Spanish navy captures 11 suspected Somali pirates

The Spanish navy has captured and arrested 11 Somalis suspected of piracy after they chased a Seychelles-flagged fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean earlier this week, says the Spanish defence ministry.

Early on Monday the fishing vessel, with several Spanish crewmembers on board, was pursued by pirates aboard two boats whilst travelling around 260 nautical miles north west of the Seychelles. Apparently automatic weapons and rocket propelled grandes were clearly visible. The crew fired warning shots at the pirates and alerted the Spanish naval operations centre (COVAM). Spain participates in the European Union’s Atalanta anti-piracy operation in the Indian Ocean.

SH-60B helicopter squadron receives flight trainer at homeport

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md.-- Naval Aviation Training Systems program office (PMA-205) delivered a SH-60B Seahawk Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) to Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), in late 2010.

“With the new TOFT on location, the crews have more simulation time affording proficiency in mission readiness while staying close to home, thus eliminating cost associated with flying crews to the mainland. ” said Capt. John Feeney, Naval Aviation Training Systems program manager ,PMA-205 .