US and Coalition Vessels Conduct MSO in Arabian Sea

Courtesy Photo | ARABIAN SEA - A crewmember from the French Navy Squadron 34 guides the Molina (813), a Lynx helicopter, to the landing platform of HNLMS Amsterdam (A-836). The Molina and Amsterdam, part of Commander Task Force 150, answered the distress call of a German merchant vessel carrying a crewmembers showing signs of a possible heart attack, April 11. The helicopter was able to safely transport the man to a nearby hospital. Amsterdam is currently conducting maritime security operations (MSO). Maritime security operations (MSO) help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Bobby Northnagle  

04.12.2006

Courtesy Story

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By Journalist 3rd Class Bobby Northnagle

ARABIAN SEA - The Commander and staff of U.S. Navy Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 embarked on board HNLMS Amsterdam (A-836) April 7, joining USS Typhoon (PC5), and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Wrangell (WPB 1332) in the Arabian Sea to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.

Amsterdam is acting as flagship for Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson, commander of DESRON 50, supporting Typhoon, Wrangell and the squadron's staff.

DESRON 50 serves as Commander, Middle East Force Surface Action Group, and also coordinates the Navy's extensive regional exercise program for surface combatants, working with friends and allies in the Gulf region.

"It's important to demonstrate that where you're from doesn't matter," said Commander Georges van Aalst, Amsterdam's commanding officer. "[Combined maritime forces] keep and maintain the same standards of living, and we're a diverse group of countries willing to stand together to defend those standards and way of life."

• Date Taken: 04.12.2006
• Date Posted: 04.17.2006 10:27
• Story ID: 6051