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USS VELLA GULF, At Sea - Turkey and Singapore recently committed forces to join Combined Task Force - 151, a naval coalition dedicated to conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. They will join other nations including the U.S., U.K. and Denmark, which have conducted operations as part of the task force.
"Coalition ships are a critical part of our mission," said Rear Adm.
Terry McKnight, Commander, CTF 151. "The very nature of some of our operations, as well as the success of those operations, is often predicated on our ability to work effectively with our partners and allies."
International law obligates all nations to cooperate to the fullest extent in the repression of piracy. coalition forces have taken action necessary to repress piracy in the region in accordance with international law in order to ensure free and secure use of the world's oceans by legitimate mariners.
"The presence of international navy vessels in the region demonstrates our commitment to regional security and stability," said McKnight. "To continue to counter and deter destabilizing activities successfully, coalition efforts must be complimented by proactive measures by commercial shippers, regional governments, and the international community."
The task force has worked with and emphasized the important role merchants can play by taking proactive measures to prevent boardings such as travelling at speeds greater than 15 knots, reporting suspicious activity and pulling their ladders up to prevent access to the ships.
Even with increased naval forces in the region, coalition vessels have not always been close-by to a help a ship being attacked.
"The bottom line is that piracy is an international problem that requires an international solution," explained McKnight. "We are committed to continuing operations that counter and deter piracy - and other destabilizing activities in the maritime arena to create a lawful maritime order."
| Date Taken: | 02.23.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.23.2009 08:10 |
| Story ID: | 30314 |
| Location: | ABOARD USS VELLA GULF, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 400 |
| Downloads: | 384 |
This work, Maritime Security Strengthens as Nations Join Counterpiracy Efforts, by PO1 Monique Hilley, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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