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The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), along with embarked Carrier Strike Group 11, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and Destroyer Squadron 23 arrived in Naples, Italy for a port visit, Oct. 30.

The visit allows Nimitz Strike Group Sailors and Marines the chance to experience the local culture and customs, as well as a variety of recreational activities, after being at sea for more than 70 days.

The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office has set up a number of tours and hotel stays while Nimitz is in port. The tours include trips to Pompeii, Rome and the Vatican, and Naples.

“It is very exciting to have this unique opportunity to visit Naples on a Western Pacific deployment,” said Capt. Jeff Ruth, Nimitz commanding officer. “The crew has performed exceptionally well, meeting every challenge presented to them on this deployment. They deserve this great opportunity and will certainly enjoy the sites, tastes and sounds offered in this superb port.”

The port visit came as a surprise for Sailors and Marines aboard Nimitz.

“It’s exciting,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Jonathan Feinberg. “I’m going to get a hotel room, enjoy all the sites and talk to my family.”

Nimitz left its homeport of Everett, Wash., March 30 for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment and is currently supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
Press Release, October 31, 2013; Image: Wikimedia

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The Royal Navy’s Response Force Task Group (RFTG), currently deployed on Cougar 13, has successfully completed a six day exercise, Omani Cougar, with the Royal Omani Armed Forces.

The maritime exercise tested the full integration of the Royal Navy and Royal Navy of Oman by conducting conventional maritime warfare serials, as well as amphibious training with Royal Marines from 42 Commando together with the Omani Coastal Regiment.

The exercise concluded with a large maritime and amphibious demonstration to high profile Service Chiefs from both countries including: General Sir Richard Barrons (Commander Joint Force Command) and Lieutenant General Simon Mayall (Defence Senior Advisor Middle East), as well as His Excellency Jaime Bowden (Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Oman).

Lieutenant General Al Nabhani (Chief of Staff Sultan’s Armed Forces) and Rear Admiral Al Raisi (Chief of Royal Navy of Oman), were also present to witness the culmination of hard work from their Services.

Five Royal Navy of Oman warships joined HMS Bulwark, HMS Illustrious and RFA Mounts Bay for the exercise which was led by Captain (Aqeed) Haider bin Ahmed bin Raheem Dad Al Zadjali, Director of Operations Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), embarked in HMS Bulwark.

The RFTG which left UK waters in August has already completed exercises in the Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Gulf, but this is the first time that foreign navy personnel have embarked in one of the ships in order to carry out the exercise.

The Cougar 13 deployment will operate in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, the Gulf, and Horn of Africa.
Press Release, October 31, 2013; Image: Royal Navy

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Naval troops attached to SLNS Mahaweli of the Eastern Naval Command on information received, recovered 110 non electrical detonators in the general area of Kappalthurai on 29th October 2013.

Meanwhile, naval troops attached to SLNS Welusumana of the Northern Naval Command also apprehended 3 persons with 27 explosive packs weighting 11 kilograms in the Chirutivu Island of Jaffna. The arrested persons with the recovered items were handed over to Kayts Police for further investigations.
Press Release, October 31, 2013; Image: Sri Lanka Navy

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The commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa is set to visit with the South African navy, Oct. 30 – Nov. 1.

Adm. Bruce W. Clingan is meeting with the Chief of the South African navy in Pretoria, Vice Adm. Johannes Refiloe Mudimu and with the Flag Officer Fleet of the South African navy, Rear Adm. Philip Schoultz, in Cape Town, to discuss maritime security issues in the region.

During the three-day visit, Clingan will tour one of South Africa’s frigates and submarines.

Clingan said he was looking forward to the professional exchange.

“It’s a great honor to be here in South Africa and I look forward to engaging with such an exceptional navy,” Clingan said.

Press Release, October 31, 2013; Image: Wikimedia