America's North Shore Journal » Our Allies

German Navy Intercepts Somali Pirates

Chuck Simmins — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 03:10:38 +0000

German Navy Bremen Class frigate Koln

EUNAVFOR warship FGS KÖLN has today, 28 September, stopped and boarded a suspicious group of two small boats, a whaler and skiff.

The suspicious boats were located by FGS KÖLN 70 nautical miles South West off Mogadishu, Somalia, 30 miles off the coast. A helicopter was sent to inspect the group of boats and 12 people with equipment usually associated with piracy were seen on board. The boats refused to stop when hailed. KÖLN’s helicopter fired warning shots ahead of the skiff which caused the boat to stop.

German Navy chases suspicious skiff off Somalia

Supicious Somali Skiff with RPG and Ladders and Fuel

Suspected Somali pirates throw weapons overboard

Before the boats could be boarded by teams from FGS KÖLN, the crew of the boats started to throw weapons and other items overboard. The skiff, whaler and their engines were destroyed to prevent any potential future use for piracy and the men released close to the shore.

This disruption has undoubtedly hampered potential pirate action on merchant shipping and vulnerable vessels in the area.

EU NAVFOR Somalia is a counter-piracy taskforce operating in the area of the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean responsible for deterring, preventing and repressing acts of piracy, for the safe escort of ships carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and to protect other vulnerable vessels. Additionally, EU NAVFOR monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia./blockquote>
EU NAVFOR Somalia

Previous in series Next in series
Table of contents for Pirates
Peleliu Stops Pirate Attack
Navy Tanker fights Off Pirates
Navy Continues to Eye Pirates
US Navy Aids Ship Released By Pirates
US Navy Jugs Somali Pirates
Navy Detains Somali Pirates
Maersk Alabama Taken By Somali Pirates
Navy Rescues Pirate Captive
Pics From the Pirate Rescue Off Somalia
This Is a Pirate Ship?
USS McFaul nabs pirates off Oman
Marine Hymn still echoes: Pirates taken down off Somalia
German Navy Intercepts Somali Pirates
Royal Marines Free Pirated Ship Off Somalia
Pirate Mother Ship Taken Down, Sailors Freed
Pirates Attack Spanish Warship

Marines arrive in Tonga

Chuck Simmins — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:47:27 +0000

2nd Lt. Joel Steele, rifle platoon commander for 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, gives a welcome aboard orientation to the Marines of 3/5 upon arrival to Tonga. Photo by Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno

Approximately 60 Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, arrived in the Kingdom of Tonga for Exercise Tafakula 2011, Aug. 9.

The multilateral exercise between the U.S. Marines, Tongan Defense Service and French Armed Forces, New Caledonia will increase joint operations and improve U.S. military-to-military relations with foreign services.

The three services are expected to share tactics and procedures while conducting operations in unfamiliar terrain.

“The majority of it will take place in and around Camp Taliai,” said 2nd Lt. Joel Steele, rifle platoon commander for 3/5. “It really benefits us with interoperability piece and the ability to get out here in a new location with new people and conduct our training.”

Tonga, coined as the “friendly islands” since Capt. James Cook first visited in 1773, is located in the South Pacific Ocean and consists of more than 150 islands, 30 of which are inhabited.

The TDS greeted the Marines and sailors with a warm welcome followed by a quick orientation of the base and customs and courtesies.

“They are an amazing people,” Steele said. “They have been absolutely great so far and are very gracious hosts.”

The Marines, sailors and soldiers of all three militaries will use multiple training areas to conduct fire team, squad and platoon level operations in the upcoming weeks.

The joint exercise is slated to begin with an opening ceremony, Aug. 10, and conclude Aug. 29.

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Story by Cpl. Salvador R. Moreno

Indonesians Join in Mongol Exercise

Chuck Simmins — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:42:14 +0000

Indonesian airmen, Khaan Quest instructors and roles players gather for a group photo at the completion of their checkpoint scenarios at a simulated United Nations checkpoint at Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia during Khaan Quest 2011, Aug. 9. Exercises like this enhance the capabilities of the partner nations involved so they may operate as one when conducting joint peace keeping missions around the world. Khaan Quest officially started July 31 and continues until Aug 12. Photo by Master Sgt. Cohen Young

Members of the Indonesian air force participated in a United Nations peacekeeping scenario at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Aug. 9 during Khaan Quest 2011, a joint exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command forces.

Indonesian forces spent the day training and testing their resolve at checkpoint procedures with the help of a resilient and believable rowdy crowd.

“The scenario that we experienced was great. The role players were excellent,” said 1st Sgt. Zainul Arifin of the Indonesian air force. “My time in Lebanon was intense just like that.”

The Indonesian airmen spent the first part of the day in the classroom with U.S. Marines from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then in the afternoon, they applied what was learned under the guidance of their instructors.

“The object is to make the scenario as real as possible, so that the squad will be prepared under real world conditions in a peacekeeping mission,” said Marine Sgt. Dane Riddle, a native of Delafield, Wis., and currently assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The scenario had the airmen manning a checkpoint in a United Nations’ mission.

The role players challenged the unit all the way until the end with a non-stop aggressive approach by yelling and throwing objects.

“The role players were actually MAF soldiers and the use of actual military members is vital to the training because they know what to look for and how to advance the scenario,” said Riddle.

The scenario is one that many United Nation forces actually perform around the world.

“We were supposed to be accessing everyone that crossed our particular checkpoint,” added Arifin. “We checked for ammunition, possible signs of human-trafficking violations, and we ensured the overall safety of our compound.

The training was the result of an exchange of various techniques from four different countries.

“Our training plan was based off of things that my Mongolian, Japanese and Cambodian counterparts and I came up with once we got here together,” added Riddle.

Teamwork and information exchange was the most important item in this training.

“It’s been great being here for this exercise and working with one another,” added Arifin. “We come to exercises like this and learn so much from each other and also get familiar with how [the] other works, which is why we are here.

Khaan Quest 2011 started July 29 and concluded Aug. 12.

Khaan Quest is a multinational peace-operations exercise that consisted of five activities, which were a peacekeeping seminar, a command post exercise, a field training exercise, a humanitarian civic activity and a medical readiness training exercise.

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Story by Master Sgt. Cohen Young

Military exercise aids Mongol health care

Chuck Simmins — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:39:37 +0000

Mongolian Ophthalmologist Mirankhjin Naasantser prepares to test the eyesight of a patient during a consultation at the Buynt Uhaa Complex in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Aug. 9 during Khaan Quest 2011, a combined joint-exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command forces. Medical Civil Action Programs like this enable the countries involved to become familiar with one another in addition to helping the community of the host country. Khaan Quest officially started July 31 and continues until Aug. 12.

Military doctors, nurses and medics from five countries came together to deliver general healthcare, optometry and dental services to a small suburb of Ulaabaatar, Mongolia from Aug 6-9, while participating in Khaan Quest 2011, a U.S. Marine led exercise designed to strengthen the interoperability of U.S., Mongolian and other participating nations’ forces in humanitarian civil action projects and multinational joint peace keeping missions around the world.

The temporary clinic held inside the Buynt Uhaa Complex, has averaged at least 900 patients each day since the joint multinational team has been working, according to Lt. Col John Boston, a native of Wasilla, Alaska and a member of 176th Medical Group, Alaska Air National Guard.

The exercise enables partner nations to become familiar with one another.

Khan Quest helps build relationships with the U.S., Mongolia and the other countries that are represented so that we may work better together in the future,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Steve Kriss, a doctor assigned to 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan.

More importantly than helping the multinational medical team become familiar with one another is the service that is provided to those in the community as they get treated.

“Access to care and education to care is sometimes different outside of the United States,” said Boston. “We’ve been seeing people that might not have had access to pediatric care or gynecology or ultrasounds technology”

The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force has taken this medical outreach to another level. They aren’t just helping, but they are teaching and exchanging techniques so that the Mongolian healthcare system improves as well.

Mongolian Armed Forces Lt. Col Elbegjargal Buyantogtoich examines the cornea of an elderly Mongolian woman during a consultation at the Buynt Uhaa Complex in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Aug. 9 during Khaan Quest 2011, a combined joint-exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command forces.

“The service that we are providing right now will only benefit the community for a short time,” said Criss. “We’re also providing training in areas that will endure and last long after we’re gone.”

The exchange in information has been in trauma care, combat injures and in some cases new equipment was introduced to some of the Mongolian doctors.

“I had the opportunity to use a tonometer, which measures the ocular pressure of the eye,” said Mongolian ophthalmologist Ms. Mirankhjin Naasantser. “We don’t use this kind of new equipment here at our hospital, but I can see the benefits if we had it at our disposal.”

Many of the translators at the clinic are doctors themselves, which makes it easy when medical terms need to be explained to the patient. The doctors were thrilled to be part of such a great exercise.

“It’s been an honor to work as a team with the MAF and U.S. doctors,” added Naasantser. “We’re learning from each other.

This exercise is about helping the host country improve on their medical practices, which is a huge benefit to all that are involved. The medical portion of Khaan Quest has participants from Canada, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States and Mongolia.

The medical portion will conclude on Aug. 11 and the overall exercise will end on Aug. 12 with a ceremony held at the Five Hills Training Area.

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Phtotos and Story by Master Sgt. Cohen Young

Mongols Stage Exercise Khaan Quest 2011

Chuck Simmins — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:36:37 +0000

The Mongolian state honor guard performs during the opening ceremony of Exercise Khaan Quest 2011 near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, July 31. Khaan Quest is a training exercise designed to strengthen the capabilities of U.S., Mongolian and other nations’ forces in international peace support operations worldwide. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Demetrius Munnerlyn

Exercise Khaan Quest 2011 kicked off after the opening ceremony at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbatar, Mongolia, July 31.

Service members and delegates of more than 10 participating nations were addressed by Mongolian President Ts. Elbegdorj, Lt. Gen. Ts. Byambajav, chief of general staff, Mongolian Armed Forces, and Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and commander, Marine Corps Bases Japan.

“The government and the people of Mongolia consider Khaan Quest as an event of profound importance, making valid contribution to expanding the rights of United Nations peace keepers, and increasing peace support capacities of participating nations, promoting security and military confidence in the Asia Pacific region,” Elbegdorj said. “I want every peace keeper to aim at obtaining the necessary skills and expertise in military affairs required for United Nations peace support operations, ultimately being prepared to stand up to any unexpected threat.”

Khaan Quest is a combined joint-exercise hosted by the Mongolian armed forces in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command forces, and has been conducted annually since 2003 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia. It is a multinational exercise that supports peacekeeping operations and consists of different events including, a command post exercise, a field training exercise, an engineering civic action program and a medical civic action program.

“Khaan Quest has become the world’s preeminent peacekeeping exercise,” Glueck said. “We have learned that we can maintain security more effectively when we pursue it as partners working in conjunction with like-minded countries with mutual interest.”

The command post exercise supports the Mongolian Defense Reform Program’s goal to establish and globally deploy battalion-sized units as part of a coalition force.

The goal of the field training exercise is to improve multinational speed of response, mission effectiveness, interoperability, unity of effort and individual skill. During the field training exercise, the multinational forces will complete various training scenarios and weapons familiarization and share military tactics, techniques and procedures. Marines from 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, will be participating in the field training exercise and serving as live-fire range instructors and Marine Corps martial arts instructors.

The engineering and medical civic action programs are intended to promote civil-military interoperability and enhance medical and engineering capabilities. The joint medical teams will provide basic medical care in an unfamiliar environment, offering preventative medicine, dental and veterinary care. Care will be provided to Mongolians who lack regular access to medical care, and the newly constructed medical facility wing, which will last for years to come, will be presented to the communities.

Khaan Quest also serves as an opportunity to strengthen multinational relationships in the Pacific region and is a premier combined joint-training exercise designed to strengthen the capabilities of U.S., Mongolian and partner forces in individual and small-unit tactics.

“The fundamental values of security, stability and prosperity are common to us all,” Glueck said. “Finding a group of nations willing to pursue these values seems simple enough – though we know the actual implementation is often more challenging.”

Additional goals of the exercise include working with the Mongolian Armed Forces in further developing the Five Hills Training Area, enhancing peace-support capabilities, and increasing interoperability and planning proficiency among all participant forces.

“Khaan Quest is an outstanding example of how like-minded nations can work together in a common cause,” Glueck said.

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Story by Cpl. Tyler Main

Rochester NY Marines and Georgian soldiers train together

Chuck Simmins — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:43:02 +0000

Sgt. Nicholas Maugeri, squad leader with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, teams up with Georgian soldiers to conduct Military Operations in an Urban Terrain training July 19 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah

Georgian soldiers can be found fighting alongside U.S. Marines on the frontlines of the Afghanistan. But to ensure both parties work well together on the battlefield requires practice conducted on the training grounds.

Marines from Anti-Terrorism Battalion based in Rochester, N.Y., and Black Sea Rotational Force 11, alongside soldiers from the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade practiced Military Operations in an Urban Terrain (MOUT) during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each country’s capacity in counterinsurgency (COIN) and peacekeeping (PKO) operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations and counter-improvised explosive device training.

“Because of our partnership in Afghanistan, and in order to work with us and support our mission, the [Georgian soldiers] have to be able to move and do what we do or at least understand it,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Bauer, an infantryman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and an Elk Grove, Calif., native.

In Overseas Contingency Operations, Marines conduct COIN operations in which they encounter enemies holed-up in small towns and villages. The urban environment presents challenges to troop safety and mission accomplishment because the enemy has cover and concealment in the buildings in towns and villages.

The interoperability training between the Georgians and the Marines focused on overcoming MOUT challenges by sharing proven tactics and techniques among each other and practicing them numerous times.

The Marines and Georgians began their training with lessons from instructors on principles of MOUT and different techniques for room clearing. The instructors drew diagrams and gave demonstrations while translators echoed their messages to the students.

The students showed their interest in the subject with frequent questions.

With almost 1,000 troops contributing in Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand province, room-clearing techniques, MOUT and COIN training can really help while fighting on the frontlines alongside U.S. Marines.

Following the classes, the Marines and Georgians teamed up to apply the lessons they were taught.

Instructors observed as mixed teams of Marines and Georgians entered buildings and cleared rooms. They looked for application of basic techniques and principles. The instructors occasionally stopped the teams to point out any missed steps or mistakes and explained the reasons for applying specific techniques.

“We utilize techniques to make sure we are as safe as possible inside a house,” said Gunnery Sgt. Charles Evers, an infantryman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and a Lewiston, Idaho, native.

Sgt. Spencer McAvoy, a squad leader with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, clears a room with Georgian soldiers July 19 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah

With each round, the teams were clearing rooms with fewer mistakes, and the instructors didn’t have to interrupt and explain as many times.

After several times maneuvering through the buildings, the teams were moving through faster and smoothly by communicating and synching their movements.

The smiles on their faces overshadowed the sweat running down their foreheads as they gave each other thumbs ups and traded “kudos” after practicing clearing rooms several times, gaining more comfort.

“They are doing good and understanding proper room clearing tactics and techniques,” said Cpl. Nicholas Ediss, a fire team leader with the BSRF-11, and a Reno, Nev., native.

“It’s a great first time because even with the language barrier, we are able to work together.

The Marines and the Georgian Armed Forces will be training alongside each other for the next two weeks of Agile Spirit. This type of training and interoperability is a stepping stone to the success of the joint missions that are currently being conducted in Afghanistan.

Black Sea Rotational Force 11 is a rotational deployment of Marines to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to work with partner and allied nations to help build their military capacity, promote stability throughout the region, and build enduring partnerships with 13 nations throughout Eastern Europe.

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Story by Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah

United Arab Emirates Army Aids in Afghanistan

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:09:43 +0000

Pilots from Australian, United Arab Emirates and U.S. army aviation task forces pose for a group photo before a combined mission June 30 to destroy insurgent repeater towers in southern Afghanistan. This was the first time the three nations' aviators had worked together in an effort in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo by Spc. Mario Smith

The International Security Assistance Force, composed of countries worldwide, was established to secure Afghanistan.

June 28 marked the first day of a series of missions that enabled pilots from Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States to embrace the ISAF dream as they combined forces to destroy insurgent repeater towers in southern Afghanistan.

It was the first time that the United Arab Emirates has joined forces with a U.S. Army combat aviation brigade, in this case, Task Force Thunder, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, for such an operation.

United Arab Emirates Army Aviation Task Force 14 pilots flew an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter, and pilots from Troop A, Task Force Palehorse, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, flew an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter over mountainous terrain in a combined effort to destroy insurgent communication towers.

The towers, which resemble radio antennas, were strategically placed along mountainsides for maximum reception and were difficult to see from a distance.

“We were able to locate the repeaters through deliberate reconnaissance and other forms of intelligence gathering,” said Maj. Matthew Chambers, the fire support officer for Task Force Thunder.

A repeater is a tower that collects information sent to it from one radio and sends the information to another radio, allowing a flow of long-range communication.

“Whenever we destroy or disable an insurgent repeater tower, it disrupts their command and control structure,” Chambers said.

“Communication is the number one key for any soldier on the battlefield,” said Warrant Officer Jeff Hughes, an electronic warfare officer for Task Force Thunder. “If you can’t communicate, you can’t complete the mission.”

The United Arab Emirates is a strong supporter of coalition efforts here and contributes greatly to efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.

“They invest just as much time as we do while we’re deployed, and they want to get involved,” said Capt. Joshua D. England, OH-58 Kiowa helicopter pilot and commander for Troop A, Task Force Palehorse.

The three countries came together as one unit to work together toward a common goal, a solidification of a unified effort in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Maj. Dean Thompson, the Australian army aviator attached to Task Force Thunder, who flew in the Kiowa, said he was proud to have had the opportunity to work in conjunction with both the United Arab Emirates and the U.S.

“It was a great opportunity to learn from pilots of other countries,” he said. “I was impressed with the professional atmosphere.”

The pilots from the United Arab Emirates agree.

Omar S. Al Kuait, an AH-64 Apache pilot for the United Arab Emirates Army Aviation Task Force 14, said not only was it a success, but he felt joining forces with other ISAF forces for this mission was an excellent recommendation, and he would be happy to join forces again in the future.

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By Spc. Jennifer Andersson
Task Force Thunder Public Affairs

Women Warriors in Afghanistan

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:59:47 +0000

We’ve gathered a number of stories about women who are in the fight in Afghanistan. Some are Americans. Some are not. They all deserve a salute from us for their bravery and good work! Follow the link to the original story for more information.

L/Cpl Sophia Turner has been working with Afghan police while on a tour of duty in Central Helmand

L/Cpl Turner was on a patrol close to Lashkar Gah, when she was called to help with an operation with 156 Provost Company attached to 16 Air Assault Brigade.

“As we went down there they said over the radio that I might have to arrest someone but it was only when I got there that I saw I had to arrest 17,” she said.

“It was a lot for me to do as the only military police officer on the scene and I was exhausted at the end of it.”

LCpl Turner said she had originally wanted to join South Wales Police but was too young so signed up with the Royal Military Police instead.

BBC

Army medic Cpl Isobel Henderson

A Scots army medic, from Dalbeatie, has been awarded an MBE for bravery and dedication in Afghanistan.

Corporal Isobel Henderson, 24, treated wounded British troops and Afghans at a checkpoint in Helmand province which was under constant attack.

BBC

“I speak a small amount of Pashto, the local language, and was therefore able to have limited conversations. I managed to engage with 22 Afghan women.

“I am also participating in a health initiative where we train local health professionals and teachers about health education so that they can then train others. My role necessitates me moving all around our area of operations and regularly patrolling with the guys in order to be able to meet local women.”

UK Force Afghanistan

Capt. Leigh Larkin, 389th Fighter Squadron weapons system officer, leans on an F-15E Strike Eagle Feb. 17. Captain Larkin was nominated for the Mackay Trophy for a meritorious flight during a deployment in Afghanistan this past April. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch

“We tried one quick pass to see what was going on and to show the enemy that the Strike Eagle was there,” Captain Larkin said. “We were hoping the terrorist would clear out so the troops would be safe and there would be enough time for them to get out of the town.”

Unfortunately, the team’s plan didn’t work as they hoped as they initially couldn’t see through the clouds. When they were finally able to break the clouds, the terrorist dropped heavy fire on the ground troops in retaliation.

“I can’t tell you what it feels like hearing over the radio the crack in someone’s voice when they are being shot at or what it sounds like when the piercing of the bullet goes right by them through the mud hut they are taking cover in,” Captain Larkin said.

The captain knew she and her team needed to act fast — they needed to consider collateral damage, take out the terrorists and leave town. They began unloading bombs on the mountain sides to stop the terrorist from popping in and out of holes shooting at the ground force.

Eventually, danger close was needed, where a bomb is dropped within a certain area was someone could be incapacitated if they didn’t take enough cover.

“I had never dropped danger close in my whole life,” the captain said.

by Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force

A team of female Airmen made history here March 30 when the F-15E Strike Eagles of “Dudette 07″ blazed down the runway to provide close air support for coalition and Afghan ground forces.

The two-ship formation consisted of all females, two pilots and two weapons system officers, but more importantly, it marked the first combat mission flown from Bagram to be planned, maintained and flown entirely by females.

This mission represents the first combat sortie on record to involve only female Airmen from the pilots and weapons officers to the mission planners and maintainers, said Lt. Col. Kenneth Tilley, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing historian.

by Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force

Women of the IDF

Chuck Simmins — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:15:21 +0000

Click on photo to find out more about opportunities for women in the Israeli Defense Forces.

To honor women’s service in the IDF in celebration of International Women’s Day, the following is a collection of some of the interesting and noteworthy roles women are taking on throughout their service. Women have served in the IDF since its inception, and in Israeli defense organizations before the creation of the State of Israel (exceptional women such as Hannah Senesh and Sarah Aaronsohn, for example). Each year, 1,500 female combat soldiers are drafted into the IDF, a number which has remained consistent in recent years. Female soldiers also play crucial roles in command and control, commanding positions, and many others.

IDF

More on Bahrain Protests

Chuck Simmins — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:55:36 +0000

Fifth Fleet Hq Bahrain

I have two pieces up on Yahoo! News covering aspects of the protests in Bahrain that may not be in the papers. Follow the links for the complete article. Please ignore the broken paragraphs as it seems the transfer process from YCN hashed some of the work and they have not yet corrected the problem.

U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Midst of Bahrain Protests

The less than cordial relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the same between the United States and Iran, makes the events in Bahrain critical to the overall security and political situation in the Persian Gulf. The loss of Bahrain as a base for the United States Navy and for U.S. forces in the region could have far reaching implications.

Bahrain Protests Far More Complex than U.S. Media Show

The protests in Bahrain are being played out against a background of several conflicts and age old grievances in the area. The protests themselves pit the 56 percent of Bahrain’s population that practices Shia Islam against the 24 percent that practice Sunni Islam. Bahrain’s neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Iran, have entirely different political and security interests. Saudi Arabia is Sunni. Iran is Shia. The Saudis and 46 percent of the residents of Bahrain are Arabs. The Iranians and 8 percent of Bahrain’s residents are Persians. 54 percent of the residents of this small nation are foreign and not Bahraini citizens.

Tongan Marines Join Afghan Forces

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:00:07 +0000

During a welcoming ceremony, a contingent of 55 Royal Tongan Marines demonstrate a cultural dance. The Royal Tongan Marines are deployed in support of Regional Command Southwest. The coalition partners will be responsible for base security, entry control checkpoints and a quick reaction force. Photo by Sgt. Shawn Coolman

A contingent of 55 Royal Tongan Marines traveled from their tiny South Pacific island to help support the efforts of Regional Command Southwest’s mission in Afghanistan.

Although a small country, with a population of just over 100,000, the Tongans have a large mission here over the next six months.

“Our mission here is force protection. We man the main entry point, we do the entry control point tasks, quick reaction force task and patrol in Camp Bastion,” said Royal Tongan Marine Lt. Tomaakino Tuitavuki. “We deny the insurgents from coming into Camp Bastion.”

In preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan, the Royal Tongan Marines prepared extensively for their mission here.

“We did patrol training. Both mobile and foot patrols,” said Tuitavuki. “Not only that, we did urban training as well, house clearing.”

The Royal Tongan Marines relationship with U.S. Marines is not a new one. The two countries can trace their ties back to World War II.

“1941 through 1945 the Royal Tongan Marines were attached to 1st Marine Division fighting in Guadalcanal, and since then we’ve been working with the Marines until today,” said Tuitavuki. “Every time we train, we normally train with the U.S. Marines, and we are proud of the Marines. We call the Marines our brothers.”

The deputy commander of Regional Command Southwest, U.K. Brigadier George Norton, welcomed the coalition partners with the raising of the Tongan flag.

“I would like to welcome you all as our seventh nation within our very small, but elite and illustrious coalition here,” said Norton. “I know that as both Marines and as members of the commonwealth you will fit very naturally and comfortably within our organization, and we as Americans, British and other members of the coalition are absolutely delighted to have you with us.”

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Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman

Spanish and Italians expand role in Afghanistan

Chuck Simmins — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:25:01 +0000

The Spanish Task Force Badghis completed a new observation post in Badghis province Dec. 24.

The new Observation Post Echo will improve freedom of movement in the province for Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces, while increasing security for local workers completing the “ring road.”

Construction of the observation post was accomplished with the help of the Spanish engineers and the Italian Task Force Fenice, which provided helicopter transportation of heavy materials. The Afghan National Army’s 6/1 Battalion provided security during construction.

Construction of the final sector of the ring road, consisting of 53 kilometers, began in October. The project will link the cities of Muqur and Darrah-i-Bum, and employs more than 300 local citizens.

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Soldiers from the Afghan National and Italian army participate in Operation Bazar Arad (Free Market) in the Bala Murghab village, Murghab District, Badghis province since its beginning on Nov. 19.

The purpose of the operation is to enlarge the security bubble and provide safety and welfare to the citizens of Murghab.

Because of its location at the junction of the Murghab River and Pamir Highway, Murghab is a regional center for trade, often illegal drugs. Coalition forces have been engaged by insurgents twice during the operation.

The forces have expanded to 15 combat outposts in the surrounding mountains and they maintain security at each post 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“With the expansion of the secure area in the region, the coalition forces are offering a serene life to more than ten thousand Afghan people”, said Italian Army Col. Anfrea Piovera, commander, Task Force North.

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Korean Naval Exercise Ends

Chuck Simmins — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:00:22 +0000

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington position aircraft on the flight deck during flight operations. George Washington is conducting a training exercise in the waters west of the Korean peninsula with the Republic of Korea Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David A. Cox

As the United States and South Korean militaries wrapped up four days of joint naval exercises, the task force commander said he’s “exceptionally satisfied” with capabilities demonstrated during operations that sent a strong deterrent message to North Korea.

“It certainly sends a message of collective and unified deterrence –- that we are prepared, we are ready, collectively, as allies,” Navy Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander of Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5, said last night during a Pentagon Channel interview. “We certainly hope our activities here send a message that we are capable and we are ready to respond together to any potential contingency.”

The exercise was the third in the “Invincible Spirit” series Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and then-South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young agreed to over the summer after North Korea sank the South Korean navy ship Cheonan in March, killing 47 South Korean sailors.

The latest exercise, Cloyd said, was conducted to reinforce U.S. commitment to its alliance with South Korea, to reassure other allies in the region of that commitment and to demonstrate freedom of movement in international waters throughout the Western Pacific.

About 6,000 sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and embarked Carrier Air Wing 5, the cruiser USS Cowpens and destroyers USS Lassen, USS Stethem and USS Fitgerald participated, along with South Korean navy ships and their crews. In addition, both countries’ air forces participated.

Operating off South Korea’s western coast, they conducted sustainability, readiness and interoperability training covering a broad spectrum of operations, from surface and anti-submarine warfare to air defense, Cloyd reported.

“By training and practicing these varies types of capabilities and skills together, it allows us to be more prepared to operate and execute these kinds of missions should it be necessary to do so anywhere in the Western Pacific region,” he said.

Cloyd said he’s “extremely confident in our collective capabilities to be able to execute any number of missions we may be asked to do,” from “higher-end” operations such as those practiced during the exercise to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The first Invincible Spirit exercise, conducted in July, focused on naval and air readiness. The second, in October, involved five days of anti-submarine warfare exercises.

The third exercise initially was slated for late October, but it was postponed due to scheduling issues. It began days after North Korea launched an artillery attack against the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong that left four dead, including two South Korean marines.

DVIDS
Story by Donna Miles

First Female Arab Combat Soldier in Israeli Defense Forces

Chuck Simmins — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:00:46 +0000

Cpl Elinor Joseph is the first Arab female in the combat forces of the Israeli Defence Force.

“Look at the beret,” says Elinor, smiling from ear to ear, showing off the bright green beret that she earned after completing the trek which is part of her combat training in the Karakal Battalion. Her excitement is accompanied by a new historical precedent, since Elinor is the first Arab female combat soldier in IDF history.

Cpl. Elinor Joseph was born and raised in an integrated neighborhood of Jews and Arabs in Haifa, but attended a school in which all her classmates were Arab. She later moved to Wadi Nisnas, an Arab neighborhood where she currently lives. Despite the fact that she would always wear her father’s IDF dog-tag around her neck from when he served in the Paratrooper’s Unit, she never thought she would enlist. “I wanted to go abroad to study medicine and never come back,” she said. To her father it was clear that she would enlist in the IDF, as most citizens in Israel do. This was something that worried her very much. “I was scared to lose my friends because they objected to it. They told me they wouldn’t speak to me. I was left alone.”

Despite their opposition, she decided to move forward and enlist. She explained her motive: “I decided to go head-to-head, to check who my true friends are, to do something in life that I have never done before. I understood that it was most important to defend my friends, family, and country. I was born here.” At the end of the day, she says she realized it was the right thing to do, “With time, when you do things from the heart, you begin to understand their importance.”

“I might as well go the whole way”

Unlike most teenagers in Israel, Elinor did not undergo any kind of special preparations for her recruitment. Other than listening to some of her father’s combat stories and speaking to an IDF officer who helps minorities with enlistment, she didn’t know what she was getting herself into. She came to the Reception and Placement Base, known in IDF slang as the Bakum, and requested to be a combat medic because she decided, “If I enlist, I might as well go the whole way. I thought my father would absolve me from it, but it didn’t happen.” Despite her will to be in combat service, the response to Elinor was otherwise. “The placement officer laughed in my face and said I was too delicate. I started to cry,” she remembers.

After fighting to receive a high enough medical categorization in order to be placed in a combat position, and following many attempts to persuade the placement officer, Elinor was informed she would be a combat soldier. She remembers that upon arrival to the Reception and Placement Base, “It was the first time I saw my father cry. But then they told me I wouldn’t be a combat soldier, so I cried again.” She says she came to Basic Training not understanding what was going on around her, “I had no preparation so I really didn’t understand what it meant to stand at attention, or to salute my commander or even stand in formation.” Despite initial shock and disappointment that she wouldn’t be in a combat unit, she decided to take a positive perspective and be the best soldier that she could be. “I didn’t want to disappoint those that supported me. I decided that if I am volunteering, I would need to prove myself and be an exemplary soldier, and I succeeded. In the end, I ended up enjoying it.”

The fact that Elinor is a Christian Arab did not escape the attention of the girls around her. Her accent was the first thing that gave her away. “In the beginning everyone thought I was Argentinean. When they found out the truth, they were surprised,” she says.

“I treated all the people in the same manner, because we are all human”

After her basic training, Elinor went to a training base for a medic’s training course, where she was selected as the outstanding soldier of the course and received her commander’s personal pin. After the course, she was assigned to be a medic within the military police at the Qalqilya crossing. “I enjoyed it there. I liked the people and thanks to my blue beret (that of military police) nobody wanted to sit next to me in the bus so I always had a large place to sleep”, she laughs. The difficult dilemma she felt in serving at a border crossing was not easy for her but she said during moments of difficulty and misgiving she would remember, “there was a Katyusha [rocket] that fell near my house and also hurt Arabs. If someone would tell me that serving in the IDF means killing Arabs, I remind them that Arabs also kill Arabs.”

“I treated all the people at the checkpoints in the same manner, because we are all human. For this reason, no one reacted to me in a negative manner, and to tell the truth, that surprised me.” Elinor’s presence also helped change people’s perceptions, “People knew I was there and that I wouldn’t hold my tongue if need be, so they had a constant reminder to treat the Palestinians well. But really, their treatment was always full of respect.”

Despite enjoying her service, the amount of responsibility given to her did not satisfy her, and she wanted to contribute more. After many discussions with a colonel in the Northern Command and with a senior officer in the Human Resources Branch who warned her that a military promotion would not be transferable to a combat role, Elinor was not convinced and tried out to be selected to serve in the Karakal Battalion. “When I said to my commander that I was accepted, he just turned around and walked away because he had wanted me to stay.”

Identity issues

Elinor returned to the Intake and Sorting Base, but this time she received the red combat boots that she had been dreaming of. The beginning wasn’t easy for her. “In the beginning I missed being in the military police. The relations with people there were very different because I knew them not only in a personal but also in a medical way, and this creates a very intimate connection with people, this is a different relationship. But then I realized I was now in a new place. I got to know people little by little and now I really love them all”.

Within the frameworks of her military service in general and of her combat training in particular, emphasis was always laid on the Jewish identity of the country in many ethical activities and in the general message that was passed on to the soldiers. This did not deter her. “I know I am part of the Jewish state’s army and therefore when we speak about that I listen and learn. I got used to it and I respect it, although I do not delve too much into the country’s identity – I have my own identity and I will respect that of the country”.

Right now, after finishing her training, she says wholeheartedly that she does not regret any of her choices. “I sometimes wondered what would have happened if I had studied abroad as planned, but I understand that I was not as experienced and responsible then as I am now. It is a satisfaction to complete challenging things. I feel that in the army I matured a lot and became more responsible than I used to be”. She also feels satisfied from the respect she gained from the others. “Although everybody is surprised in the beginning I have always been respected, not just me but also my customs and my religion. Nobody ever disturbed me. I feel a lot of serenity and support and somebody even opened a group about me on Facebook. My parents also are very proud of me, maybe a little bit too much.”

“I believe in what I am doing”

Elinor did not only create a change within the army but also among her friends. “I was surprised to find out that even the ones who refused to talk to me accepted my choice in the end. I know that some parents of young men are not so enthusiastic if they go out with me because of my military service, probably because of the fact that I am a combat soldier. There were also people who read things about me and reacted in a very hurtful manner, but I have learnt not to pay attention to it. I believe in what I am doing. In my eyes, I am here for a mission”.

Elinor believes that being a combat soldier means that she is granting all Israeli citizens, including Israeli Arabs like her parents, a better and quieter life. “At the end of the day, this will always be my home too”, she says before expressing her thought that despite the conflict and difficulties, the hope for peace still exists. “I still believe that peace will come and faith creates reality”.

Israeli Defense Forces
by Rotem Caro Weizman

Mongolians celebrate in Kabul

Chuck Simmins — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:07 +0000

It’s been a few centuries since the Mongols were last in Kabul but they have returned. Mongolia is among the nations supporting our efforts in Afghanistan.

Members of the Mongolian Armed Forces display knife fighting skills on their national holiday Naadam, July 11, 2010 at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan. Naadam is the Mongolian holiday which commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country. The festival is filled with sporting events and an array of performances. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Nedved

The war in Afghanistan is one not only fought by the U.S. military, but rather by a coalition of forces from many countries. One partner nation that has been here since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom is the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force.

The METF has been supporting the OEF mission since 2003, and in December 2009 became one of the top 20 troop-contributing nations to the war effort. Currently, there are approximately 150 Mongolians supporting the Kabul Base Cluster mission by providing base security and training for the Afghan National Army in mobile field artillery techniques.

“We are working with the United States, coalition forces and civilian security companies and it has been a great experience and opportunity for our soldiers to work with such a diverse group of people,” said Lt. Col. Dugarragchaa Dagva, METF commander.

The main effort for the Mongolian’s mission comes in providing fixed site security at Camp Eggers in Kabul. They conduct security patrols, provide perimeter security and also have a platoon standing by as a rapid reaction force.

“Security is very important. It allows all of the missions here on Eggers to be conducted under the security we provide. Camp Eggers residents can sleep well knowing we are here,” said Capt. Bat-Erdene, operations officer, Mongolian forces.

Members of the Mongolian Armed Forces preform drill and ceremony on their national holiday Naadam, July 11, 2010 at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan. Photo by Sgt. Matthew Nedved
Another mission for the METF is training the Afghan National Army in a variety of weaponry at the Kabul Military Training Center. The Mongolians focus mainly on mobile artillery training, but also train the ANA on the SPG-9 rifle, 82 mm mortars and the 122 mm Howitzer.

The soldiers of Mongolia recently celebrated Naadam on July 11–13 – the national Mongolian holiday that commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country.

Naadam is also referred to as the three games of men. Each day of the festival there is a different competition held; wrestling, horse racing and archery. Other activities include military parades and martial art displays.

“The military began celebrating this more than a hundred years ago, allowing soldiers to train for battle. Today festivities are opened by an address from the President of Mongolia and a military parade,” said Erdene. “This is a good opportunity to share our Mongolian culture here at Camp Eggers with the other countries that we serve with.”

The Mongolian Armed Forces have distinguished themselves in every theater they have served in and are continuing to develop their capacity to take on more roles and responsibility each time they deploy. Nearly a decade ago, the Mongolian Armed Forces answered the call for additional troops in Afghanistan. Today they are one of the key players in OEF.

“I feel honored to serve here. Being part the Coalition is very important to Mongolia,” said Erdene. “This continues our relationship with other nations in our Mongolian peace keeping efforts,” said Erdene.

DVIDS
Story by Sgt. Matthew Nedved