NCIS making a difference in CMF war on terrorism
In the last two months, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), through Combined Task Force (CTF)150, has put a real dent in the funding of terrorism, with the seizure and destruction of 1.7 tons of illegal narcotics off the east coast of Africa. While the ships involved in these interdictions are a highly visible element of the war on terrorism at sea, there are other agencies that are working behind the scenes and alongside the sailors, to make it all possible; one such agency is the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
CCTF150 meets with high level authorities during a port visit in Djibouti
Between mid-June and early July, French Ship Var, Combined Task Force 150 flag ship, made two port visits in Djibouti. These stops were the opportunity for the ship to conduct common training activities with the Djiboutian Navy as well as with the French Forces located in the country. It was also the occasion for Captain René-Jean Crignola, Commander CTF150, to meet with high level representatives, as part of CMF regional engagement program.
CTF150’s HMAS Newcastle seizes 138 kg heroin off east African cost
Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Newcastle has seized 138kg of high purity heroin on 3 July 2015 likley bound for Tanzania, with an estimated street value of approximately $US 85 million.
Naval Forces involved in Maritime Security Operations meet at sea to deepen cooperation
On Thursday 29 June, flag ships from Combined Task Force (CTF)150 and Operation Atalanta, both involved in Maritime Security Operations inside the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, met at sea for on-going interactions.
Commander CTF-150 meets Saudi Naval authorities in Jeddah
In June 2015, French Ship (FS) Var, which is hosting CTF-150 commander Captain Crignola and his staff, stopped in Jeddah for a three days port visit. This was the opportunity for Captain Crignola to meet with several representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Navy, as part of a regional engagement program to improve maritime security in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operational area.
CTF-150 coordinates units action to provide help to mariners in need
Mid-June 2015 saw Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 coordinate ships involved in maritime security operations to provide help to mariners in need in the Gulf of Aden.
French ships involved in counter-terrorism missions and Djibouti Navy Training at Sea
Captain René-Jean Crignola, Commander, Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), visited La Fayette class, French Frigate (FF) Surcouf, in order to meet Commanding Officer, Commander (Cdr) Thomas Fraïoli. The FF has been part of CTF-150 taking part in maritime security operations throughout the Gulf of Aden, Somalia Basin and Indian Ocean.
More success against drug smuggling for CTF-150 units
Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Newcastle, which is deployed in direct support to Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 operations has seized and destroyed an additional 581kgs of high purity Heroin, with an estimated U.S street value of approximately $US 404million. This major catch is the largest and seventh successful haul led by CTF-150 units since France took command of the Task Force last April. Five of these drug seizures have been made by HMAS Newcastle’s crew, on the base of information provided by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
CTF-150 meets at sea with EU Naval Force Somalia
While navigating off the Somali coast, Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 flagship, French Ship (FS) Var, linked up with two Spanish ships from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Somalia otherwise known as Operation Atalanta, who were operating in the area.
International Maritime Community Works Together to Counter Piracy at SHADE
Representatives of the international maritime community met in Bahrain on Tuesday to discuss counter-piracy efforts at the 36th SHADE conference.
The Shared Awareness & Deconfliction (SHADE) conference offers a vital opportunity for military and civilian representatives to meet, share information and discuss cooperation opportunities to maintain the current suppression of piracy in the region. The conference discussed the causes of piracy, deterrence operations and the protection of merchant shipping.
