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Halyburton Participates in Operation Caper Focus

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041115-14
Release Date: 11/16/2004 4:08:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SCW/SS) James G. Pinsky, Navy News Service

ABOARD USS HALYBURTON (NNS) -- USS Halyburton (FFG 40) is contributing to the Navy's efforts to win the war on terrorism and to keep drugs off America's streets by participating in Operation Caper Focus for its 2004-05 deployment.

Operation Caper Focus is an interagency counter-narcotics mission designed to curb the influx of illegal narcotics onto the streets of America.

"Just stopping the flow of drugs onto our streets is enough reason for this mission," said Halyburton's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Herbert M. Hadley.

During Operation Caper Focus, Halyburton carries out its mission under the operational control of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, but for counter-drug operations (CD Ops), the 453-foot gas-turbine-powered ship falls under the tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force South, headquartered in Key West, Fla.

"This ship is ideal for counter-drug operations," said Halyburton Combat Systems Officer Lt. Brian Diebold, "because it's fast, maneuverable, and very good in littoral waters."

Because counter-drug operations can only be carried out by law enforcement agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard, rather than the Navy, Halyburton intercepts and disrupts drug smuggling ships and their support vessels in support of U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement operations. Embarked U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel (LEDET) actually board and conduct the search of suspected drug smuggling vessels.

Additionally, the Coast Guard utilizes Halyburton's detection and monitoring systems to carry out its law enforcement efforts.

"The Navy has assets where we need them," said Coast Guard Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Travis Katzer of LEDET 402 in Miami.

While under Coast Guard tactical control, Halyburton Sailors provide damage control, towing and vessel escort, transport of contraband and detainees, post-seizure security watches, fire support, recovery of contraband, audiovisual documentation and other specialized support deemed necessary to safely conduct the search of a boarded vessel like medical or gas free teams.

"During one boarding, the ship was not seaworthy," said Machinery Technician 3rd Class Johnny Ridad, LEDET 402. "The smell of fuel and nearly unbearable living conditions really took its toll on us. Halyburton's VBSS (Visit Board Search and Seizure) team helped us out by providing security. The ship's rescue and assistance team also helped dewater the vessel with a P100 pump. Halyburton's engineers were a lot more experienced and knowledgeable than me, so they were able to stabilize the vessel quickly."

Halyburton's crew, only a month into their deployment, is already seeing the benefits of doing the unique job of counter-narcotics operations.

"There's a lot more teamwork out here," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Steven Schulwolf, of Halyburton, "because CD Ops are serious - real operations. People are excited to be here, and can't wait to come up on the bridge because we all want to be on watch when we make that big bust."

Halyburton is scheduled to be deployed until April 2005.