Top News of the Week Mar 10 – 16, 2014

Russia Deploys 60 Ships near Ukraine

Russia has deployed 60 ships on the East border of Ukraine and in Crimea, Acting Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Ihor Tenykh said on Tuesday, March 11.   The Minister also stressed that there is no open aggression, since Russia does not officially recognize the troops in Crimea as its own.

Russia Sinks Ship to Block Ukrainian Navy Ships

The Russian Navy Ochakov Kara-class cruiser was sunk last night to block the Ukrainian Navy ships deployed in Novoozerne, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence said in a press release today.   The information was confirmed by the Ukrainian military of the South Naval Base who were observing the operation. 

USS George H.W. Bush Calls at Antalya, Turkey

The newest Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) arrived in Antalya, Turkey for a scheduled port visit, on March 9.   “This port visit is designed to strengthen maritime security working with our Turkish partners,” the Navy said in a release. 

Dutch Navy’s HNLMS Karel Doorman Christened

Dutch Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has christened HNLMS Karel Doorman (A388), a multi-function support ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy intended for amphibious operations.   The christening ceremony was held in Vlissingen, a city in the southwestern Netherlands, on March 8th. Having been christened, the 204.7m-long  vessel will proceed to sea trials in May. 

Image of the Day: USS George H.W. Bush Docked in Antalya, Turkey

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) anchors out in the harbor of Antalya, Turkey.   George H. W. Bush is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. 

Executive Officer of USS Connecticut Relived

The executive officer of the Bremerton, Wash.-based fast attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) was relieved of his duties March 8 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to serve as executive officer.