Turkish Navy News

When Russia attacked Ukraine, the nearest naval vessel of a major NATO ally was in the Mediterranean. The last such ship from a major naval member of the Western military alliance left the Black Sea – an area roughly the size of California bordering Russia, Ukraine and NATO members Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania – over a month ago.A French warship completed a tour in early January and no major NATO naval ally has patrolled its waters since, according to Turkish maritime website Turkishnavy.net, which tracks the movements of foreign warships.

Turkey sent a Greek Cypriot research vessel away from what it says is its continental shelf in the Mediterranean on Sunday after it entered the area without permission, Turkey's Defence Ministry said, in a sign of renewed tensions.For decades, Turkey has been at odds with Greece and Cyprus over competing territorial claims in the east Mediterranean, air space, energy, the status of some islands in the Aegean, and the breakaway Turkish state on the divided island of Cyprus.After months of tension last year that sparked fears of direct confrontation between NATO members Turkey and Greece, the two sides agreed in January to resume talks…

Two warships came to the aid of an injured seafarer on board the Indian-flagged merchant tanker Lourdes off the coast of Oman in the early hours on Monday.French frigate Jean Bart and Japanese destroyer Ariake were called to conduct the emergency operation, which saw medical personnel from both vessels assist an Indian patient who had a suspected head injury.At 0100Z (0400 local time), a Japanese medic provided immediate assistance on board MV Lourdes, before coordinating with…

Turkey said on Monday that its Oruc Reis exploration vessel will carry out seismic surveys in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean until Sept. 12, provoking an angry response from neighboring Greece.Turkey and Greece, NATO allies, vehemently disagree over claims to hydrocarbon resources in the area based on conflicting views on the extent of their continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands.Both sides have held military exercises in the east Mediterranean, highlighting the potential for the dispute over the extent of their continental shelves to escalate.The Turkish navy issued an advisory saying the Oruc Reis would continue working until Sept. 12. It had previously been scheduled to work until Sept.

Turkey dispatched a vessel to conduct a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean, a move which Greece said was illegal and is likely to heighten tensions between the two NATO allies.The advisory issued by the Turkish navy said the Oruc Reis vessel would operate in the area over the next two weeks.The two countries are at odds due to overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute that was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations.But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday…

Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency said on Thursday that the navy had stopped a Greek frigate from harassing a Turkish ship in the Mediterranean. It did not give further details.Turkey, Greece and Cyprus's internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government have long disputed their overlapping claims of jurisdiction for offshore oil and gas research in the Mediterranean.The ship Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa was carrying out seismic research activity, the foreign ministry said earlier.It also said Turkey would continue to exercise its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its continental shelf."We recommend that Greece abstain from acts that would cause an escalation in the region…

Cyprus accused Turkey on Friday of threatening to use force against a drillship chartered by Italy's Eni, in a standoff over hydrocarbons rights in the eastern Mediterranean. There was no immediate reaction from Turkey, which has vowed to prevent Greek Cypriots from exploring for oil or gas around the ethnically-split island and says some areas of Cyprus's offshore maritime zone fall under its jurisdiction. On Feb. 9, the Turkish navy on manoeuvres in the Mediterranean stopped the Saipem 12000 vessel on its way to drill for gas in the waters off Cyprus, triggering a diplomatic standoff which has underscored tensions in the region over competing claims for offshore resources.

The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Aksaz, Turkey, Nov. 9 after conducting a regularly scheduled port call. While Donald Cook was in port, Sailors attended multiple planning sessions, a reception for participants and a press conference for exercise Dogu Akdeniz 2017. After departing Aksaz, the ship and crew participated in a photo exercise for Dogu Akdeniz. "Our time in Aksaz was a great experience," said Cmdr. Matt Powel, commanding officer of the Donald Cook. "Our first evolution after departing went without a hitch," Powel said. "Aksaz, was a very beautiful port and our short stay was very beneficial," said Cmdr. Kelley Jones, executive officer of the Donald Cook. "Our hosts were very generous and provided superb support.

Turkey has sent two ships and a submarine to monitor a drilling vessel in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the military said on Thursday, in a move likely to increase tension with Cyprus after reunification talks failed last week. The drilling work, a contractual obligation between Cyprus and France's Total, comes a week after the collapse of talks to reunify the divided island nation, split between ethnic Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Ankara has said it will take measures against Cyprus for engaging in gas and oil exploration around the island. It says that hydrocarbon resources in the waters around the divided island should belong to both sides. The military said it had deployed the frigates and a submarine to the eastern Mediterranean to "guarantee the security of oil transportation".

Turkey and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding for the sale of four Turkish made corvette warships and 52 Pakistan-made training planes for Ankara's armed forces, Turkey's defence industry undersecretariat said on Wednesday. Karachi Shipyard (KS&EW) will buy four corvettes made under Turkey's MILGEM warship programme, aimed at designing and building locally a fleet of multipurpose corvettes and frigates that will replace older ships. The Turkish defence undersecretariat said the final deal was expected to be signed on June 30. The statement did not provide any financial details. Turkey will buy 52 Super Mushshak training planes from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex - Kamra…

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) has completed its third deployment into the Black Sea under the command of Captain Ramazan Kesgin, Turkish Navy. SNMCMG2 started its deployment on July 8 in support of NATO’s assurance measures regarding Alliance resolve and commitment to collective defense, and to enhance maritime security in the region. SNMCMG2 included the flagship TCG CEZAYIRLI GAZI HASAN PASA (Turkey) and the mine counter-measures vessels TCG EDINCIK (Turkey), ESPS TURIA (Spain) and the ROS SLT. ALEXANDRU AXENTE (Romania).

GE’s Marine Solutions announced that the Turkish Navy’s third MILGEM multi-purpose corvette TCG Burgazada was launched powered by a GE LM2500 gas turbine-based propulsion system. The launch ceremony was held in mid-June at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard; a keel laying ceremony was also held for sister MILGEM ship TCG Kınalıada. The propulsion system for TCG Burgazada (F-513) is the same as sisters TCG Heybeliada (F-511) and TCG Büyükada (F-512), consisting of an LM2500 gas turbine in a combined diesel and gas turbine configuration with two diesel engines. Total propulsion power is 31,000 kilowatts, allowing the ships to reach maximum speed in excess of 29 knots. The corvettes have an overall length of 99 meters with a displacement of 2,300 tons.

Turkish Navy’s third Milgem class corvette, the F-513 TCG Burgazada, created as part of the MILGEM project, was launched with a ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım. TCG Burgazada is the third ship of the series built at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command as part of the MILGEM project that was launched in order to build modern warships upon the 2004 decision of the Defense Industry Executive Committee. The construction of the Burgazada Corvette began on 17 December 2014, at Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command. The 29 blocks of the corvette were built in 18 months and assembled on the slipway. The ship was launched upon its completion 3 months prior to the estimated date on the contracts.

This morning, four NATO ships assigned to Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group TWO (SNMCMG2) arrived in Batumi, Georgia for a scheduled visit in an effort to enhance cooperative activities and strengthen relations with the partner nation. The fifth member of the Group, ITS GAETA (Italy), will arrive later in the visit. Under the command of Captain Ramazan Kesgin, Turkish Navy, the Group includes the flagship TCG CEZAYIRLI GAZI HASAN PASA (Turkey) and the mine counter-measures vessels TCG EDREMIT (Turkey), ESPS TAMBRE (Spain), ITS GAETA and ROS SLT. ALEXANDRU AXENTE (Romania).

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX), Dec. 11, with the Turkish Navy. PASSEXs are conducted to improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. Navy and other naval forces. Gonzalez participated in various maneuvering formations and communication exercises with the Gabya class Frigate TCG Gökçeada (F-494). Cmdr. The PASSEX helps develop understanding between the two naval forces and benefits both countries’ readiness and partnership for future operations. Gonzalez, part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S.

The Turkish shipyard SEDEF has signed a contract with the Turkey's procurement agency, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) for the design and construction of Landing Platform Dock (LPD) for the Turkish Navy. The 231-meter landing platform dock that is capable of carrying 1,000 personnel. Mujdat Uludag, a senior official at SSM, said the project is expected to end in 2021. Uludağ noted the capabilities of the Turkish Naval Forces will be advanced with this LPD, adding the warship would be able to sail in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas. “If needed, the warship can also sail in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans,” he said. The contract covers design and construction of an LPD ship based on the Spanish Navy's Navantia designed and built LHD Juan Carlos I.

GE Marine announced it has signed a contract with Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik Ve Ticaret A.Ş. (STM), Ankara, Turkey, whereby GE will provide STM with LM2500 gas turbines. The engines will power the Turkish Navy’s third and fourth MILGEM multi-purpose corvettes, GE reported today during the IDEF ’15 industry trade show. STM is the program manager for these new two ships, and will provide platform systems, construction materials, design services and the main propulsion systems, as well as integration of the propulsion system.

Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) transported a Turkish mariner to U.S. Navy Hospital Sigonella early in the morning of Aug. 4 following a request for assistance from Turkish Navy warship TCG Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasa (A579). San Jacinto was transiting the Mediterranean Sea conducting routine communications shortly before 11 p.m. local time Aug. 3, when it was hailed by the Turkish warship who requested transportation assistance for a mariner who required immediate medical attention. San Jacinto responded immediately, heading to the ship's location.

It is no secret that the Spanish shipbuilding sector has hit on hard times, particularly in the big ship sector where much of the commercial business has evolved to lower cost manufacturers in the Far East. But considering that Navantia has a 300-year history, the current downturn is put in perspective. While Navantia is not without challenges, it has the aforementioned experience and a military backlog to lean on. Navantia is engaged in the design and manufacture of Integrated Platform Management Systems…

Reuters reported that Turkish navy tugboat, TCG Degirmendere, capsized Monday while docked for repairs at Aegean coast Izmir Shipyard, resulting in the death of eight military personnel and two civilian workers. Seventeen other military personnel were reported injured. After completing maintenance, the tug was being lowered into the sea when it suddenly listed to one side, taking on water, the report said. Source: Reuters

Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) for final delivery of eighth Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessel built by Anadolu Shipyard (ADK) completed satisfactorily. The eighth vessel (TCG Ç-158) LCT will be ready to be delivered on August 29th 2012, having completed its Sea Acceptance Test. ANADOLU Shiphard has already delivered the first seven vessels of the LCT project (TCG Ç-151; TCG Ç-152; TCG Ç-153; TCG Ç-154; TCG Ç-155; TCG Ç-156; TCG Ç-157) between March and July 2012. The shipyard points out that LCT program will be completed on time as planned 37 months after the start of the project…

Brokers Marcon International were in attendance and inform of the launch of the 300’ x 100’ x 20’ heavy deck cargo barge “Prometheus” (Hull No. 104) built and designed by Gunderson Marine, Portland, Oregon, for Ulysses LLC. The new barge was christened by Mimsy Huger Lindner and promptly and safely launched to the sound of the swirling bagpipes of the Clan Macleay Pipe Band. “Prometheus” is a double raked ABS +A1 Barge with recessed bitts, a parabolic bow rake and about a 29,572ft2 clear deck.

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