea to enhance regional maritime security and strengthen ties through operations and exercises with Caribbean and Latin American partner nations.
