Taylor Participates in Operation Ocean Shield

USS TAYLOR, At Sea (NNS) -- Over the past several weeks, guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) and its visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team, have actively patrolled the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) and provided security assistance to several merchant vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden region.

Taylor, with embarked Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48 Detachment 9, is assigned to Commander, NATO Task Force 508 Operation Ocean Shield.

This Operation is NATO's counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and India Ocean.

"Ocean Shield is a clear demonstration of the alliance's capability in the maritime field, and its flexibility in meeting the variety of challenges posed in today's security environment," said Cmdr. J. R. Hill, Taylor's commanding officer. "As part of the NATO Task Force Taylor complements the European Union, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and independent nations' units tackling piracy in the region."

Taylor's mission is to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and Somali Basin, and investigate suspicious maritime activity. Additionally, the ship supports merchant vessels requiring assistance while transiting the IRTC and other regional waterways. Taylor also monitors commercial merchant shipping and convoys and provides security overwatch.

"Most vessels we have encountered are legitimate fishing or trading and are not involved with piracy operations, but the data collected helps provide information for pattern of life analysis and evidence to compare between boardings that may help classify a dhow as a pirate vessel more clearly during a boarding," said Lt. Michael Modeer, Taylor's senior VBSS Officer.

Piracy and maritime crime are a significant concern to the international community, contributing nations, non-government and commercial organizations. Taylor has conducted numerous maritime security assist visit (MSAV) boardings in support of NATO's counter-piracy efforts.

As the deployment continues, Taylor expects to remain vigilant on patrol, providing the maritime presence and security necessary to support counter-piracy efforts throughout the region.

USS Taylor Makes Tampa Port Call for Navy Week Events

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Josh Treadwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

TAMPA, Fla. (NNS) -- The frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) arrived at cruise terminal six Jan. 18, to participate in a week of festivities and community service projects during Tampa Navy Week.

The port visit is part of the Navy's commitment to reach out to communities throughout America.

"The crew is really looking forward to the events," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kurush F. Morris. "Tampa has done a nice job of providing entertainment. The city really rolled out the red carpet for us."

To kickoff the week's festivities, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio presented Commander Navy Region Midwest, Rear Adm. John W. Bayless, Jr. and Morris an official proclamation designating Jan. 19-26, Tampa Navy Week.

During a tour of the ship, Tampa Navy League representative, Skip Witunski, encouraged the crew of Taylor to get out and see the city during their stay.

"We appreciate what the Navy does for our nation," said Witunski. "You will have a good time with everything Tampa has to offer."

During the port visit, Taylor Sailors will participate in a variety of activities, including a "Caps for Kids" visit to a local children's hospital and a trip to Busch Gardens to celebrate Navy Day at the park. The ship will also welcome aboard cheerleaders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers professional football team.

Tampa Navy Week is the first of 22 Navy weeks scheduled all over the United States in 2008. Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities which do not have a significant everyday Navy presence.