HMS Defender escorts Cunard’s Queen Mary II

HMS Defender conducted a rendezvous with RMS Queen Mary II in the northern Gulf of Oman during ongoing Maritime Security Operations being undertaken as part of the International Maritime Countermeasures Exercise 2016.  As part of this exercise Defender acted as an escort for Queen Mary II, simulating the protection warships can provide through potentially dangerous sea lanes.

The previous day, Defender met Queen Mary II’s sister ship, RMS Queen Elizabeth, and conducted a ‘High Value Unit’ escort, undertaking manoeuvres to demonstrate her capability to protect the escorted ship.  Defender also utilised her Lynx Mk 8 helicopter to provide surveillance and early warning of potential threats.

Cdr Steve Higham Royal Navy, CO of Defender, said: “This serial was an excellent opportunity to reassure high-profile merchant shipping in the Gulf of Oman and beyond, while at the same time promoting Royal Naval engagement in the region.  Interaction with merchant shipping is crucial to promoting Maritime Security and maintaining the Rule of Law.”

The Royal Navy and Marine Nationale working together

THE British and French navies have recently displayed their close working relationship by sharing command of each other’s assets on two different oceans.

In the Indian Ocean, the French Ship (FS) Aconit acted in direct support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, the multinational counter-terrorism operation in the Gulf and Horn of Africa region.  CTF 150 is under the command of Royal Navy Commodore Guy Robinson, who leads a team comprising predominantly of Royal Navy personnel from within the staff of Commander UK Maritime Forces.

The CTF 150 team also includes an international element comprising of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Saudi Naval Force, and an officer from the United States Navy, all of whom work within the team in the planning and execution of operations.  FS Aconit has been acting in the region to deter and intercept suspected weapons and drugs smugglers.

Meanwhile in the Atlantic, HM Ships Ocean, Bulwark, and Sutherland, as well as Royal Fleet Auxiliary Lyme Bay, were under the command of Rear Admiral Eric Chaperon, the Commander French Maritime Forces, for Exercise Griffin Strike.  The aim of Griffin Strike was to test the working partnership between the two countries and test the Anglo-French Combined Joint Expeditionary Force.

Admiral Chaperon’s deputy commander for the exercise was Royal Navy Captain Paul Beattie, whose usual role is Chief of Staff to Commander UK Maritime Forces.  The exercise demonstrated how UK and French maritime, land and air forces could be deployed rapidly for a wide range of bilateral operations, and if called upon, work together as part of a NATO, EU, or UN coalition operation.

Commodore Robinson said: “UKMARFOR and FRMARFOR headquarters work ever closer together; from operations in the Indian Ocean to major exercises in the Atlantic there is a strong bond between our navies.”

These two examples highlight the close cooperation between British and French forces at sea and in working with partners to ensure maritime security and stability.  Captain Beattie added: “Exercise Griffin Strike has strengthened the close partnership between our navies, giving us a unique opportunity to take the very best working practices from both nations and deliver something truly credible.”

Local fishermen of Mulkallah after talking with USN personnel

Local fishermen read literature about maritime security

USN personnel as part of the CTF 150’s mission are invited onboard a dhow

USN personnel greeting the crew of a fishing dhow in the Gulf of Aden

The crew of a fishing dhow in the Gulf of Aden bid farewell to USN personnel

Attendees at the latest SHADE Conference in Bahrain

The latest Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) conference took place in Bahrain at an opportune time with the International Mine Counter Measures Exercise 16 (IMCMEX16) as the background to the discussions, and as a reminder of the global importance of the maritime environment.

Primarily centered on the fight against piracy, the conference involved 120 representatives from a variety of nations, organisations, industry and military.  The conference is chaired on a rotational basis between the European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) who maintain Operation Atalanta, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), who are responsible for  the Ocean Shield mission and the hosts for this conference, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) who operate the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, the lead anti-piracy Task Force within CMF.

The conference featured a number of speakers and presentations.  These included from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO), both Commander Royal Navy Peter Harriman whose role is the Officer in Charge and Mr Simon Church from the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa.  They spoke of the pattern of life and impact of reducing the high risk area.

Mr John Stawpert, Manager of the International Chamber of Shipping Ltd, provided an update on the industry and its success in countering piracy.  He stated the importance of the military, armed guards on board ships and the use of Best Management Practises 4 – Protection Against Somali Based Piracy.  Mr Andy Read from the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation spoke on the illegal, unlicensed and unregulated fishing.

Also speaking from the UN was Mr Alan Cole of the Office of Drugs and Crime who identified that many pirates currently in prison intend to return to piracy when released.  CTF152 provided a Yemen and threat update and Dr Ahmend Dahir the FGS presented on the continued problems in Somalia resulting from charcoal smuggling.

Alongside of the formal presentations, the conference also allowed the opportunity for further engagement and discussion.  Discussion identified that there is continued interest in India joining CMF and that the future visit of the Indian Navy’s Director Western Fleet to CMF will assist in this.  A further meeting concerning the smuggling of charcoal proved productive in how to move forward and tackle the problem. This meeting involved the Federal Government of Somalia and India as well as the UNODC and CMF.  In looking to the future, the Independent Deployers comprising Russia, India and China were approached with a view to increasing their future participation.

The next SHADE conference will allow the opportunity for further work and, as important, the additional opportunities to build further on the work of this successful meeting.

Rear Admiral Cheong addresses the MIPS audience

Last month Commander Combined Task Force 151 (CCTF 151), Rear Admiral Ken Cheong spoke at the Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS).

Rear Admiral Cheong was invited by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to be one of the panelists for the 7^th MIPS in his role as CCTF 151.  MIPS is an annual forum held in Bahrain to improve interoperability, capability and capacity of maritime infrastructure protection.

CTF 151 is a multi-national team led by Rear Admiral Cheong of the Republic of Singapore Navy. In addition to his Singaporean staff, there are members from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

CTF 151 is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment.  As part of CMF, CTF 151 engages with regional partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce in the Gulf of Aden.

Rear Admiral Cheong said: “Maritime security challenges such as piracy and armed robbery at sea are complex transnational problems that no one state can deal with on its own. This is the reason why law enforcement agencies, coast guards, navies and police from different states must work together.”

Rear Admiral Cheong receives a welcome token from the CO of Wang Geon, Captain Yang Seung Ryong

Commander Combined Task Force 151 (CCTF 151), Rear Admiral Ken Cheong RSN, carried out Key Leadership Engagement (KLE) with the Republic of Korea recently.

Rear Admiral Cheong, of the Republic of Singapore Navy, made his first KLE visit to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) ships Choe Yeong and Wang Geon at Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi.

Choe Yeong began her journey to her home base in Korea and Wang Geon has come out to support CTF 151, which is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment.  The visit was hosted by the Commanding Officer of ROKS Wang Geon, Captain Yang Seung Ryong ROKN, with the Commanding Officer of Choe Yeong also in attendance. As part of the visit, Rear Admiral Cheong was given a tour of the ship and a discussion of the ship’s capabilities.

Rear Admiral Cheong took the opportunity to welcome ROKS Wang Geon to CMF and CTF 151 in particular, and also recognised the contributions made by ROKS Choe Yeong.  This meeting enhanced the mutual understanding around counter-piracy operations and emphasised the need for countries to work together as part of a multi-national naval partnership.

RADM Cheong expressed his confidence in ROKN ships stating they are highly regarded in CMF for their professionalism and willingness to respond to incidents.  At the same time, Captain Yang Seung Ryong talked about the ROKN’s commitment to CMF and protecting global maritime commerce.

The visit underscores the positive and professional relationship between CTF 151 and its units. Rear Admiral Cheong said: “ROKS Choe Yeong and ROKS Wang Geon are both magnificent ships with officers and crews of the highest standards. I am proud to serve with them as we achieve our common mission to ensure that the region is safe and secure.”

Rear Admiral Cheong presents a token of appreciation to the Commanding Officer of ROKS Choe Yeong, Captain An Sang Min

USN personnel approach a freighter in the Gulf of Aden

USN personnel, as part of CTF 150, approach local fishermen

USN personnel discuss the local situation with fishermen of Mulkallah

Captain Tony Aldred CSC RAN addresses the attendees at the Anzac Day Dawn Service

Last month senior military officers from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey hosted a dawn service and subsequent ‘gun-fire breakfast’ to commemorate Anzac Day in Bahrain.

Almost 100 people attended, comprising a broad mix of personnel including two national Ambassadors (United Kingdom and Turkey), two Royal Navy Flag Officers and serving military personnel from 15 of the 31 member countries of the Combined Maritime Forces.  Also in attendance was a large group of Australian, New Zealand, British, South African and American expatriates.

Captain Tony Aldred, Royal Australian Navy, said: “it was truly a memorable event, which the Australian contingent was proud to co-host as representatives of the country we love, that remembered the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout the past century in the quest for peace, particularly the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) 101 years ago.”

Planning for the event began several months before the ceremony with officers from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) taking the lead and working closely with the Australians and Turks.  It proved to be a unique opportunity to commemorate Anzac Day with representatives from all three nations. Although far from home, the Anzac Day dawn service, which was held at the British Club in Bahrain, is part of a worldwide tradition that ensures the ‘Anzac spirit’ lives on.

RNZAF Wing Commander (WGCDR) Rodger Pringle said: “25 April has become a crucial part of the fabric of national life for New Zealand, Australia and Turkey. Although Anzac Day does not mark a military triumph for Australia and New Zealand, it does remind us of a very important episode in history. Great suffering was caused to many nations with the loss of so many young men on both sides of the war.”

Commander Ibrahim Girgin of the Turkish Navy added: “every year tens of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders, as well as millions of Turks visit Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula to pay their respects to their ancestors. However, out of the catastrophe an unexpected outcome has emerged, with Australians, New Zealanders and Turks bound forever by their honourable history, mutual admiration and shared values.”

WGCDR Rodger Pringle and Cdr Ibrahim Girgin in front of the Memorial Wreaths

  The Royal Marines Band Service ‘Corps of Drums’

The Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) played an outdoor concert at Naval Forces Central Command HQ (Navcent) last month.

During their time in Bahrain the RMBS visited a number of venues including schools and shopping malls to perform some of their best loved music. They also took the opportunity to perform outside the Freedom Souq at Navcent.

Members of the US 5^th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the United Kingdom Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) attended the concert with friends and family. Alongside the brass quintet who played a selection of military and classical pieces the Corps of Drums finished with a performance of their world-famous Drum Line.

The event organizer, Major Simon Reeves RM, said: “As a Royal Marine of nearly 30 years service, it never surprises me that the popularity of the Royal Marines Band is so high amongst the men and women of the UK Armed Forces. What was special about today’s performance was international crowd’s reaction to a superb display; they could not praise the men and women of the band highly enough.”

The Royal Marines Band is in Bahrain to recognise and celebrate the UK’s involvement with the country over the last two hundred years.  Major Reeves added: “The people of Bahrain heard the RM Band was in town and turned out in droves to watch them; a very proud moment for any Royal Marine to know that they are held in such High esteem globally”.

The Royal Marines Corps of Drums perform at Navcent

USN personnel discuss the local situation with fishermen of Mulkullah

USN personnel discuss the local situation with fishermen of Mulkullah

USN personnel discuss the local situation with fishermen of Mulkullah

The crew of HMS Middleton watch JS Takashima depart

Last month the Royal Navy ship, HMS Middleton, worked closely with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) during a mine countermeasures exercise in the Gulf.

Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel (MCMV) HMS Middleton trained with the JMSDF for several weeks.  Operating with Japanese Ships’ Uraga and Takashima, the units took part in the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX).

Middleton hosted Rear Admiral Hideki Yuasa, Commander of the Japanese Mine Warfare Force, and Captain Toshihiro Takaiwa, Commander of Mine Sweeper Division 51.  The Japanese were given an overview of the Ship’s capability ranging from force protection to engineering.  Afterwards they were given a tour of the Ship as Middleton headed towards a ‘dummy mine’, laid in the Gulf, to demonstrate her Seafox capabilities.

Middleton’s Commanding Officer (CO), Lt Cdr Maryla Ingham, said: “It has been a real pleasure having Rear Admiral Yuasa and his team onboard today. One of the main aims of IMCMEX 16 is to foster stronger relationships between our international partners and it has been very interesting discussing the Mine Warfare doctrine that the Japanese operate.”

Upon arrival in the mine-hunting practice areas the Japanese took up positions in the Ops Room, and the Sweep deck to watch the Seafox being launched.  After successfully deactivating the mine the two Japanese ships and Middleton took part in Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres with all three ships operated in close proximity driving in different formations.  These manoevres worked flawlessly, proving that the units can operate seamlessly together.

Lt Cdr Ingham added: “It has been very interesting working with the Japanese Ships Uraga and Takashima over the past few weeks. We have made new friends and colleagues among our Japanese counterparts and we look forward to working with them again in the future on MCM Operations.”

The day was rounded off with a visual signalling exercise utilising flags.  The JS Uraga would raise a series of flags which would be copied by the remaining units.  In true Royal Navy fashion this became a competition to raise the signal before the JS Takashima, with the lead changing hands several times.

Able Seaman (Sea) Seabourne said: “It was the first time I have had an audience of 12 people watching me work on the Signal Deck. The Japanese obviously take their flagwork and flashing light seriously and they put us through our paces during the Visual Signalling Exercises. I am the only trained visual signaller onboard and by the end of the exercises, we had the CO’s Steward, two YOs and two of the engineers working furiously to hoist the correct signals with the Japanese guests helping out too.”

Rear Admiral Hideki Yuasa, Commander of the Japanese Warfare Force, receives a brief on Seafox

Visual signalling exercise with the Japanese ships

Rear Admiral Cheong presents CCD7 Captain Inoue a token of appreciation

Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) Rear Admiral (Radm) Ken Cheong, visited CTF 151 units from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

Radm Cheong, of the Republic of Singapore Navy, visited Japanese Ships (JS) Yuudachi and JS Yuugiri while in Oman.  In attendance were Commander, Escort Division Seven, Captain Takashi Inoue, the Commanding Officer of JS Yuudachi, Commander Tomoya Baba, and the Commanding Officer of JS Yuugiri, Commander Tomoyuki Sase.

Radm Cheong and Captain Inoue discussed the importance of building an accurate counter-piracy picture in the Gulf of Aden. Both Commanders agreed that it is essential for all units and adjacent task forces to share their information to create the most up to date intelligence picture.  In addition, the commanders also agreed to increase cooperation and coordination in areas such as Replenishment at Sea and stores transfers.

CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. It also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.

RADM Cheong said: “I am very thankful for the relentless counter-piracy support JS Yuudachi and JS Yuugiri have shown to CTF 151.”

Royal Marines practice there Close Quarters Battle drills

HMS Defender’s boarding teams have taken advantage of the United States Coast Guard Training Facility in Bahrain this month.

HMS Defender’s Royal Marine Boarding Team (RMBT) and Royal Navy Boarding Team (RNBT) honed their skills with an intensive three day Board and Search training package with the US Coastguard (USCG).

The course was broken down into a number of major topics. One of which was the principle of ‘At Sea Space Accountability’. Instruction in this topic started with teaching on Volumetric Tank theory and common concealment techniques, before moving onto the full size training Dhow for scenario-based training.

The RMBT took full advantage of the ‘Ship In a Box’ facility to rehearse their Close Quarter Battle (CQB) drills utilising air soft rifles and paper targets. Lt Jack Richards RM said: “Having the opportunity to conduct collaborative UK/US CQB training within the JOA is of real and tangible benefit to the team. There is an enduring relationship between UK and USCG Boarding Teams”.

The United States Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (USCG PATFORSWA) Maritime Engagement Team Facility based in 5th Fleet Naval base is a bespoke training facility for operatives dealing with Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) procedures.  The facility is visited by nearly 2000 participants from over 33 nations annually.  The partnerships that are built there enhance interoperability and cooperation.

Lt Heidi Bevis, the Future Operations Officer, who runs the facility, said: “The Royal Marines in particular allow the U.S. Coast Guard to practice tactics, techniques and procedures that not only strengthen our partnership, but improve upon each other’s capabilities so that in the instance that we must execute together, we are already one step ahead of our adversaries.”

A/LET (WE) Chapman practices Volumetric Tank Theory

Rear Admiral Cheong with Rear Admiral Kaack

Rear Admiral Ken Cheong, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, visited the EU Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR) (Somalia) flagship, FGS Bayern in Salalah in the Gulf of Aden.

Rear Admiral (Radm) Cheong, who works for Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), met the Force Commander EU NAVFOR (Somalia), Radm Jan Kaack, onboard FGS Bayern.  This was the second time both commanders have met since the Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium held in Bahrain in April 16.

The meeting between the two senior officers was to enhance their understanding of counter-piracy operations in CMF’s and EU NAVFOR‘s Area of Operations. The discussions led to a more complete picture of shipping activities and how the different task forces interact.  The commanders agreed to boost cooperation, coordination and the exchange of information to achieve their common counter-piracy objectives.

CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. It also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.

When combating piracy no single nation or navy could possibly have enough ships to cover the 3.2 million square miles of ocean. However, while operating within international law, CMF achieves results by working together, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces.

Radm Cheong said: “I am heartened by the close coordination and cooperation forged between the two Headquarters. I am confident that the mutual support and understanding between us will help us achieve our common mission to counter piracy.”

Rear Admiral Cheong is welcomed onboard FGS Bayern

Rear Admiral Cheong (CCTF 151) with Commodore Robinson (CCTF 150)

The Commanders from the three Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Forces (CTFs) have met this month to discuss maritime security.

Commander CTF 151 (CCTF 151) Rear Admiral (Radm) Ken Cheong of the Republic of Singapore Navy met with CCTF 150 Commodore Guy Robinson of the Royal Navy, and CCTF 152, Colonel Nayef Alaskar, of the Kuwait Naval Force.

The meeting was held to allow the respective commanders a better understanding of each other’s operations so they can better integrate their work.  The co-ordination and co-operation of CTFs is critical if CTFs are to enhance regional maritime security within the operational area.

CMF was created post 9/11 to help counter the threat from terrorism but the mission has expanded to include counter-piracy operations.  Commanded from its headquarters in Bahrain, CMF operates three CTFs across 3.2 million square miles of ocean.

No single nation or navy could possibly have enough ships or aircraft to cover the entire area.  Operating within international law, CMF achieves results by co-operation, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces patrolling their own maritime environment.

CTF 150 is primarily focused on disrupting terrorist organisations and their unlawful activities by restricting freedom of manoeuvre in the maritime domain.  CTF 151 concentrates on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment and CTF 152 co-ordinates Maritime Security Operations in the region, facilitating co-operation and interoperability between regional maritime forces.

The meeting also allowed the commanders to discuss their challenges and areas of further cooperation.  Radm Cheong said: “I am glad to be able to forge a close, personal friendship with the other CCTFs so that we can work even more effectively in support of the overall CMF mission.”

Rear Admiral Cheong with Colonel Alaskar (CCTF 152)

The crew of FS Nivose analyse part of their seizure (Photo courtesy of the Marine Nationale)

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) has made four more seizures of heroin as part of its ongoing, successful campaign to combat illicit activities in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Under the direction of the Royal Navy-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), the crews of Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Darwin and French Ship (FS) Nivose recently made these narcotics seizures, totaling more than one metric tonne of high-grade heroin, during a focused operation undertaken throughout May 2016.

The hidden drugs were discovered when the CTF 150 ships’ boarding parties undertook thorough searches of the suspect vessels in international waters in the south-west Indian Ocean. The heroin was subsequently transferred to the warships for further analysis and disposal.

Darwin completed its 6th,7th and 8th successful drug interdictions by seizing heroin from three dhows in the southwest Indian Ocean.  The hidden drugs were discovered when Darwin’s boarding party undertook a thorough search of three suspect vessels.  The accumulated total of the three interdictions was 952 kilograms (kg) of heroin.  This is Nivose’s first interdiction of heroin in 2016.  Their search discovered 130 kg of the illicit drug.  The four interdictions brought the combined haul of heroin intercepted to 1082 kilograms.

Commodore Guy Robinson, Royal Navy, who commands CTF150 and coordinated the search, praised the efforts of HMAS Darwin, FS Nivose and the French Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) supporting his focused operation:

“This has been a highly successful operation to prevent a very significant amount of heroin from reaching the global market, including Europe.  It is also an excellent example of the impressive cooperation across CMF contributing nations, at sea, in the air and ashore.  We will continue to tackle this menace at sea whenever, and wherever, we can.  I salute the outstanding skills of HMAS Darwin and FS Nivose and their boarding parties.”

CMF is the world’s most successful maritime counter terrorism enterprise, continuing to set records in heroin and hashish seizures on the high seas, thereby denying terrorists vital funding.  Commanded from its Headquarters in Bahrain and comprising 31 contributing nations, CMF executes its vital mission through three Combined Task Forces across nearly 3.2 million square miles of ocean bordered by 21 countries.

Captain John Craig RN, the Deputy Commander of CTF for 150 added: “In addition to the successful seizure of such a large amount of drugs, operations like Shirikisho help us refine our tactical skills as we coordinate extensive air searches over enormous areas of ocean to locate traffickers in small dhows.  The opportunity to work with French and Australian ships and aircraft also improves our collective understanding of each other’s operating capabilities, to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be for the future.”

The Boarding Team of FS Nivose in action (Photo courtesy of the Marine Nationale)

HMAS Darwin displays part of its seizure (Photo courtesy of the Royal Australian Navy)

Personnel from HMAS Darwin prepare to destroy seized heroin after vessel boardings off the African Coast (Photo courtesy of the Royal Australian Navy) 

Rear Admiral Cheong meets Captain Dong Qian

Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) 151 Rear Admiral (Radm) Ken Cheong visited the Chinese Naval Ship (CNS) Xiang Tan in Djibouti.

Radm Cheong was hosted onboard CNS Xiang Tan by Commander Escort Task Group (ETG) 531, Captain Wang Hong Li and the Commanding Officer of CNS Xiang Tan, Captain Dong Qian.

The commanders shared their understanding of counter-piracy operations and their different task forces operating in the region. They agreed that piracy cannot be deterred by any single country and it required the combined efforts of like-minded navies, maritime agencies and shipping industry to defeat it.

Radm Cheong also emphasized the importance of intelligence-sharing between CTF 151’s units, the various counter-piracy task forces in the Gulf and independent deployers to help provide a more accurate assessment of life in the region.  The meeting also emphasised the need for a strong military presence to suppress illegal activities.

Radm Cheong took the opportunity to thank CNS Xiang Tan for her counter piracy contributions in the Gulf, he said: “I am heartened to witness the steadfast commitment from various navies to work together in our fight against piracy, this ensures a safe and secure operating environment for the shipping community.”

CTF 151 is part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. CTF 151 also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.

CMF is a multi-national naval partnership that operates within international law and achieves results by co-operation, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces patrolling their own maritime environment.

Captain Dong Qian and Rear Admiral Cheong

HMS Defender’s seizure totaled 1020Kg of hashish

The Royal Navy’s HMS Defender has seized over a metric tonne of high grade hashish being trafficked across the Indian Ocean yesterday.

HMS Defender, working for Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), under the auspices of the Royal Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, intercepted a suspect fishing dhow off the south coast of Oman on 7th June.  Following an extensive search, 51 bales of hashish were discovered, each weighing 20kg, a total haul of 1020kg.

This seizure marks the latest in a series of successes for CTF 150 after successful boardings by HMAS Darwin and French Ship Nivose at the end of May resulted in a combined haul of over a metric tonne of heroin.  The success of CTF 150 is due to multi-national co-operation.  The latest seizure, though co-ordinated by the UK-led team in Bahrain and carried out by HMS Defender, was supported by a United States P-8 Poseidon, a Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA).  The MPRA searched vast expanses of ocean and helped HMS Defender identify the suspect vessel from legitimate traders and fishing vessels.

Commodore Guy Robinson OBE RN, the Commander of CTF 150 said: “While my mission is much broader than just counter-narcotics, I am delighted that we have dealt another blow to those that seek to use the sea for their illicit activity, so soon after the seizure of over a tonne of heroin by CTF 150 ships.  The real strength in CMF is the international cooperation at sea and in the air, demonstrated fully in this seizure.”

After the dhow was secured by the Royal Marine Boarding Team with the support of HMS Defender’s Lynx helicopter, the Royal Navy Boarding team began its search.  This operation lasted throughout the day and into the evening. Once the drugs had been discovered they were transferred to HMS Defender for analysis by the Royal Navy Police before being destroyed.

Commander Steve Higham, the Commanding Officer of HMS Defender added:

“This has been a fantastic example of co-operation between  maritime forces in disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics.  The Ship’s Boarding Teams, in fact all of the Sailors and Royal Marines in HMS Defender, are delighted to have contributed to this enormous seizure.”

The drug seizure

CMF is the world’s most successful maritime counter terrorism enterprise, continuing to set records in heroin and hashish seizures on the high seas, thereby denying terrorists vital funding.  Commanded from its Headquarters in Bahrain and comprising 31 contributing nations, CMF executes its vital mission through three Combined Task Forces across nearly 3.2 million square miles of ocean bordered by 21 countries.

CTF 150 is primarily focused on disrupting terrorist organisations and their unlawful activities by restricting freedom of manouevre in the maritime domain.  In collaboration with regional and other partners CTF 150 promotes maritime security by denying terrorist organisations their ability to move personnel, weapons or narcotics.

HMS Defender and its Boarding Teams approach the suspect dhow

Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) 151, Rear Admiral (Radm) Ken Cheong visited the Head of the Djibouti Navy, Colonel Abdourahman Aden Cher, at the Headquarters of the National Marines of Djibouti, as part of a series of Key Leadership Engagement visits to regional partners and units of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

Both commanders acknowledged the importance of the military presence of CMF, other task forces, and independent deployers for suppressing piracy in the region. The commanders also agreed that while the opportunities for piracy are low at this time, withdrawal of warships from the region would result in a resurgence of piratical acts. The impact of this would adversely affect the stability of the region, where around 21,000 vessels, carrying 10% of the world’s annual crude oil and petroleum requirements, traverse through the Gulf of Aden alone.

CCTF 151 Radm Cheong expressed his appreciation to the Djibouti Navy for their support of CTF 151 units.  Radm Cheong said: “The support from the Djibouti Navy in maintaining the sustainability of the coalition forces is critical for counter-piracy operations.  I am grateful and look forward for a closer collaboration in the future.”

CMF is a multi-national naval partnership that operates within international law and achieves results by co-operation, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces patrolling their own maritime environment.

CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. CTF 151 also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.

In conjunction with NATO, EU NAVFOR and other independent nations such as China and India, CTF 151 helps patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden.  The military presence has helped to significantly reduce piracy.

Radm Cheong with Colonel Abdourahman Aden Cher