Head of Logistics, From the Royal Danish Navy Addresses Focus on Pre-Deployment and Sustainment of ABSALON-Class Flexible Support Ships in Counter-Piracy Operation

LONDON, February 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Commander Visti Salomonsen, Head of Logistics, Current Operations (Naval) from the Royal Danish Navy will be addressing deployment challenges of Absalon-class support vessels in large areas of operations at the Afloat Support and Naval Logistics conference between 20-22 March in London.

Absalon flexible support ships (combat support ships) is equipped for naval warfare, land attack, strategic sealift missions or as a command platform. They can also be configured as hospital ships or for emergency disaster relief. At Afloat Support and Naval Logistics, Commander Salomonsen will provide a view on the deployment of Denmark's two Absalon-class vessels, in support of counter-piracy operations around the Horn of Africa.

Counter-piracy operation is a large issue right now when it comes to distance, equipment management and varied levels of frontline services. Commander Salomonsen pointed out some of the key challenges when speaking with Defence IQ: 'One of the key issues for forces to succeed in conducting smooth and effective logistic operations is communication and partnership installation. It is critical for nations to co-operate in term of self sustenance and technical sustainability.'

Salomonsen also adds 'Another main thing the Danish Navy is looking at, particularly right now, is the on-board stock. How long does the crew have the capability to maintain when operating over sea? How long is the unit able to sustain themselves? There is still room to develop.'

In addition, Commander Salomonsen adds emphasis on crew training for deployment with Absalon vessels incorporating NATO operations, particularly as it has ranged in its role from support missions to being at the forefront of counter-piracy missions.

At the Afloat Support and Naval Logistics conference, Commander Salomonsen will join Colonel Peter Yeager, Director of Support, Naval Striking and Support Forces, NATO and Lieutenant Commander Mike Ruminski, Deputy Head of Logistics, Maritime Component Command (MCC) Northwood, NATO to discuss further NATO operational feedback, for example the lessons learned from Operation Unified Protector and Operation Ocean Shield.

To access further details on different speaker sessions at the Afloat Support and Naval Logistics conference, visit http://www.afloatsupportconf.com. Visitors can also access the Media Centre for the latest news and developments in the Afloat support community.

Defence IQ invites all General and Flag Officers to attend Afloat Support and Naval Logistics for free, request a complimentary pass from yun.shi@iqpc.co.uk.

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Yun Shi | IQPC, 2nd Floor, 129 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1JZ | Tel: +44-20-7368-9737