HMS Kent’s Lynx helicopter provides overwatch while her boarding team conduct a routine verification boarding in support of CTF-150 maritime security operations

Warships and aircraft from Australia, France, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States continue to support Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden.

The boarding team from USS Dewey prepares to search a dhow

During this period of intensified operations, warships from contributing nations monitor, track, approach and visit suspicious vessels in order to deter and disrupt terrorist organisations from using the seas to move illicit goods, including narcotics and weapons, to fund their activities. Meanwhile, also under direction from the joint Canadian and Australian team in Bahrain, maritime patrol aircraft support the warships, searching for suspicious vessels from high above.

HMAS Success on patrol near the Gulf of Oman assisting Combined Task Force 150 with counter-terrorism and maritime security operations

Maritime security operations contribute to ensuring security, safety and freedom of movement for commercial shipping in international waters, building positive relations with local fishermen and merchants, and developing CTF-150’s understanding of maritime traffic in the region.

HMAS Success’ boarding team climbing aboard a cargo dhow during a routine verification. Such boarding is considered a positive maritime engagement with local fishermen and merchants, promoting Combined Maritime Forces presence in the area