PNS Alamgir sets sail for Pakistan

March 22nd, 2011: The first Oliver Hazard Perry (OHP) Class frigate, acquired by Pakistan Navy from United States, set sail for Pakistan on Monday.The ship, formerly USS McINERNEY (FFG-8)), was commissioned in the Pakistan Navy as PNS ALAMGIR (F-260) on August, 31, 2010 in an impressive ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, where Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani was the chief guest.After commissioning, PNS ALAMGIR has undergone extensive modernization and refurbishment at BAE, System Shipyard at Jacksonville Florida. A total of 18 Officers and 218 CPO/ Sailors, who started arriving the US in February 2010,underwent In-house School Training at various schools.

The Ship Transfer and Assistance Team (STAT) had a major contribution in training of the crew at Naval Station, Mayport. PN crew stay in the US contributed towards greater understanding on issues of mutual concern besides strengthening relations between the two countries. Captain Naveed Ashraf T.Bt TI(M) is the first Commanding Officer of PNS ALAMGIR.

Upon completion of successful sea trials and crew workup, the ship set sail for Pakistan on Monday. During her voyage, it will be making port calls in Bermuda (UK), Azores (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Golcuk (Turkey), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Salalah (Oman) and would eventually reach Pakistan on 13 May 2011.

PNS ALAMGIR will form part of the 18th Frigate Squadron of Pakistan Navy Fleet.Pakistan is an important member of Global War On Terror (GWOT).In consonance with Pakistani government’s decision to fight terrorism in all its manifestations, Pakistan Navy joined the US-led maritime coalition against terrorism by participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP), which is the maritime component of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). It encompasses maritime operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Coalition forces work under overall command of United States Naval Forces Central Command (US NAVCENT) which is the Naval component of US CENTCOM. Its area of responsibility includes the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

It consists of the US Fifth Fleet and several other subordinate task forces, including Combined Task Forces 150 and 151.These task forces have been assigned different mission and areas of responsibilities for conducting maritime operations in support of CMCP.

Despite resource constraints, Pakistan Navy has been a front-line participant in the CMCP. Pakistan Navy was the first regional navy to form part of CMCP and has significantly contributed its assets to ensuring peace and stability in the region. Since April 2004, Pakistan Navy has contributed one frigate in TF-150 regularly. In addition, the PN also contributes a Type-21 frigate (with embarked helicopter) in TF-151 for counter-piracy operations.

Pakistan Navy has commanded TF-150 four times and is currently commanding the CTF-151 off the coast of Somalia. Pakistan was the first non-NATO country to command the Task Force.

Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates are being operated by many navies in the world. These ships are most suited for conducting Maritime Security Operations, which have become the prime concern of the nations.

PNS ALAMGIR will augment Maritime Security Operations in the Arabian and the adjoining seas. It will also provide strength to the Pakistan Navy Surface Fleet.

PNS ALAMGIR is named after emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir (1618-1707), who was the sixth Muslim ruler of Great Mughal Empire. Alamgir was an able warrior, who fiercely protected his territories and retained the throne for almost 50 years. He spread the extent of Mughal Empire to the entire Indian Sub-continent and is generally considered to be the last successful Mughal emperor.

PNS ALAMGIR is the third ship to bear this name. The first one was Cr Class Destroyer which was decommissioned in 1982 after remaining in service for about 24 years. The second was Gearing Class Destroyer and remained in service from 1982-1988.

The Sinking Of INS Khukri - IndoPak War 1965

During 1971 Indo-Pak war, the burden of Pakistan Navy's offensive effort hinged on the small but effective submarine force. PN Submarine HANGOR sailed in the early hours of 22 November 1971 to patrol off the Indian Kathiawar coast under the command of Commander Ahmed Tasnim S.J.

PNS/M Hangor

On 9 Dec, in an effort to locate the evasive enemy, HANGOR extended her patrol northward to investigate some radio transmissions intercepted on her sensors. Two contacts were picked up on passive sonar and were identified as warships. The initial range was 6 to 8 miles. A pursuit of the enemy began but the first attempt to attack these ships failed due to speed disadvantage. The submarine however managed to forecast target ships movement and succeeded in taking up a tactically advantageous position on the path of the patrolling frigates by 1900. At 1957 the submarine fired a down the throat shot with a homing torpedo at the northerly ship from a depth of 40 meters.

Captain Ahmed Tasnim (later Vice Admiral)(a man standing), directing the final stages of the torpedo attack on INS Khukri
Lieutenant Fasih Bokhari - Captain Ahmed Tasnim - Lieutenant A.U. Khan

The torpedo was tracked but no explosion was heard. The second torpedo was therefore fired immediately on the incomming southerly ship and this was followed by a tremendous explosion. The torpedo had found its mark. The other enemy frigate came straight for the submarine when a third torpedo was fired. A distant explosion was heard subsequently and the submarine turned west towards deeper waters for evasion.

INS Khukri

In this spectacular action, INS KHUKRI, the ship of the Squadron Commander of Indian 14th Frigate Sqn was sunk within two minutes after receiving a hit in the magazine where explosives were held. This was the first submarine kill after World War II. 18 Officers and 176 sailors including the Commanding Officer lost their lives. This came as a shattering blow to the Indian Navy. HANGOR’s action demonstrated Pakistan Navy's tactical superiority in sub-surface warfare and after the war even the BBC commentators praised Pakistan Naval effort. Considering the shape, size and age of the ships at its command, they said that the Pakistan Navy had acquitted itself well against the Indian Navy.

COAS and CAS visited Waziristan

Dec 7: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited South W

aziristan Agency today to monitor the progress of Quick Impact Projects. These projects are being undertaken by Pakistan Army, in consultation with local tribes and in coordination with the Civil Administration, for social uplift of the affected areas.

COAS visited Higher Secondary School at Makeen in North Waziristan Agency that was rebuilt jointly by Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force as a gesture of support for the locals who suffered in war against terrorism. Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) inaugurated the school. COAS later performed Earth Breaking of a Model Health facility at Ladha in South Waziristan Agency, being established with the assistance of United Arab Emirate (UAE) Government.

COAS thanked UAE Government for the financial assistance and local population for their whole hearted support. He pledged that Pakistan Army will continue working for peace and social progress of the area.

Earlier on arrival in the area, the COAS and CAS were received by the Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Asif Yasin Malik.

PN ship to participate in Sri Lankan Navy’ 60th anniversary

Dec 7: Pakistan Navy’s ship PNS ZULFIQUAR (F-22P Frigate) reached Colombo on Tuesday to participate in 60th Anniversary celebrations of Sri Lankan Navy. Ship’s band, dressed up in traditional naval uniform, presented melodious tunes as it sailed into Colombo Harbour.

The crew will participate in the various events planned during the stay in Colombo, including Presidential Fleet Review, International Band Fiesta and Sailing Regatta. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir would also visit Colombo to attend the celebrations.

The ship, which is the pioneer Sword Class, was commissioned in Pakistan Navy on July 30, 2009. It is a multi-mission capable ship, fitted with potent weapons like Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Guns, Jammers and Torpedoes. It is capable of carrying ASW Helicopter Z9EC and has modern navigational and communication systems.

Sri Lanka is an important regional country and PN regards cooperation with SLN (Sri Lankan Navy) as of paramount importance. Pakistan Navy enjoys brotherly and cordial relations with

Sri Lanka Navy in all professional fields and PNS ZULFIQUAR is in Colombo to participate in the 60th anniversary celebration.

The ship also visited Colombo earlier during her maiden voyage from Shanghai in September 2009. The visit will open new avenues of bilateral cooperation between the two friendly navies and garner the existing strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Pakistan assumes command of Combined Task Force 151

Pakistan Navy Cdre. Abdul Aleem assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 from Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Sinan Ertugrul during a ceremony held aboard HMS Cornwall while in port Fujairah, UAE Nov. 29.

CTF 151 is a multinational task force established in Jan. 2009 to conduct counterpiracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

"Pakistan has been a valued partner in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) for many years now," said Cdre. Tim Fraser, deputy commander, CMF. "They've had a major impact on maritime security operations in the region, having commanded CTF 150 four times and will now use those skills countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin in CTF 151."

As CTF 151 commander, Ertugrul led ships from Australia, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the U.K. and U.S. The command staff included personnel from Bahrain, Canada, Turkey, the U.K. and U.S.

Turkey's period of command included the retaking of the M/V Magellan Star from pirate control; a the rescue of refugees in the Gulf of Aden and the first involvement of Royal Thai Navy ships in CTF 151.

"Given the importance of this region to international trade and the world economy, it could be argued that the problem of piracy has the potential to affect every individual on the planet," said Ertugrul, reflecting on his three months in command. Consequently, during my period of command it has been clear to me that international cooperation must underpin everything we do.

Ertugrul stressed the constant awareness joint Naval forces must have to continue to be successful in their counterpiracy mission.

"Those who seek to commit piracy at sea have shown themselves to be resourceful and flexible, modifying their behavior as we frustrate their tactics," he said. "Naval forces must therefore remain astute and adaptable. However, the pirates should know this -- we are here to stay as long as is necessary."

Services Chiefs Call on PM & President

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shamim Wyne, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir and Acting Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Tahir Rafique Butt called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House and President Asif Ali Zardari at the President’s House in Islamabad and exchanged Eid greetings with them.

JF-17 has bright prospects in aviation market: Air Chief

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), said on Tuesday that Pakistan-China joint production JF-17 Thunder fighter jet has bright prospects in the international aviation market. It has many added features which make it much more attractive than any other fighter aircraft of its category, said the Air Chief. A low price tag and much less maintenance and operational cost compared to the other planes of its class make it attractive for the buyers, he said.

The PAF Chief said this while talking to the media after attending the 8th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition that would continue here at China’s southern coastal city neighboring Macau, till November 21. During the six-day exhibition, 35 countries and regions are participating.

Chinese Vice Premier, Zhang Dejiang was the Chief Guest at the show. Former Prime Minister Li Peng and PLA Air Chief and senior party leaders were also present on this occasion.

Pakistan, having the second biggest fleet of aircraft after host China, is participating for the first time in this exhibition. As many as ten K-8 trainer aircraft and three JF-17 fighters are taking part in the show that demonstrates the all-weather and time-tested friendship between the two countries.

While talking about the plane, the Chief of Air Staff commented that it has all state-of-the-art features. He particularly mentioned its supreme avionics essential for a modern combat aircraft.

There is likely to be big demand of this type of aircraft in the international market, as it meets all the requirements that are needed by a modern air force, at a very affordable price, he said.

To a question regarding further expansion of cooperation between Pakistan Air Force and China, Rao Qamar Suleman replied that the two brotherly neighboring countries have a long history of cooperation in all fields particularly defence. He expressed the confidence that with the passage of time these bonds of friendsip would further consolidate.

Talking to APP on this occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan said this air show has epitomized Pakistan-China relations. “Today is a great day for both Pakistan and China”, he said. JF-17’s demonstration was spectacular as well as professional, he added.

Three JF-17 fighter planes are participating in this air show. One of these has been put on display for general public as well as for prospective buyers while others are performing aerobatics.

Another manifestation of this friendship was that immediately after the-state-of-art J-10 aerobatics by PLA Air Force, PAF pilots were invited to demonstrate their aerobatic skills on the JF-17 Thunder.

As the single-seat, fighter plane appeared for the first time in the Chinese skies, the pilot stunned thousands of spectators with a spectacular show of aerobatics that lasted for nearly ten minutes.

Another attraction of the day was the formation aerobatic show by PAF Sherdils, on China made K-8 trainer aircraft, which also mesmerized the audience.

Replying to a question, the Sherdil pilots regarded K-8 planes as stable, fuel efficient and fitted with best performing turbo engine.

With an exhibition area approaching 23,000 square meters, the show has attracted about 600 exhibitors and is showcasing nearly 70 commercial and military aircraft of different models.

To mark the importance of this event, the Air Force of People’s Liberation Army of China also put on display a series of aircraft which participated in the 60th National Day Parade on October 1, 2009.