USS Thach Receives White House Recognition
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080227-07
Release Date: 2/27/2008 1:45:00 PM
From USS Thach Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The crew of the San Diego-based frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) was presented with the United States Interdiction Coordinator (USIC) Award, Feb. 19, for superior performance in the surface interdiction of illicit drugs during the ship's deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
Patrick M. Ward, acting deputy director for supply reduction in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, delivered the award during an all-hands ceremony on the ship's flight deck.
"It is an honor to spend time on your ship and to recognize your accomplishments in the war on drugs," said Ward, who is responsible for reducing the supply of illicit drugs in the United States and providing executive leadership in the interagency and international environment. "It's not often that we get the chance to visit ships and speak with service members, so every opportunity to be on board and thank Sailors for their efforts is a special occasion."
The USIC Award cited the efforts by Thach, Helicopter Anti-Submarine 43 Warfare Squadron and a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment while deployed to Latin America.
The award stated the Thach team "successfully removed
29 metric tons of cocaine from the transit zone during her six-month deployment, more than any other surface Navy asset in 2006."
"We were extremely fortunate to be part of such a robust and capable team. Everyone in the process worked tirelessly to complete these operations in a safe and effective manner," said Cmdr. Steven R. Rasmussen, Thach commanding officer. "The deployment illustrates the tremendous potential of the Navy, Coast Guard, and civilian agencies to work together in a common cause and to adversely impact an enemy. I am very proud of our Sailors' efforts."
In addition to the sheer volume of narcotics eliminated from circulation, Thach also completed significant evolutions that further contributed to an impressive portfolio.
According to the USIC Award citation, "Rigorous pre-deployment work-ups led to the flawless execution of the first airborne use-of-force capability from a U.S. Navy asset" when the ship, helicopter squadron and a Coast Guard sniper combined to disable a fleeing vessel by utilizing rifle fire to disable the craft's engine.
Ward explained the revolutionary tactic dramatically changed the way maritime drug traffickers conduct business.
"They are now forced to use semi-submersibles and other strategies that make it harder to move narcotics because they know it's not safe to be out in the open any longer," he said. "That is a direct result of airborne use-of-force, and it started with Thach. It's something each of you should be very proud of putting into action."
Thach also engaged in a bilateral maritime operation with the Mexican navy when the two elements teamed up to conduct a joint boarding of a Mexican fishing vessel. The operation served as an inaugural and significant step in improving maritime cooperation with the United States' southern neighbor.
Following his remarks, Ward and Mark M. Campbell, Chief of International Interdiction and USIC executive director, presented coins to 50 Thach crew members who participated in the counter-narcotics deployment. Ward concluded with a 30-minute question-and-answer session during which he addressed several topics associated with the nation's war on drugs.
Thach also received the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation for its achievements during the deployment.
For more news from Navy Region Southwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.
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