Top News of The Week of Apr 8 – Apr 13, 2013

The Philippines: JCSCSG Transits Surigao Strait

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) transited the Surigao Strait, a narrow passageway between the Mindanao and Leyte islands of the Philippines, April 10.

VIDEO: UK Navy Starts Outfitting Its Warships with ARTISAN 3D Radar

The Royal Navy has begun outfitting its warships with the ARTISAN (Advanced Radar Target Indication Situational Awareness and Navigation) 3D radar, which is five times more efficient than any radar currently in use with the Navy.

UK: Royal Navy Warships to Take Part in Exercise Joint Warrior

Two Royal Navy warships, HMS Bulwark and HMS Sutherland, have sailed from Devonport to take part in Exercise Joint Warrior, the largest military exercise in Western Europe this year.

USS John C. Stennis CSG Operates in South China Sea

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conducted flight operations April 5 in conjunction with maritime security patrols while steaming across the South China Sea. Stennis routinely performs aircraft launch and recovery operations in cooperation with other U.S. ships in its strike group to enhance regional security and maintain operational readiness.

Russia Starts Forming Task Force in the Mediterranean

Russia has begun setting up a naval task force in the Mediterranean, sending several warships from the Pacific Fleet to the region, the Defense Ministry. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in mid-March a permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean was needed to defend Russia’s interests in the Mediterranean Sea.

USS Arlington Joins US Navy’s Fleet

With an estimated crowd of more than 5,000 on hand, USS Arlington (LPD 24) was commissioned and officially joined the U.S. Navy’s fleet.