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USS Ramage Assists CTF 150 with Maritime Security Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061119-05
Release Date: 11/19/2006 4:05:00 PM

From USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) has been conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Oman as a member of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 team since Nov. 3.

CTF 150, comprised of coalition forces currently led by German Rear Adm. Heinrich Lange, conducts MSO in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. It operates under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

“I have been very impressed with how well the Sailors have taken to the mission,” said Ramage Commanding Officer Cmdr. James Dick. “They recognize the importance of the approach and visit process to maritime security. Their efforts are contributing directly to our ability to set the security conditions necessary to allow safe navigation in these waters.”

Given the global reach and mobile nature of international terrorism, close coordination among coalition forces and regional countries is vital to preventing terrorist activity. Seeking out illegal activity, such as narcotics smuggling and human trafficking, is one facet of CTF 150’s mission.

“Our interaction with the ships and crews working in these waters helps us to spread the word about coalition support and to build a network of support to counter illicit traffic and activities,” said Dick.

By performing boarding operations, coalition forces develop an understanding of regional shipping patterns and maintain awareness of current information being shared among the ships’ masters. Vessels in the area are contacted by bridge-to-bridge radio and are asked to identify themselves and their intentions.

Ramage’s teams have conducted a dozen visits within the last week, checking in with mariners to see if they needed any assistance and to discuss their experiences operating within the region.

During one such visit, Nov. 4, the master of a United Arab Emirates-flagged dhow explained that his ship was experiencing a problem with leaking fuel lines that had extended their 10-day at sea trip into 20 days. The fuel lines were sent back to Ramage for a temporary repair, while the team provided the crew with a case of bottled water.

Later that week, Ramage sent another team to an Indian-flagged cargo ship en route to Somalia. The master was aware of reports of piracy in the waters off Somalia, but he had never encountered any himself. He displayed his documentation for his cargo and crew and asked the boarding officer for some food supplies. Ramage provided rice, water and canned ravioli.

“Every day, we encounter individuals who are just trying to do their best to make a living on the sea,” said Dick. “Though the days can be long, hot and tedious, they always come through with enthusiasm and good will for their fellow mariners.”

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and 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.

Ramage departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Oct. 3, with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group on a regularly scheduled deployment.