150123-N-KB426-096USS Dewey recently concluded its assignment to Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) counter-terrorism and maritime security task force, Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), operating in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

USS Dewey’s boarding team approaches a dhow during maritime security operations
USS Dewey’s boarding team approaches a dhow during maritime security operations

CTF-150 is a CMF multinational task force that conducts counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, the aim of which is to deter and deny criminals the use of the seas for illegal people trafficking, narcotics smuggling and other illicit activities.

USS Dewey’s boarding team visits a cargo dhow during maritime security operations
USS Dewey’s boarding team visits a cargo dhow during maritime security operations

Commodore Brian Santarpia from the Royal Canadian Navy and Commander CTF-150 said:

“Dewey has been a true force multiplier and a key asset during our operations. Not only did the ship stay on station at sea throughout her time with CTF-150, supporting maritime security operations, she also provided excellent logistic support to smaller vessels operating with us. I personally appreciated the commitment and professionalism of Dewey’s crew.”

Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Jamie Badgett, assigned to the Battle Cats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, performs landing signalman duties on the flight deck of USS Dewey
Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Jamie Badgett, assigned to the Battle Cats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, performs landing signalman duties on the flight deck of USS Dewey

During her assignment to CTF-150, the US Navy warship assisted 11 dhows from many of the regional states. All of the vessels welcomed Dewey’s presence and were thankful for CMF forces patrolling the region. Two of them required food and water which Dewey’s boarding team provided. Dewey also provided two others with electronic and mechanical assistance.

Lieutenant Ralph Francisco, USS Dewey’s Lead Boarding Team Officer, said:

“I trust our work generated good relations with local mariners and that our presence has helped deter the trafficking of illicit cargo in support of terrorist organisations. I truly believe that our presence and actions have made a positive contribution to CTF-150 and CMF’s overall maritime security mission.”

USS Dewey has also operated closely with ships from multiple nations while assigned to CTF-150, including one instance providing Naval Criminal Investigative Service and intelligence support to the Royal Australian Navy’s replenishment oiler HMAS Success. As well as this, she provided logistics support to three other CMF ships in the area, including the US Coast Guard Cutter Maui, the US Navy coastal patrol boat USS Thunderbolt, and the Pakistani Naval Ship Tariq.

Commander Mikael A Rockstad, the Commanding Officer of USS Dewey, said:

“Dewey’s support to CTF-150 has been a professionally rewarding experience. Our combined efforts have strengthened regional maritime security and I’m glad to have been a part of the team.”

This was the second time that USS Dewey has supported CMF operations, previously participating in the International Mine Counter Measure Exercise (IMCMEX) in November 2014, working closely with the Yemeni Coast Guard.

Dewey is deployed as part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, supporting maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the US Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations.