The commander of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) counter-piracy task force visited two ships assigned to counter-piracy duties during a recent visit to Oman.
Rear Admiral Pakorn Wanich from the Royal Thai Navy and Commander of CMF’s counter-piracy task force, CTF-151, took the opportunity presented by a visit to the Omani port of Salalah to visit two ships assigned in support of CTF-151. Rear Admiral Wanich, who was in Oman meeting with officials from the Royal Navy of Oman, was delighted when he found out that Republic of Korea Ship Dae Jo Yeong and Japanese Ship Harusame, both having recently supported CTF-151 counter-piracy operations, were calling into the port during his visit.
Accompanied by Commander Komol Kongboonrak, one of the CTF-151 staff officers, Rear Admiral Wanich visited ROKS Dae Jo Yeong on 22 January. The ship, taking a break from counter-piracy patrols, was in port for a period of rest and recuperation and to replenish her storerooms after a prolonged period at sea. On arrival, he met with Captain Sun-Woo Hwang, the ship’s Commanding Officer, and several of the ship’s officers. Rear Admiral Wanich thanked the crew members for their professionalism and performance on operations before opening the floor to questions, giving the officers a chance to ask questions about key developments in the conduct of counter-piracy operations. Following the briefing, Captain Sun-Woo Hwang provided a tour of the ship before Rear Admiral Wanich departed.
Leaving the Korean ship after an enjoyable and rewarding visit, Rear Admiral Wanich then proceeded to JS Harusame, another of CTF-151’s ships which was just coming alongside in Salalah port. Rear Admiral Wanich, who had previously visited the ship in Djibouti at the beginning of December, was welcomed back by Captain Masatoshi Kashihara, commander of the 20th Deployment of the Surface Force for Piracy Enforcement, and Commander Kunio Aoki, the ship’s Commanding Officer. After meeting with the ship’s officers, the Rear Admiral thanked the crew for their assistance to a disabled Yemeni fishing vessel in the Gulf of Aden. It was clear from the outset that the Japanese officers had enjoyed serving as part of CTF-151, and Rear Admiral Wanich recognised their professionalism.
Rear Admiral Wanich said:
“I was so happy to meet with the crew of ROKS Dae Jo Yeong and JS Harusame again. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to both ships for their great support to CTF-151 and for their professionalism and performance as counter-piracy units in the area of operations.”
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 