UK leads US Task Force 50
The British Royal Navy has taken charge of US Task Force 50 in the Gulf for the first time, it was announced on 26 November.
UK forces embarked on HMS Ocean have taken charge of the task force and will direct operations to maintain the free flow of trade, freedom of navigation for shipping and regional security in an area covering around 2.5m square miles.
HMS Ocean, a helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship, will provide maritime security in the Gulf region and a series of exercises with partner nations. Along with Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring, she will provide a continued presence following the USS Dwight D Eisenhower's departure from the Gulf.
Andrew Burns, Commander Amphibious Task Group of the Royal Navy, said: ‘Together we have had an enduring Royal Navy and US Navy presence in this region that has contributed to stability, order on the high seas and freedom of navigation, and ensured the free flow of commerce, so vital to the prosperity of our nations.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
BlueWhale - A True Submarine Force Multiplier
The seventh annual REPMUS* and Dynamic Messenger naval exercises, organized and led by the Portuguese Navy and NATO, were held over a three-week period in September 2023.
-
What is happening with the Greek corvette competition?
The Hellenic Navy has been in the process of replacing its nine remaining Elli-class (Kortaener/S-type) frigates with two new acquisition programmes for frigates and corvettes. The US offer of second-hand US Navy (USN) Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) as potential corvette replacement, however, has given the Greek government pause for thought.
-
UK and Australian defence deal agreed as BAE wins nuclear submarine contract
Deal signed in Canberra will see Australia and the UK bolster their defence partnership via operational agreements, security consultancy and further deals for their primary defence firms.
-
Netherlands selects Barracuda submarine as Australia looks on
With the Netherlands selecting the Barracuda design for its new Orka-class submarines, it will give Australia a chance to see what it could have had after it cancelled its conventional submarine (SSK) project based on Barracuda, opting instead for a nuclear-powered submarine (SSN).