DOCSLIB.ORG

The Centre of British Military Interventions

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Centre of British Military Interventions Northwood headquarters The centre of British military interventions Situated in the London suburb of Northwood, conveniently accessible for activists via the Metropolitan Line, is Northwood Headquarters, also known as HMS Warrior. From the outside it is not immediately apparent that the HQ plays a crucial role in the increasingly interventionist mili- tary strategies of Britain - or more generally NATO and the Western countries. This article takes a closer look at the role of Northwood; looking at its role within the NATO command structure; next months sequel will look at its role as the UKs Permanent Joint Forces Headquarters. ACLANT ACE Norfolk, Mons, US BE STRIK- SUBACT- SUBACT- SOUTH- EASTLANT AFNORTH AFSOUT FLTLANT LANT LANT LANT Northwood, Brunssum, H Sea based Norfolk, US Norfolk, US Lisbon, PO UK NL Naples, NAVNORTH AIRNORTH JC NORTH JC NORTH- JC CENT Northwood, Ramstein, Stavanger, EAST Heidelberg, UK GE NO Karup, DE GE Northwood HQ is not just Atlantic Command moved to Component Command Naval resources. The uncontrolled one headquarters - it consists Northwood. Nowadays Forces North under Regional movement of large numbers of several HQs all with spe- Northwood plays a double Command North. of people, particularly as a cific roles. Currently they are: role within NATO's command According to NATO, this consequence of armed con- 1) NATO Regional Command structure (see graphic): As link is a crucial element of flicts, can also pose problems East Atlantic (RC EAST) NATO Regional Command NATO's ability to conduct for security and stability 2) NATO Component East Atlantic (RC EAST) it is joint operations effectively in affecting the Alliance. (6) Command Naval Forces part of the Allied Command Europe. (4) And: In Northwood is part of the North (NAVNORTH) Atlantic (ACLANT), based in response to the end of the response to these security 3) British Permanent Joint Norfolk, Virginia, USA. Cold War and the advent of risks, and plays a crucial role Forces Headquarters (PJHQ) According to the NATO web- Partnership for Peace (PfP), for NATO operations within (1) site, the primary task of NATO reviewed its infra- Western Europe. This might The National Command of ACLANT is to contribute to structure and defence plans to become even more important Fleets (CINCFLEET) was security in the Atlantic area prepare it to face the rather in the near future, when the based at Northwood too, but by safeguarding the Allies sea more diverse risks inherent to European Union develops its moved to new headquarters at lines of communication, sup- the post-Cold War period. military wing, which probably Whale Island, Portsmouth. porting land and amphibious This has led to expanded will involve the use of NATO Only a few staff remain at operations, and protecting the roles and tasks for the com- assets for EU military opera- Northwood. (2) deployment of the Alliance's bined Regional Headquarters tions. Northwood then will be sea based nuclear deterrent. East Atlantic and part of European Union mili- Northwood & NATO (3) Headquarters Allied Naval tary interventions. NATO's history with In addition, Northwood is Forces North. (5) . Northwood began in 1952, part of the structure of the These more diverse risks when the NATO Eastern Allied Command Europe are described in NATO's new Continues over... (ACE), based in strategy, which was passed Notes: (1) Mons, Belgium. during NATO's war on http://www.eastlant.nato.int/Your_ ACE is responsible Yugoslavia in 1999. Community/your_community.htm and for the whole area Besides war, nuclear and http://www.eastlant.nato.int/hq_info from the Northern conventional weapons, and /structure.htm; (2) ttp://www.navynews.co.uk/arti- tip of Europe to access to natural resources, cles/2002/0204/0002043001.htm; the South, includ- NATO defines security risks (3) and (4) http://www.eastlant.nato.int/hq_info ing the whole as follows: However, Alliance /structure.htm Mediterranean security must also take (5) http://www.eastlant.nato.int/hq_info region from the account of the global context. /eastlant_history.htm; (6) The Atlantic coastline Alliance security interests can Alliance's Strategic Concept, Approved by the Heads of State and to the eastern bor- be affected by other risks of a Government participating in the der of Turkey. wider nature, including acts of meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. on 23rd A spontaneous blockade of Northwood Here Northwood terrorism, sabotage and and 24th April 1999, Press Release in March. Photo: d10 has a sub-regional organised crime, and by the NAC-S(99)65, 24 Apr. 1999 responsibility as disruption of the flow of vital "As well as 24 surface ships creation of the Permanent term joint planning didn't mately the recovery of the and two nuclear-powered sub- Joint Headquarters. It recom- happen. In 1996 PJHQ put an assigned forces. In addition it marines, more than 2,000 mended permitting "a proper, end to this (3). Joint has to be proactive and British troops have already clear, and unambiguous con- Command & Control responsive towards the been deployed in Oman, a fig- nection between [govern- Structures Ministry of Defence and sup- ure that will rise to 24,000 ment] policy and strategic The PJHQ are commanded porting commands (2). nearly a quarter of the British functions and the conduct of by the Chief of Joint army by the end of the operations at the operational Operations. The role of Outlook month. They will be support- level to be achieved". In July Northwood is "to be responsi- If which we all hope won't ed by 400 armoured vehicles, 1994, the creation of a single, ble for the planning and happen in some squadrons of fighter- permanent joint headquarters execution of UK-led joint, months/weeks time the US bombers, and a Commando under a chief of joint opera- potentially joint, combined, and Britain will attack Iraq, brigade. Their role will be to tions (CJO) was announced. and multinational operations, then PJHQ at Northwood will intervene in a war that began At the same time the forma- and for exercising operational be the centrepiece of the in the early hours of July 9 tion of a rapid deployment command of U.K forces British part of this aggres- when the first hostile tanks force was announced. Both assigned to combined and sion. The plans are drawn up crossed the border, their should become operational by multinational operations led now at Northwood. tracks thunder April 1996 (2). by others, in order to achieve If we want to stop a war ing across the sweltering Phase 1 of these develop- military strategic objectives." on Iraq and I hope we do then desert plains of northern ments was completed in 1999. (2) Northwood is one important Oman." (1) What Jamie Culmination of phase 2 devel- In order to be able to do so, "target" for our activities. Not Wilson and Richard Norton- opment of the full capability Northwood permanently only it is conveniently accessi- Taylor describe here in a was supposed to be Exercise plans and evaluates. It classi- ble via the Metropolitan line, Guardian article was Britain's Saif Sareefa. If this exercise fies conflicts in four categories but even more so because it Joint Force Headquarters Deployments Operation Location Timeframe Operation Location Timeframe Caxton Montserrat Mar 1996 Ladbrook Congo Aug-Sept 1998 Purposeful Central Africa Nov -Dec 1996 Desert Fox Middle East December 1998 Determinant Congo/Zaire March-June 1997 Basilica Sierra Leone Jan -Feb 1999 Alleviate Albania June-July 1997 Agricola Kosovo June 1999 Bolton Kuwait Feb-April 1998 Langar East Timor Sept-Dec 1999 Carrick Indonesia May-June 1998 Barwood Mozambique Feb-March 2000 Source: Connaughton 2000, page 90 Palliser Sierra Leone May-June 2000 biggest ever military exercise, went ahead as planned after quiescent, stirring, quicken- plays the crucial role in any called Saif Sareefa, and 11 September 2001 is not ing, and surfaced which then British military operation marked the full operationalli- known to me. lead to three categories of overseas. Northwood is the ty of the Permanent Joint "Jointery" is the new interest. At the lowest level heart of the (military) beast Forces Headquarters in buzzword, and the Permanent which probably includes the meet you soon at Northwood? Northwood, and the Joint Joint Headquarters is one of whole world "intelligence is This briefing originally Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF). the consequences. While joint maintaining a watching brief appeared in the July and It might not be a coinci- operations are not entirely on areas of operational inter- August issues of Nonviolent dence that this huge war new the Falklands war was a est and creating a priority Action and was prepared by a game and commando exercise joint operation but before list". If it is evident that a cri- member of The d10 Group took place in Oman, a desert 1996 the command structures sis is emerging, then a multi- Notes: (1) British forces flex military region with a climate similar for joint operations were disciplinary contingency muscle for £93m 'desert war'. The to Iraq. always set up on an ad hoc planning team is organised, Guardian, 3/11/2001 (2) Richard M Connaughton: basis, with those in command which is expected to master Organizing British Joint Rapid Effective military who seemed to be most appro- the situation in order to Reaction Forces. Joint Forces Quarterly, Autumn 2000, p87-94 interventions proate. The Falklands war advice the entire chain of (3) Jeremy R. Stocker: Jointness in Northwood the PJHQ is the was commanded from the command. The third level of Defence of the Realm. Joint Forces result of efforts to improve Fleet Headquarters, then at interest and we can be sure Quarterly, Spring 1997, p137-140 effectiveness of military oper- Northwood, and the Gulf Iraq is on that level right now ations.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NATO UNCLASSIFIED 1 NATO UNCLASSIFIED .0 HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED MARITIME COMMAND Atlantic Building, Northwood Headquarters, Sandy
    NATO UNCLASSIFIED .0 HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED MARITIME COMMAND Atlantic Building, Northwood Headquarters, Sandy Lane Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 3HP United Kingdom Our Ref: Tel: +44 (0)1923 956577 NCN: 57+ 56577 Date: 12 December 2018 Email: [email protected] IAW distribution MONTHLY NEWSLETTER NATO MARCOM NOVEMBER 2018. NATO MARCOM continues Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) tasks and security patrols in the NATO Area of Responsibility. In November, Exercise Trident Juncture 18, the largest NATO Live Exercise since the 1980s, concluded after 14 intensive days. Additionally, Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) concentrated maritime security efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean for Focused Operations (FOCOPS) 18-6. Maritime Security Operations Also in November, OSG saw significant participation from multiple NATO nations totaling 88 warships. Several NATO Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, 80 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) provided by Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, France, and USA, and submarines under NATO and national operational command supported the operation. FOCOPS 18-6 took place in the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean starting 23 November. Captain Deyannis of the Greek Navy led the operation on HS Navarino along with the Bulgarian BGS Drazki. This surface action group patrolled with the support of MPAs and submarines. A total of 491 merchant vessels were hailed during the month of November. Furthermore, excellent cooperation between Israel and NATO MARCOM was demonstrated during the FOCOPS period during a Medical Evacuation Exercise, which will help improve coordination and interoperability between Israel and NATO for future support operations in the area. OSG continues to enhance NATO MSA and increase control of the maritime domain in order to counter terrorism.
    [Show full text]
  • Fast Facts 2017
    June 2017 Fast Facts 2017 The data produced is from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy of any information. No liability can be accepted by the Council arising out of its use. If you find any errors, please report them to the Communications team. June 2017 Rickmansworth Urban District Council (UDC) (which included Croxley Green), Chorleywood UDC, and Watford Rural UDC (which included Abbotts Langley, Sarratt, South Oxhey and Carpenders Park) did not want to go together, but had no choice. No area wanted to have the name of another part of the new district so a public competition was held and Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) was born. The Grand Union Canal passes to the south of Rickmansworth. Here it merges with the Rivers Chess, Colne and Gade. After Rickmansworth, the canal follows the valley of the River Gade, a tributary of the River Colne, passing the site of Croxley paper mill. Most of TRDC residents are high-earning families, affluent married couples whose successful careers have afforded them financial security and a spacious home in a prestigious and established residential area. While some are mature empty-nesters or elderly retired couples, others are still supporting their teenage or older children. TRDC is an area which has one of the lowest rates of hate crime, robberies, domestic abuse and violence against another person. It also has low criminal damage, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour. It has a mixture of business and industry. The main employment areas are at Croxley Business Park, Tolpits Lane, Kings Langley, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth and Leavesden.
    [Show full text]
  • EU NAVFOR Imprint
    EU NAVFOR OPERATION ATALANTA EU NAVFOR OPERATION ATALANTA COMMAND www.eunavfor.eu European Union NAVAL FORCE EUNAVFOR Operation Commander EU Naval Force Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE0 was educated at Netherthorpe Grammar School and joined the Royal Navy in 1980 at BRNC Dartmouth. In 1982 he commenced a series of watch keeping and navigation appointments before completing warfare training in 1988 during which he specialised as a navigator. Thereafter he served as Squadron Navigator to the Captain of the Sixth Frigate Squadron, upon the warfare staff of Flag Officer Sea Training and, in 1992 as the Navigator of the aircraft carrier HMS INVINCIBLE. In 1994 he took command of HMS COTTESMORE conducting MCM and Fishery Protection duties around the UK. Following his promotion to Commander in December 1996, he became the Commanding Officer of the Type 23 Frigate, HMS NORFOLK, which included a 7-month deployment to the Falkland Islands. On relinquishing command in 1998 he served in the Naval HQ as the Fleet Operations Officer. In December 2000, after a short tour in the Ministry of Defence, he was promoted Captain and assigned to lead a small team that rationalised the 5 regional Fleet HQs into a single, integrated HQ located in Portsmouth; a project known as FLEET FIRST. In July 2002 he joined the 19,000 ton Amphibious Assault Ship HMS ALBION whilst she was under construction in Barrow. The ship was commissioned into the RN in early 2003 and as her first Commanding Officer he led her through a testing first of class trials programme and into full operational service in April 2004.
    [Show full text]
  • Nato Unclassified 1 Nato Unclassified Headquarters
    NATO UNCLASSIFIED HEADQUARTERS, ALLIED MARITIME COMMAND Atlantic Building, Northwood Headquarters, Sandy Lane Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 3HP United Kingdom Our Ref: Tel: +44 (0)1923 956577 NCN: 57+ 56577 Date: 14 May 2019 Email: [email protected] IAW distribution MONTHLY NEWSLETTER NATO MARCOM MAY NATO MARCOM continues its operational activities highlighting the training activities of the Standing naval forces and the second Focused Operation in 2019 (FOCOPS 19-2) of Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) that took place in the Central and the Eastern Mediterranean. Maritime Security Operations During last April 78 warships from France, Turkey, Spain, Greece, Canada, Albania, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Germany took part in Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) carrying out tasks playing different roles in the Mediterranean, supported by 87 flights of NATO Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The AEW flights were provided by NATO’s own assets while the MPA flights were provided by Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France and USA. Submarines under NATO and national operational command have also provided critical support to this Maritime Security Operation. OSG is upgrading NATOs Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) in the Mediterranean, through the knowledge of the Maritime Pattern of Life (MPoL), and detecting anomalies to fight crime at sea, as a mean to counter terrorism. A total of 393 MV were hailed by NATO during April. 1 NATO UNCLASSIFIED NATO UNCLASSIFIED Standing Naval Maritime Groups The Standing Naval Maritime
    [Show full text]
  • Strategic Command Northwood Headquarters NORTHWOOD Middlesex HA6 3HP United Kingdom
    Strategic Command Northwood Headquarters NORTHWOOD Middlesex HA6 3HP United Kingdom Ref: FOI2020/12147 Mr Justin Zacchi 23rd November 2020 [email protected] Dear Mr Zacchi, Thank you for your email of 3rd November 2020 requesting the following information: ‘Could you advise (for all services or MoD services) the units/commands (or links where I could find this information) for the current overseas postings: 1) British Forces Gibraltar 2) British Forces South Atlantic Islands 3) British Forces Cyprus 4) British Forces Belize 5) British Forces Brunei 6) British Forces British Indian Ocean Territories 7) British Army Training Unit Suffield 8) British Army Training Unit Kenya 9) British Army Training and Support Unit Belize 10) Kabul Protection Unit 11) NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (if any permanent deployed units) I understand as per protection, some of this information might be exempt, so in that cause you could re-direct me to where I might be able to find some of this information?’ I am treating your correspondence as a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). A search for the information has now been completed within the Ministry of Defence and I can confirm that information in scope of your request is held and detailed in Annex A. If you have any queries regarding the content of this letter, please contact this office in the first instance. Following this, if you wish to complain about the handling of your request, or the content of this response, you can request an independent internal review by contacting the Information Rights Compliance team, Ground Floor, MOD Main Building, Whitehall, SW1A 2HB (e-mail CIO- [email protected]).
    [Show full text]
  • And Accounts 2016/17 Aff's Core Values
    army families federation ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2016/17 AFF'S CORE VALUES AFF ALWAYS PUTS FAMILIES FIRST We listen to families, and respond. We make information accessible to families. We tackle the issues that families face. AFF CAN BE TRUSTED We are confidential and independent. We do what we say we’ll do. We know our stuff (and our boundaries). AFF IS BOLD AND DETERMINED We discuss, we challenge, we persevere. We encourage people to speak up. We take ownership of our actions (whatever the outcome). AFF IS INCLUSIVE We represent our unique community. We work together, and share knowledge and achievements. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. CONTENTS 4 & 5 // CHAIR'S REPORT // 6 & 7 // CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S SUMMARY // 8 & 9 // UK & OVERSEAS BRANCH // 10 & 11 // POLICY & RESEARCH BRANCH // 12 & 13 // COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING BRANCH // 14 & 15 // OPERATIONS BRANCH // 16 & 17 // PLANS FOR THE FUTURE // 18 & 19 // AFF'S IMPACT // 20 & 21 // OUR YEAR IN PICTURES // 22 - 34 // TRUSTEE REPORT & ACCOUNTS // 35 // CONTACTS // 4 // CHAIR'S REPORT // CHAIR'S REPORT JULIA WARREN, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Becoming AFF’s Chair of Trustees in November 2016 We have taken a pro-active approach to ensuring families’ was a huge honour for me and I relish the opportunity to views and experiences are considered at every stage. Our help AFF ensure they remain a relevant, useful service for Big Survey for 2016 focussed on this issue and garnered the Army families everywhere. Although my background and opinions of more than 8,300 respondents who, ultimately, experience differs somewhat to that of my predecessor, I highlighted two key issues.
    [Show full text]
  • FOI Names of Heads in Acitve Appointments
    Joint Forces Command Northwood Headquarters NORTHWOOD Middlesex HA6 3HP United Kingdom Ref: FOI2019/05328 [Redacted] 24 May 19 Thank you for your email of 6 May requesting the following information: “Are the a) Head of Defence Logistic Policy b) Head of Defence Logistic Strategy c) Head Defence Intelligence Operations d) Head of Networks, Information Services and Systems still active appointments, and if so, could you name the officers holding these appointments? (ref https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-roles-and-salaries-2018) If you cannot provide the names, could you state which of the three services they are from, that is, Royal Navy/Royal Marines, British Army or Royal Air Force?” I am treating your correspondence as a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). A search for the information has now been completed within the Ministry of Defence, and I can confirm that all the information in scope of your request is held. The information you have requested can be found below: a) The Head of Defence Logistic Policy is no longer an active post. b) Brigadier Martin Moore is currently the Head of Defence Logistic Strategy. c) The Defence Intelligence Operations Head is currently not an active post. d) Julian Knight is the Head of Networks, Information Services and Systems. If you are not satisfied with this response or you wish to complain about any aspect of the handling of your request, then you should contact us in the first instance at the address above. If informal resolution is not possible and you are still dissatisfied then you may apply for an independent internal review by contacting the Information Rights Compliance team, Ground Floor, MOD Main Building, Whitehall, SW1A 2HB (e-mail [email protected]).
    [Show full text]
  • Improving Healthcare Access for Veterans
    Improving Healthcare Access for Veterans Engagement: June – December 2020 Published: March 2021 Contents Executive summary 1. About Healthwatch Hertfordshire .................................................... 1 2. Introduction ............................................................................... 1 3. Background ................................................................................ 2 4. Aims ........................................................................................ 4 5. Methodology .............................................................................. 4 6. Key themes: Engagement with veterans ............................................ 7 7. Key themes: Engagement with NHS professionals ............................... 13 8. Key themes: Coproduction event ................................................... 17 9. Conclusion ............................................................................... 19 10. Summary of areas for further exploration ........................................ 19 11. Recommendations from the Health Subgroup to the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board .................................................................... 20 12. Response from the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board ............ 21 13. Response from the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Health Subgroup ...................................................................................... 21 Executive summary Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise
    [Show full text]
  • Northwood Headquarters: Service of Dedication HMS Wildfire And
    www.eastbury-residents.org Autumn 2011 Newsletter In this Issue Northwood Headquarters: Service of Dedication Page 2 A service of dedication to mark the • Health Matters completion of the reconstruction of • Notice of AGM Northwood Headquarters in Sandy Lane was held on 17 August this year. Page 3 A sculpture funded and donated by • Chairman’s Report Carillion was unveiled at the ceremony by Adam Green, MD of Carillion UK Page 4 Construction and Writer Nathan • Crossovers and Roxburgh, Royal Navy, the youngest Driveways uniformed member of UK forces on • Did you know… site . • House Parties The sculpture is by Louise Plant who is an • Be a good associate of the Royal British Society of Picture courtesy of Mark Rawlings, Northwood neighbour! Sculptors. The sculpture called “Joining Force” is dedicated to all who served their In the final edition of Northwood HQ’s Project Page 5 country. As chairman of the ERA, I was News magazine, there is a list of the many • The Withey Beds honoured to be invited to attend the ceremony visitors to the site over the period of which fortunately took place on one of the few construction. It is pleasing to read that Eastbury Page 6 dry days of August. Residents’ Association is listed together with • Home more illustrious names which includes Her Improvements Northwood HQ is the nerve centre of UK defence operations. The redevelopment started Majesty the Queen and the Prime Minister. • Keep informed by e-mail! in October 2006 and has taken 252 weeks to Elizabeth Willetts complete at a cost of £155m.
    [Show full text]
  • DOING BUSINESS with the MOD EDITION 23
    DOING BUSINESS with the MOD EDITION 23 Since 1 January 2016, it is mandatory for SEE PAGE MOD suppliers* to be certified to Cyber Essentials – Is your organisation? 15 *Applicable to all new MOD contracts which involve the transfer or creation of MOD identifiable information In association with: Published by: www.bipsolutions.com www.contracts.mod.uk 1 Front - 1-19.indd 1 6/7/16 11:08 AM 1 Front - 1-19.indd 2 6/7/16 11:08 AM Introduction Contents he MOD buys a wide variety of Ministry of Defence (MOD) 05 T products and services ranging from Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) 05 clothing to satellite communication Procurement at the MOD 06 systems, from construction of buildings to MOD Defence Contracts Online Portal / DOING BUSINESS MOD Defence Contracts Bulletin 06 with the provision of staff. We are British industry’s MOD Guide to MOD DCO / MOD DCB Contract Notices 07 EDITION 23 single largest customer, spending Since 1 January 2016, it is mandatory for SEE PAGE MOD suppliers* to be certified to Cyber Essentials – Is your organisation? 15 Advertising Industry Days and Industry *Applicable to all new MOD contracts which involve the transfer or creation of MOD identifiable information In association with: Published by: approximately £19.6 billion with third Briefi ngs within MOD DCO / MOD DCB 07 www.bipsolutions.com www.contracts.mod.uk parties on a wide range of products and Contracts Finder Porter 08 services. This amounts to 40-45% of total European Procurement Law 08 Government spend with third parties. Offi cial Journal of the European
    [Show full text]
  • Mp-Sas-141-06
    Deterrence and Assurance in Maritime Operations Andrew Bell Allied Maritime Command Northwood Headquarters, Northwood, Middlesex UNITED KINGDOM [email protected] Abstract ABSTRACT Over recent years the Russian Federation Navy has been pursuing an ambitious fleet modernisation and renewal programme. New maritime platforms and weapon systems are being deployed as part of a programme designed to counter NATO’s defensive capabilities. Traditional practices such as long range deployments of submarines designed to attack carrier task groups are being reinvigorated. New missions are being undertaken, such as the establishment of a permanent operating base in Tartus, Syria which, beyond immediate support to Russian forces deployed in that country, enables operations across the Mediterranean. The need for NATO to react to developments in the maritime domain has been recognised for some time now. NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) delivers some of this maritime posture through the Standing Naval Forces, which consists of two Standing NATO Maritime Groups and two Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Groups. Nations also contribute, with a permanent presence around the whole of NATO Area of Responsibility through both national activity and international actions such as the European Union Operation SOPHIA. MARCOM is charged with the operational level planning, delivery and assessment of the maritime contribution to NATO’s Deterrence and Assurance. This paper provide a review and comparison of both NATO and potential adversary maritime capabilities and activities, reviews the plans and aspirations for the near future, and attempts to identify gaps and challenges that will impact upon the balance required for NATO to achieve a sustainable level of deterrence and assurance.
    [Show full text]
  • Eu Navfor Operation Atalanta Eu Navfor Operation Atalanta
    EU NAVFOR OPERATION ATALANTA EU NAVFOR OPERATION ATALANTA COMMAND www.eunavfor.eu European Union NAVAL FORCE EUNAVFOR Operation Commander EU Naval Force Major General Buster Howes OBE Buster Howes was educated at Christ’s Hospital, and York and London Universities. He was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1982. The majority of his regimental experience has been within the United Kingdom’s Amphibious Force, within which he has commanded at every level from troop to brigade. With the exception of a tour in Northern Ireland, all his operational experience has been gained within a multi-national environment. In the First Gulf War, he served as the Regimental SO3 Operations in the 2nd Marine Division, conducting amphibious operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf. In Bosnia, he served as the SO2 Plans in the Rapid Reaction Force Operations Staff of UNPROFOR. He returned to the Gulf in 2003 as the Commanding Officer of 42 Commando, for which he was awarded the OBE. In 2007, he served as Chief Joint Coordination and Effects in HQ ISAF X in Kabul. His staff experience has been gained exclusively within the Naval and Joint Staffs. On the Naval Staffs, he worked as the SO2 N1 in CINCFLEET, the SO1 Strategy within the Naval Staff Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, subsequently returning as the 1-Star Director of the Naval Staff. In the Joint Staffs, he served as a Divisional Director at the UK Joint Command and Staff College, as Chief of Staff to the Commander UK Amphibious Force, and most recently as Head of Overseas Operations in the Ministry of Defence.
    [Show full text]