A large scale annual operational exercise of the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy will conclude tomorrow off the littorals of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The week long exercise termed ‘Defence of Gujarat Exercise’ tested the operational readiness of the Western Naval Command in relation to littoral combat and the defence of vital offshore assets in the northern coastal states of Western seaboard of India.

In addition to large ship’s like Delhi class destroyers, Teg and Godavari class frigates operating under the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) the exercise also involved a large number of vessels of the local flotilla including potent missile vessels of the 22nd Killer Squadron, Patrol Vessels and Minesweepers operating under the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area (FOMAG). Coast Guard Patrol Vessels, integrated into the operations played a key part in providing multiple layers of defensive surveillance. In addition to ships, the exercise also witnessed intense flying activity by the TU 142Ms, IL-38SDs, IN and CG Dorniers and Searcher and Heron UAVs.

Press Release, October 28, 2013; Image: Wikimedia

U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) held a change of command ceremony Oct. 28.

Capt. Richard McCormack relieved Capt. Will Pennington as commanding officer. Pennington served as commanding officer from July 31, 2012 to Oct. 28, 2013.

“My time aboard Blue Ridge has been a unique experience,” said Pennington. “The co-existence between embarked staff and ship’s company has been outstanding. Cooperating through exercises and normal day-to-day activities has made my job as the commanding officer very easy and fun to do. I am sad to go, but I am confident in my relief. To the crew of Blue Ridge, it has been a great honor and a pleasure.”

Pennington ensured reliability of all satellite and network systems in support of multinational military exercises to include: Talisman Sabre 2013, Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2012 and 2013, Key Resolve 2013 and Silent Banshee 2013.

At the helm, Pennington safely steamed Blue Ridge for more than 25,000 nautical miles and 19 port calls in nine nations strengthening the relationship and trust with vital partners in the region. He proficiently managed a 13-week, $13 million selected restricted availability with more than 52,000 man-hours of work while continually maintaining 7th Fleet’s mission capability.

During the ceremony, the keynote speaker, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, showcased the numerous accomplishments of Pennington and crew which contributed to the ship’s success during the past 15 months.

“To Capt. Pennington and Blue Ridge crew: while I am still relatively new on this great ship, I can say your performance as captain and crew has lead to an outstanding year for 2013,” said Thomas. “I am excited to have Captain McCormack come aboard and look forward to a great year in 2014.”

Pennington’s next duty station will be Naval Air Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, Va.

McCormack, a native of Canyon Country, Calif., graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography.

“What a great crew,” said McCormack. “It is truly an honor to be able to command such a fine crew.”

McCormack assumes command of Blue Ridge after serving as the executive officer aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

McCormack is the 26th commanding officer of the Blue Ridge since the ship’s commissioning Nov. 14, 1970.

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for 34 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Blue Ridge is instrumental in maintaining partnerships in the region while leading the fleet with its advanced shipboard communications systems.

Press Release, October 28, 2013; Image: Wikimedia

HMS Sutherland has returned to her home port of Plymouth with a gunfire salute.

The Type 23 frigate has been on a short deployment for training and diplomatic visits before beginning a long upgrade.

The refit package in Devonport will see her return to service almost a year later.

The 13-gun salute happened at about 9.15am as the ship passed the Citadel on Plymouth Hoe.

Press Release, October 28, 2013; Image: Royal Navy

Right now your Navy is 100 percent on watch around the globe helping to preserve the American way of life. Whether it be operating and training off the coast of California or forward deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, the flexibility and presence provided by our U.S. naval forces provides national leaders with great options for protecting and maintaining our national security and interests around the world. The imagery below highlights the Navy’s ability to provide those options by operating forward.

The U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transit alongside each other while operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sailors participate in a 9mm pistol qualification aboard the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Mediterranean Sea.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the South China Sea.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt pulls alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) during an underway replenishment at sea.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) fires a RIM-66M SM-2 Missile from the vertical launch missile system in the Atlantic Ocean.

A Sailor directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter for landing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Arabian Gulf.

An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Diamonds of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Mediterranean Sea.

What’s your favorite shot? Leave us a comment below.