Monday Reading

Fred Fry's' Maritime Monday 129 at gCaptain.com. Fred has photos of APL line ships and a whole lot of quality maritime links. He even links to a National Geographic contest in which you (yes, you!) could get involved a sea cruise with the Indian Navy.

Bubblehead notes the passing of a submarine force legend.

Consul at Arms links about an anti-current Iranian regime group that you may not want to get behind.

The Coasties announce a contract for a new Fast Response Cutter here. More info on the "Sentinel" class here.

UPDATE: More photos of pirated ships:


Caption: HOYBYO, Somalia (Sept. 29, 2008) Pirates holding MV Faina receives supplies while under observation by the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by "Kaalybe Shipping Ukraine" and is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked on Sept. 28 and forced to proceed to an anchorage off the Somali Coast. Vella Gulf is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet conduct maritime security operations to promote stability and regional economic prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Zalasky/Released)



HOYBYO, Somalia (Sept. 29, 2008) The pirated vessel MV Centauri as observed by the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). MV Centauri is anchored in the vicinity of MV Faina, off the coast of Hoybyo, Somalia. Several U.S. Navy ships are in the area monitoring the situation. U.S. 5th Fleet conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) to promote stability and regional economic prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Zalasky/Released)