Pakistan Contributes to Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan
(Source: US Navy; issued Nov. 29, 2004)
GULF OF OMAN --- Pakistan Navy Ship Babur (DDG 182) conducted operations with USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and French frigate FS Surcouf (F 711), in the Gulf of Oman as part of the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) executed by Commander Task Force (CTF) 150 in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Nov. 21.
As part of the global war on terrorism (GWOT), maritime interception operations (MIO) are conducted throughout the region to deter, deny and disrupt the movement of terrorists and terrorist-related materials.
"Coalition forces, which include major navies of the world, are working to prevent terrorist attacks against vital maritime infrastructures in the region," said Capt. Asif Khaliq TI, commanding officer of Babur. "These infrastructures form the foundation for much of the region's economic growth, stability and prosperity and can significantly impact the global economy."
"The 5th Fleet [AOR] is rather large É we could not do what we need to do here in support of the global war on terror without the help of coalition forces," said Cmdr. Stephen Lorentzen, 5th Fleet surface operations officer.
International terrorist organizations pose a real threat to critical maritime infrastructures in the region, including the oil and shipping industries.
"Pakistan being an important regional country, considers itself responsible for contributing toward peace, safety and stability in the region; which in turn will ensure uninterrupted economic activities in the region, which is mainly dependent upon the maritime sector," said Khaliq.
Pakistan's contribution to 5th Fleet and CTF-150's pursuit of peace, safety and stability in the region is significant. In addition to one permanently assigned frigate, Pakistan provides invaluable regional expertise and insight.
"They speak the languages here and they understand the environment," said Commanding Officer of CTF-150, British Royal Navy Commodore Tom Cunningham. "So as well as operating a ship, when we want advice on the region we can turn to the Pakistani ship and they can advise us on regional customs and movements of traffic. They basically give us our core expertise."
"Also, because we are operating in support of international law, they have legal powers that most of us do not have in the region."
With the help of its Special Service Group (SSG), Pakistan Navy ships have been committed to carrying out maritime interception operations in the region since April.
"Our job is to board vessels and ensure all passengers are listed in the crew manifest," said Lt. Jawad Haider Khawaja, officer in charge of Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Team. "We assure vessels we are there to protect and help them, but they must be in compliance with the laws of the seas."
In the last year, CTF-150 airlifted a crew member with appendicitis from an Iranian dhow for immediate medical treatment. Additionally, they seized a dhow carrying an illicit drugs and arms shipment bound for Somalia and discovered two tons of narcotics with an estimated street value of $8 - $10 million aboard a 40-foot dhow intercepted in the Arabian Gulf.
"Ninety-nine percent of the time we board a vessel we have no problems," said Khawaja. "But every once in a while we catch a bad guy. And that's why we are there."
Another important aspect of the CMCP is to check and interrupt the drugs, arms and human trafficking which is an equal menace in the region.
"Pakistan participation in the CMCP is not aimed against any particular country or countries, it is rather aimed against those who are common enemies of peace and safety to ourselves and brethren in the region," said Khaliq.
Respecting sovereignty, territorial waters integrity of each country and local customs continue to be the guiding principles in the mission of CMCP, as well as that of Pakistan and PNS Babur.
"Part of our task over here, is, of course, the enforcement of international law and international resolutions," added Cunningham. "Therefore, international maintenance adds credibility to our mission. It also offers the opportunity for us to benefit from different nations' specialists, connections in the region, and their knowledge on the region."
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