CTF 150 Seizes 10 Tons of Narcotics

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Coalition forces operating in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics July 7 with an estimated value of $70 million.

A U.S. Navy maritime patrol (P-3) aircraft and a British warship located and tracked the vessel in the Gulf of Aden and then the crew from the UK ship boarded the dhow approximately 150 miles southeast of Salalah, Oman. This drug seizure is the largest by coalition naval forces in 2009.

"The seizure of these drugs takes money out of the hands of those financing terrorists in the region," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "The smugglers need to know that coalition forces are patrolling the seas and skies above. These efforts send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here and we won't tolerate drug trafficking in international waters."

During the boarding, coalition Sailors discovered the drugs in vessels operating along the so-called 'Hash Highway' and destroyed large quantities of narcotics.

CTF 150 forces have seized more than 18 tons of narcotics during 2009, highlighting the continual presence in the region and the commitment to creating and maintaining a lawful maritime order. In 2008, CTF 150 seized more than 53 tons of narcotics.

CTF 150 is a multinational task force that conducts maritime security operations (MSO) in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The task force was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling and deter other destabilizing activities to develop security in the maritime environment and create a lawful maritime order.

MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seeks to disrupt violent extremist use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Through training opportunities with regional partners, CTF 150 enhances existing cooperative relationships which aim to support regional countries' struggles against violent extremism.

CTF 150 Maintains Presence Off East Coast of Africa

This is the Task Force that is hunting down Al-Qaida in Somalia.

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Coalition ships from the British-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 continue to maintain a presence off the east coast of Africa in response to the recent events in Somalia.

CTF 150 includes USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and other coalition ships. These warships are conducting maritime security operations (MSO) to ensure continued security and stability of international waters surrounding the Horn of Africa.

Coalition naval forces are performing boardings on a number of vessels to deter individuals with links to al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations the use of the sea as a potential escape route.
The coalition ships of CTF 150 maintain a maritime presence in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.
Recent events in Somalia are a cause of concern because of the potential for an increased risk of piracy and illegal activities that historically has followed the instability in that country.

Royal Navy Commodore Bruce Williams, Commander, Task Force 150, based in Bahrain, said, “In response to international will, CTF 150 provides an enduring coalition maritime presence in the region to promote a safe and secure maritime environment, and most importantly, support our regional friends in their drive for peaceful use of the high seas and territorial waters. Coalition Forces will continue routine operations in this unstable area as long as the need exists for our presence.”

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

CTF 150 is one of three coalition maritime task forces that conduct MSO under the direction of U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Patrick Walsh, Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, based in Bahrain. Walsh also commands CTF 158 in the North Arabian Gulf and CTF 152, which is responsible for patrolling the Central and Southern Arabian Gulf.