•  Monday 13 July 0530, Brussels

In the military terminal at Brussels, waiting to board a US boeing 757 for Rota and the Sea Day.  Lots of tired-looking Ambassadors and MilReps; not much coffee.  Secretary General joins us for his last trip with the NAC.  A different way to watch the dawn begin to break.

• Monday 13 July 1000, Rota Spain

On board the Dutch Naval Ship HNLMS De Zeven Provincien, an air defence and command frigate attached to NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group. SMNG1 has just returned from a tour on anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and once we've set sail will demonstrate some of the boarding techniques they used in action.

The Sea Day has also been a useful opportunity to meet the new SACEUR, Adm Jim Stavridis, who met us off the plane in Rota. I think he's the first Naval officer to hold the job, but after a stint as Head of US Southern Command is well versed in the complexities of joint operations.

After SNMG1 have shown us what they can do we will transfer by helicopter to the nuclear-powered carrier USS Eisenhower. I last visited her fifteen years ago on a trip from Harvard. It will be interesting to see how things have moved on since then.

• Monday 13 July 1030, Rota Spain

On board the Zeven Provincien, sailing out of Rota.  Beautiful weather, calm sea.  The ship is being sailed by Zoe Reynolds, a young RN officer on secondment to the Dutch Navy, operating in fluent Dutch.  Another excellent example of NATO multinationality at work!

• Monday 13 July 1200, off the Spanish Coast.

After some preparatory manouvres, SNMG1 is now steaming closely together.  We're given an impressive demonstration of anti-piracy measures, involving a helicopter boarding of a suspect vessel.  Some slick flying, and an efficient response, drawing on experience from the Gulf of Aden.

• Monday 13 July 1330, USS Eisenhower

An impressive helicopter transfer from the Zeven Provincien brings us to the Eisenhower.  A smooth landing and straight down on the lift to the Hangar Deck, half of which has been set aside for our use.

• Monday 13 July 1515, USS Eisenhower

On the Hangar Deck listening to briefings on counter-piracy from the Commander of SNMG1 and the new British CINCFLEET Adm Soar (in his capacity as NATO Commander Maritime Forces Northwood).  SACEUR makes a plea for a more strategic approach to maritime planning in the Alliance.  Lots of evidence of excellent co-operation between NATO forces and the EU Operation Atalanta.

Before the briefing we were given a tour of the Eisenhower.  Almost a small city.  The electronics have changed significantly since I was last on the ship 15 years ago.  I manage to get a look at the aircraft maintenance facilities (including a complete engine test bed), where technicians do wonders with metal and glass fibre.

• Monday 13 July 1800, USS Eisenhower

Waiting to leave by aircraft and catapult after a fascinating air display by F-18 and other aircraft.  Fast, noisy and difficult to photograph.  I tried, and hope something will come out.

• Monday 13 July, Rota Spain

Back on land waiting for the plane back to Brussels. We left the Eisenhower by catapult on a COD (Carrier On-board Delivery) aircraft. 0-180 km/hr in two seconds. Quite a ride - and an excellent conclusion to a very interesting day! 

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