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European Union Counterpiracy Commodore Visits CTF 151

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090825-11
Release Date: 8/25/2009 4:27:00 PM

By Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs

USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The European Union (EU) Counterpiracy Task Group Commander the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 flagship USS Anzio (CG 68).

Dutch Navy Commodore Pieter Bindt visited the ship to discuss counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

There are approximately 30 ships conducting counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia from 17 different nations as part of CTF 151, EU, NATO or as independent deployers. These naval forces have a common mission: to actively deter, disrupt and suppress acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia.

"Piracy is a threat to the security of all nations," said Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, commander, CTF 151. "We are committed to continuing operations with our naval counterparts to create a lawful maritime order and deter acts of piracy activity here."

The outbreak of piracy and its threat to commerce, regional security, and perhaps most importantly, freedom of navigation is something naval leaders are concerned about.

"All the naval forces here are fighting piracy because it affects global trade, energy transportation and stability in the entire region," said Bindt.

Coalition leaders find it key to coordinate and de-conflict with other navies in order to conduct successful counterpiracy operations in the region.

"Cooperation is paramount in restoring international confidence and safety of the sea-lanes off the coast of Somalia," said Sanders.

"What is amazing is a Japanese patrol aircraft detecting a suspect skiff, then a Dutch helicopter doing an interception and Norwegian fast boats conducting the actual boarding," said Bindt. "You can read about this, but when you see it actually happening, the level of cooperation is remarkable."

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.