French Ship Guepratte Provides a Presence in Gulf of Aden

ABOARD FS GUEPRATTE (NNS) -- The French frigate Guepratte (F 714) is contributing to security and stability in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.

Guepratte sailors monitor unusual activity, such as the presence of small skiffs around fishing or merchant vessels, as well as providing assistance to regional mariners.

"We want people to know we are patrolling. This is a very large area of water and the more mariners know that we're out here, the better," said Guepratte's Commanding Officer, French Navy Cmdr. Francois Moreau. "We are here to be a deterrent to illegal activities. That is the mission of the Coalition, and it is a daily challenge."

Guepratte arrived in the Red Sea Nov. 18 and is part of CTF 150.

CTF 150 conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.