Aug 30 - Sep 5 Weekly News & Log Updates

WEEKLY NEWS & LOG UPDATE Aug 30 – Sept 05

NAVAL & MARINE OPERATIONS

CHINA Peoples Liberation Army – Navy Task Forces 20th ESCORT TASK FORCE PLAN Jinan (Destroyer) PLAN Yiyang (Frigate) PLAN Qiandaohu (Supply) LOCATION: Indian Ocean (Anti-Piracy Patrols / Shipping Escorts) ·          (Aug 23) @ Gulf of Aden; 20th ETF begins world tour after accomplishing it’s patrol duties (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0824/c90000-8940654.html)  21st ESCORT TASK FORCE PLAN Liuzhou (Frigate) PLAN Sanya (Frigate) PLAN Qianghaihu (Supply) LOCATION: Indian Ocean (Anti-Piracy Patrols / Shipping Escorts) ·         (Aug 23) @ Gulf of Aden; 20th ETF is relieved by 21st ETF, begins patrol (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0824/c90000-8940654.html)  ·         (Aug 4) @ China; 21st ETF leaves its homeport of Sanya for anti-piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden, will relieve 20th ETF (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0806/c90000-8932245.html) JOINT SEA 2015 EX <Aug 20-28> Russian / Chinese Naval / AF Ex. Various warships and marines ·         23-Warships ·         2-Subs ·         15-Aircraft ·         8-Helicopters ·         400-Marines ·         30-Amphibious vehicles LOCATION: Indian Ocean (Anti-Piracy Patrols / Shipping Escorts) ·         (Aug 29) China; JOINT SEA 2015-C enters airborne phase, includes helicopter air assault by thousands of troops at Guangdong Province (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0829/c90000-8943285.html) ·         (Aug 25) @ Peter the Great Gulf; Joint beach landing exercises held (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0827/c98649-8942481.html) (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0826/c90000-8941934.html) ·         (Aug 24) @ Sea of Japan; Warships conduct exercises off Clerk Cape (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0825/c90786-8941343.html) (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0824/c98649-8940706.html) ·         (Aug 20) @ Sea of Japan; Chinese task force leaves for Vladivostok (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0820/c98649-8939160.html) Other PLAN Changzhou (Frigate) ·         (Aug 28) @ E. China Sea; Chinese frigate conducts missile exercises during large scale live fire drills at sea PLAN Jinggangshan (Assault Ship) ·         (Sep 4) @ Bering Sea; Chinese task force begins return trip home, currently S of Aleutian Islands (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/chinese-ships-headed-home-after-bering-sea-sighting-us-navy/ar-AAdVJMs?ocid=ansmsnnews11) ·         (Sept 2) @ Alaska; Chinese assault ship Jinggangshan spotted near Alaska with warships and supply ship, transit into Bering Sea (http://www.sputniknews.com/us/20150902/1026514763.html) PLAN Liaonng (Carrier) ·         (Sep 1) China’s first carrier debuts in film “Upheaval of Jiawu” (http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0901/c98649-8944261.html) PLAN Aircraft Carrier Program ·         (Aug 23) China confirms is building a second carrier base at Sanya, off Hainan Island; experts speculate on its impact to naval operations in S. China Sea and threat to India (http://indiandefence.com/threads/chinas-second-aircraft-carrier-base-in-hainan-what-it-means-for-india-analysis.55114/) PLAN Helicopter Assault Carrier ·         (Aug 3) Photos circulate of new planned helicopter assault ships for Chinese navy, designated M1 or Type-075 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/pictures-circulate-of-new-chinese-helicopter-assault-ship/story-e6frg6n6-1227467618468)

FRANCE Atlantic <CARIBBEAN Patrol> FS Ventose (Frigate) <CORYMBE Patrol> FS Germinal (Frigate) ·         (Sep 3) near St. Vincent; FS Ventose intercepts sailboat carrying drugs (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/a-la-une/antilles-le-ventose-intercepte-un-voilier-transportant-de-la-drogue) ·         (Sep 1) @ Gulf of Guinea; Fire breaks out onboard ship during patrol (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/actu-marine/incendie-rapidement-eteint-a-bord-du-germinal) Med <Med Refugee Patrol> FS Cmdt Bouan (Frigate) ·         (Sep 2) @ Med; FS Bouan joins EU Operation TRITON Mediterranean patrol south of Italy until Sep 22 (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/a-la-une/le-patrouilleur-de-haute-mer-cdt-bouan-integre-l-operation-triton) Indian Ocean FS Cassard (Destroyer) FS Var (Tanker) <RETURNING> FS Surcouf ·         (Aug 18) @ Red Sea; FS Cassard joins TF-150 in Red Sea, replacing FS Surcouf Pacific <PACIFIC PATROL> FS Vendemiaire (Frigate) ·         (Sep 2) @ New Caledonia; FS Vendemiaire completes 2-months of AT maintenance, currently certifications and training, preparing for CAGOU-15 exercises and 3-month deployment to SE Asia (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/actu-marine/le-vendemiaire-de-nouveau-pare) Other (NO NEWS)

RUSSIA Task Forces MED. TASK FORCE RFS Epron (Rescue) RFS SSV-201 (Intel) 2-4 LSTs LOCATION: Mediterranean ·         (Aug 31) @ Med; Russian rescue ship begins patrol in Mediterranean, will transition to Indian Ocean for joint exercises with Indian Navy (http://en.portnews.ru/news/205640/) ·         (Aug 21) @ Black Sea; Russian landing ships RFS Cesar Kunikov and Azov, escorted by RFS Mirazh, return to Black Sea following deployment and resupply to Syria (http://interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=612969) Other RFS Admiral Makarov (Frigate) ·         (Sep 2) @ Kaliningrad; new Adm. Grigorovich class frigate (Project 1135.6) is launched, will reinforce Black Sea Fleet in 2016 (http://www.sputniknews.com/military/20150902/1026496584.html) RFS Kuznetsov (Carrier) ·         (Aug 20) @ Russia; Russian carrier competes 3-months of refit and repairs at 82nd Shipyard in Roslyakovo, Murmansk, returns to Northern Fleet Base for further minor repairs and return to flight operations (http://en.cihan.com.tr/en/russias-admiral-kuznetsov-aircraft-carrier-is-back-in-service-1863495.htm) RFS Ladny (Krivak I Frigate) ·         (Aug 28) @ Black Sea; Russian frigate Ladny patrolling in Black Sea, “greeting” and shadowing US Destroyer USS Donald Cook (http://www.sputniknews.com/world/20150903/1026543337.html) RFS Pyotr Veliky (Battle Cruiser) ·         (Aug 31) @ Russia; nuclear battle cruiser heads into drydock at 82nd Shipyard for an extensive overhaul to keep it operational until 2018 (http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russia-s-most-anachronistic-warship-is-getting-an-overhaul/529158.html) RFS Varyag (Cruiser) ·         (Aug 30) @ Vladivostok; Russian Pacific Fleet flagship RFS Varyag participates in JOINT SEA 2015 exercises with China, includes RFS Bystriy (DDG) and Peresvet (LST) (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/video/2015-08/30/c_134569491.htm)

UNITED KINGDOM – ROYAL NAVY TASK FORCES NONE Atlantic Patrol HMS Lancaster (Frigate) RFA Gold Rover (Tanker) RFA Lyme Bay (LSD) ·         (Sep 2) @ Dominica; RFA Lyme Bay arrives at Dominica to provide assistance following the devastation of TS Erika (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/september/02/150902-rfa-lyme-bay-arrives-in-dominica) Med Patrol HMS Enterprise (Survey) ·         (Aug 25) @ Med; UK survey ship rescues 450 migrants at sea, ship is currently assisting Italian Navy operation (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-enterprise-rescues-over-450-migrants) Indian Ocean Patrol HMS Duncan (Destroyer) HMS Richmond (Frigate) RFA Fort Victoria (Fleet Tanker) ·         NO UPDATES Other HMS Monmouth (Frigate) ·         (Sep 1) @ Dartmouth; UK frigate interrupts sea trials to act as guardship for the Dartmouth Regatta (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/september/01/150901-hms-monmouthguardship-at-dartmouth-regatta) HMS Portland (Frigate) ·         (Aug 28) @ Plymouth; UK frigate takes visitors to sea for Friends and Family Day (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/august/28/150828-hms-portland-takes-friends-to-sea) HMAS Canberra & Adelaide (Australian Assault Ships) ·         (Sep 2) @ Pacific; Australia’s newest assault ship nears operational capability, completing test and trials program, still has 2-months of additional certifications; HMAS Adelaide completed sea trials and returned to Melbourne for delivery (http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/09/hmas-canberra-nears-initial-operational-capability/)

UNITED STATES NAVY Carrier Strike Groups USS Theodore Roosevelt   (TRCSG-12) CVN-71 – USS T. Roosevelt CG-60 – USS Normandy DDG-81 – USS W. Churchill DDG-98 – USS Forrest Sherman DDG-99 – USS Farragut STATUS: Arabian Gulf (CENTCOM DEPLOYMENT) <OIR STRIKE OPERATIONS> ·         (Sep 3) @ Bahrain; USS Roosevelt hosts Change of Command Ceremony for CENTCOM / 5th Fleet / CMF onboard (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90934) USS Ronald Reagan   CVN-76 – USS Ronald Reagan STATUS: Pacific Ocean (TRANSFER) ·         (Aug 31) @ San Diego; USN Carrier begins transfer to Japan as Forward-Deployed carrier to 7th Fleet WESTPAC (http://fox5sandiego.com/2015/08/31/uss-ronald-reagan-begins-voyage-to-new-home-port/) USS Stennis CSG CVN-74 – USS John C Stennis CG-53 – USS Mobile Bay STATUS: Pacific Ocean, 3rd Fleet (Training) <COMPTUEX> ·           USS Truman CSG CVN-75 – USS Harry S Truman CG-68 – USS Anzio   DDG-61 – USS Ramage DDG-66 – USS Gonzalez DDG-84 – USS Bulkney DDG-107 – USS Gravely STATUS: Atlantic Ocean, 2nd Fleet (Training) <COMPTUEX> ·         (Aug 30) @ Atlantic; CSG departs for COMTUEX, preparing to deploy (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90894) Amphibious Ready Groups & Command Ships 5th FLEET SEA BASE AFSB[I]-15 – USS Ponce STATUS: Arabian Gulf (Forward – Deployed) ·         NO UPDATES 7th FLEET COMMAND SHIP LCC-19 – USS Blue Ridge STATUS: Pacific Ocean <PACIFIC PATROL> ·         (Sep 2) @ Japan; 7th Fleet Flagship returns to homeport after concluding 3-month summer patrol, participated in TALISMAN SABRE at Australia and ULCHI FREEDOM GUARDIAN at Korea; ship begins SFA maintenance period (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90916) USS Essex ARG LHD-2 – USS Essex LPD-23 – USS Anchorage LSD-47 – USS Rushmore ·         15th MEU STATUS:  Arabian Gulf (CENTCOM Deployment) <OIR STRIKE OPERATIONS> ·         (Sep 3) @ Gulf of Aden; USS Anchorage holds Change of Command ceremony (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90929) ·         (Aug 25) @ UAE; USS Rushmore arrives at Abu Dhabi for a schedule port call (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90766) USS BH Richard ARG LHD-6 – USS BH Richard LPD-20 – USS Green Bay LSD-48 – USS Ashland ·         31st MEU <CARAT> LSD-42 – USS Germantown STATUS:  Pacific <FORWARD-DEPLOYED> ·         (Sep 3) @ Japan; ARG completes WESTPAC patrol, returns to forward-deployed homeport (http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/030601) ·         (Aug 27) @ Okinawa; USS Ashland off-loads 31st MEU, completed joint exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2015 in Australia and providing aid to Saipan following Typhoon Soudelor (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90823) USS Kearsarge ARG LHD-3 – USS Kearsarge LPD-24 – USS Arlington LSD-51 – USS Oak Hill ·         26th MEU STATUS:  Atlantic (Training) <COMPTUEX> ·           USS America ARG LHA-6 – USS America DDH-181 – JS Hyuga STATUS:  Pacific (Training) <DAWN BLITZ 2015> ·         (Aug 30) @ San Diego; crew of JS Hyuga trains with USS America, prepping for DAWN BLITZ in September (http://timesofsandiego.com/military/2015/08/29/crew-of-japanese-assault-ship-trains-with-uss-america/) ·         (Aug 17) @ San Diego; US Assault Ship begins hosting Japanese sailors, preparing for multi-national amphibious assault exercise DAWN BLITZ 2015 in September, will be paired with Japanese helicopter carrier JS Hyuga (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90850) TASK FORCES CARAT 2015 LSD-42 – USS Germantown DDG-88 – USS Preble LCC-3 – USS Fort Worth SSN-699 – USS Jacksonville T-ARS-50 – USS Safeguard STATUS: S. China Sea (Multi-National Joint Training) ·         (Sep 2) @ Thailand; USS Germantown concludes CARAT, 3rd phase (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90918) ·         (Aug 21) @ Malaysia; USS Fort Worth completes CARAT-MALAYSIA  at Sandakan CONTINUING PROMISE 2015 T-AH-20 – USNS Comfort STATUS: Caribbean (Multi-National Humanitarian Outreach) ·         (Aug 22) @ Dominican Republic; CP-15 team completes mission at Santo Domingo, next stops are Haiti and Honduras (http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=90854) PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2015 T-AH-19 – USNS Mercy STATUS: Pacific (Multi-National Humanitarian Outreach) ·           Other USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) ·         (Aug 28) @ Atlantic; returns to sea following DPIA maintenance period USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) ·         (Aug 22) @ Huntington-Ingalls; Keel-Laying Ceremony held for USN newest aircraft carrier, is the replacement for USS Nimitz, which is slated for deactivation in 2025 (http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/614408/keel-laying-for-future-aircraft-carrier-john-f-kennedy)

MAJOR REGIONAL NAVAL ACTIVITIES EU OPERATION ATALANTA Various EU Warships STATUS: INDIAN OCEAN <ACTIVE> ·         (Sep 1) @ Somalia; Spanish patrol ship SPS Meteoro joins Operation Atalanta (http://allafrica.com/stories/201509031436.html) NATO SNMG-1 STATUS: NONE NOTED SNMG-2 Commander, ? 4-Warships STATUS: ATLANTIC <ACTIVE> ·         (Aug 26) @ Spain; SNMG-2 arrives at Rota, preparing for NATO exercise DYNAMIC GUARD in Gulf of Cadiz (http://www.mc.nato.int/PressReleases/Pages/Standing-NATO-Maritime-Group-TWO-visits-ROTA-Naval-Base.aspx) SNMCMG-1 STATUS: NONE NOTED SNMCMG-2 Commander, Turkey Flagship, TCG S. M. Pasa STATUS: MEDITERRANEAN <ACTIVE> ·         (Sep 4) @ Montenegro; 4-MCMs arrive at Bar for scheduled port visit (http://www.mc.nato.int/PressReleases/Pages/NATO-Mine-Counter-Measures-Group-Visits-Montenegro.aspx) UN CTF-150 Commander, Pakistan STATUS: INDIAN OCEAN <ACTIVE> ·         (Jul 30) @ Bahrain; Pakistan assumes command of CTF-150 from France (http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/08/04/after-a-four-month-deployment-at-sea-france-hands-over-the-helm-of-ctf-150-to-pakistan/) CTF-151 Commander, Turkey Flagship, TCG Gemlik (Frigate) STATUS: ARABIAN SEA <ACTIVE> ·         (Aug 31) @ Arabian Sea; CTF celebrates Victory & Turkish Armed Forces Day onboard TCG Gemlik in Arabian Sea (http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/08/31/ctf-151-celebrates-turkish-national-day-onboard-flagship-tcg-gemlick/) ·         (Aug 27) @ Arabian Sea; Turkey assumes command of CTF-151 from Japan (http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/08/27/turkey-assumes-command-of-ctf-151-from-japan/) CTF-152 Commander, Kuwait STATUS: ARABIAN GULF <ACTIVE> ·         (Sep 1) @ Bahrain; Royal Saudi Naval Forces hand over command of CTF-152 to Kuwait (http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/09/01/saudi-arabia-hands-over-command-of-ctf-152-to-kuwait/#more-5171) TASK FORCES 30th ITALIAN NAVAL GRP ITS Cavour (Carrier) ITS Bergamini (Frigate) ITS Borsini (Patrol) ITS Etna (Supply) STATUS: RED SEA <African Tour> ·         (Sep 5) @ Saudi Arabia; Italian Naval Group docks at Jeddah on Monday until Friday, Group is deployed to Africa and Middle East, sailing in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, and circling Africa; visiting UAE, Oman, S. Africa, Morocco and Algeria; Group will be providing humanitarian assistance at African ports and promoting the World Expo at Milan in 2015 (http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20131121187290) OTHER INS Vikramaditya (Indian Carrier) ·         (Aug 17) Indian carrier is slated to undergo its first refit in 2016 at Pipavav Shipyard (http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ins-vikramaditya-to-undergo-first-refit-in-2016/article7550456.ece) JS Kaga (DDH-184, Helicopter Carrier) ·         (Aug 28) @ Japan; Japan’s newest Helicopter Carrier is launched, is named after carrier that took part in Pearl Harbor attacks, is second largest carrier in their inventory at 24,000 tons, is due to be commissioned in 2017; Carrier is slated for anti-sub and humanitarian endeavors, but can also launch air assault with MV-22 Ospreys and operate the new F-35 JSF (http://www.rt.com/news/313758-japan-new-helicopter-carrier/)

AIR-GROUND OPERATIONS CHINA NO UPDATES ·         NO UPDATES FRANCE Op. Sangaris: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC ·         (Sep 3) MINUSCA now fully operational and maintaining national security, French forces remain as rapid reaction force; August was quiet, with exception of recent tensions in Bambari and Bria in the east (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/sangaris-point-de-situation-au-3-septembre-2015) Op. Chammal: IRAQ ·         (Sep 3) French aircraft continue armed recon patrols near Kirkuk and Baiji, several strikes conducted on ISIS forces harassing Iraqi forces; 8-week commando training continues with Iraqi CITT; Command assistance with general staff of Iraqi 6th Infantry Division continues (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/chammal-point-de-situation-au-3-septembre-2015) Op. LIZA: MALI-NIGER-CHAD ·         (Sep 3) Operation KONAMA-5 is conducted in Niger (Aug 19-29) with French 8th RPIMa, 90-paratroopers; Current French combat strength is 3,500-troops (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/barkhane-fin-de-l-operation-kounama-5) RUSSIA RUSSIA ·         (Sept 3) Russia, Belarus and Serbia conduct joint exercise SLAVIC BROTHERHOOD, designed to prevent national government destabilization similar to Ukraine (http://www.sputniknews.com/military/20150903/1026549545/slavic-brotherhood-russia-serbia-belarus.html) SYRIA ·         (Sept 1) Debka reports Russia is prepping to send troops to Syria, especially since the recent attacks by ISIS at Damascus Qadam District and Lattakia; 6-MG-31 interceptors / Recon fighters arrived (Aug 18) followed by a large delivery of Kornet missiles; logistics techs were spotted at Damascus and Lattakia, where a new base is being built; Intel / recon coordination with Syria / Russia / Iran increases UKRAINE ·         (Sep 4) @ Crimea; Russian AF reinforces Black Sea Fleet with 4+ Gen SU-30SM Flanker-C fighter-bombers (http://www.sputniknews.com/russia/20150904/1026583742.html) UNITED KINGDOM NO UPDATES ·         NO UPDATES UNITED STATES CENTCOM: AFGHANISTAN ·         NO UPDATES CENTCOM: IRAQ / SYRIA ·         NO UPDATES