Category Archives: Combined Operations

Russian and Chinese Coast Guards Exercise Together and Form Combined Task Force / The CCG Cutters

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Recently the China Coast Guard and the Russian Coast Guard held joint exercises in the Peter the Great Gulf near Vladivostok. After the exercise, they formed a joint task force. 

Also wanted to identify the China Coast Guard Cutters seen in the video.

They are Zhaoduan class Type 818, derived from the PLAN Type 054A frigates. According to the Office of Naval Intelligence, (lots of information at the link. The China Coast Guard has the largest coast guard fleet in the world) there are at least six of the class. They are almost as large as National Security Cutters (NSC), reportedly 4,000 tons full load, 134 meters (440′) in length, 16 meters (52.5′) of beam, speed 27 knots, range 8,000 miles.

In addition to the 76mm gun, they have a pair of 30mm Gatling guns. It is not clear if they have a fire control system that would make the 30mm guns effective as CIWS, but they could certainly do serious damage to surface targets at close range in a very short time.

“Royal Navy makes first ‘narco-sub’ drugs seizure” –BBC

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Crew members form U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 111 and British Royal Navy team embarked aboard HMS Trent (P244) interdicts a semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea, Aug. 26, 2024. Three suspected smugglers and 1,239 pounds of illegal narcotics from this interdiction were transferred to federal custody for prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice. (Courtesy image from United Kingdom Royal Navy)

BBC reports,

“HMS Trent has made eight drug seizures since deploying to the Caribbean in December 2023, setting a new record, the Royal Navy added.

“It said the patrol ship had seized more than 9,400kg (20,000lb) of drugs, making it the best hunter of smugglers in the Royal Navy this century.”

Below is the Coast Guard news release regarding the offload.

Sept. 10, 2024

Coast Guard offloads more than $54 million in illegal narcotics interdicted in Caribbean Sea

Coast Guard Seventh District – (305) 415-6683

MIAMI – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence offloaded more than 4,125 pounds of cocaine with an assessed street value of approximately $54 million in Port Everglades, Monday.

Coast Guard crews, working alongside interagency and international partners, seized the illegal drugs in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea during three separate interdictions.

The following assets and crews were involved in the interdictions:

  • Royal Navy ship HMS Trent (P 244)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific (PAC-TACLET)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier (WPC 1115)
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO)
  • Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South)

Along with the illicit narcotics, 11 suspected smugglers were apprehended and will face prosecution in federal courts by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“I am extremely proud of our crew’s tenacity and professionalism, coupled with outstanding coordination with Coast Guard aircrews, during this complex counter-drug mission,” said Lt. Matthew Carmine, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer. “Their steadfast efforts, along with those of foreign allies and partner agencies, continue to prove vital to countering drug trafficking organizations and safeguarding the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Detecting and interdicting illicit drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami.

These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces’ (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiatives and designated investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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Visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities in the U.S. Coast Guard. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.

“Royal Marines snipers shoot out engines to bring drug-runners’ boat to a halt” –Forces.Net

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HMS Dauntless has a Wildcat helicopter and Royal Marines sniper team from 42 Commando who provide reconnaissance, surveillance, and aerial support (Picture: Royal Navy).

Looks like the Royal Navy now has their own “Airborne Use of Force” Team to do the same sorts of things the Coast Guard has been doing.

Forces.Net reports,

A Royal Marines sniper team has brought a Caribbean drug-runners’ power boat to a “juddering halt” after shooting out its engines.

US Coast Guard personnel, working alongside the sailors and marines on board Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dauntless, were then able to seize £60m worth of cocaine, which the smugglers had been attempting to throw overboard.

Read on in the linked report. HMS Dauntless has been doing good work in cooperation with a US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. HMS Dauntless is the second of six Type 45 Guided Missile Destroyers, roughly the Royal Navy counterpart of the Burke class DDGs and almost twice as large as the National Security Cutters.

HMS Dauntless (foreground) and HMS Daring. Photo: LA(Phot) Ian Simpson/MOD

Thanks to David for bring this to my attention.

“Coast Guard hosts Pacific Quadrilateral Coordinating Group on Oahu” –CG News

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Below is a news release from Coast Guard News. Looks like Western Pacific fisheries is finally getting the attention it has deserved. The “Pacific Quad” mentioned here (Australia, France, New Zealand, and the US) should not be confused with “The Quad” (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) which is an informal military association.

I am still hoping to see my “Combined Maritime Security Task Force, Pacific” formed.

Territory of France and its Exclusive Economic Zone. (Antarctic territorial claims in lighter tone). Credit B1mbo via Wikipedia.

If you are wondering why France is in this group, take a look at their Exclusive Economic Zone, above.

Nov. 3, 2023

Coast Guard hosts Pacific Quadrilateral Coordinating Group on Oahu

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard recently hosted the Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordinating Group from Oct. 9 to 11, 2023, focusing on enhancing maritime security in the Pacific.

The meeting gathered leaders from Australia, France, New Zealand, the United States, and the Forum Fisheries Agency. Rear Adm. Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 commander, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, particularly in the context of regional challenges such as climate change and security.

“These face-to-face meetings and continued cooperation among our nations are not just strategic imperatives; they are lifelines to the people of the Blue Pacific,” said Day.

He further highlighted the impact of this collaboration, emphasizing the human element and recognizing the responsibilities of the larger nations in the Pacific, “We acknowledge the historical context, and while we do not seek to rewrite the past, we are committed to a future where the sovereignty and livelihoods of Pacific Island Countries are safeguarded. Climate change, followed by regional tensions, looms large as challenges we all face, and our shared responsibility is to address these threats. Our commitment to combating illegal fishing and ensuring maritime safety is not just about security; it’s about ensuring a sustainable and secure future for the communities who call the Pacific home.”

The Pacific QUAD was established in 1998, and brings together defense and security agencies from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States in a mutual commitment to partnering with the Pacific Island countries to collectively enhance regional security.

During the meeting, discussions covered various topics, including their annual report, training programs, tactical calendar, information sharing and support for the Forum Fisheries Agency operations. Additionally, three new principals joined the group. Brig. Gen. Yann Latil (France), Air Comm. John Haly (Australia), and Brig. Gen. Andy Shaw (Aotearoa New Zealand).

The Pacific QUAD’s mission is to combat illegal fishing in the Southwest Pacific and collaborate closely with Pacific Island nations. The group operates at both a strategic and operational level, with annual and biannual meetings, respectively.

This year, examples of their collaboration included: an agreement with New Zealand, joint gatherings and strengthening cooperation with Australian Maritime Security Advisors, a successful search and rescue operation, and an international mass rescue exercise, highlighting the positive impact of their efforts on regional stability and maritime safety.

The Pacific QUAD, consisting of New Zealand, the United States, France, and Australia, annually rotates its principal chairmanship position as part of its collaborative approach. Last year, Air Commodore Darryn Robert Webb of New Zealand handed over the role to Rear Adm. Michael Day, who has now passed it to Brig. Gen. Yann Latil, the commander of French Forces New Caledonia. Latil is expected to transfer the responsibility to Air Commodore John Haly, the Australian Joint Operations Command, Director General Operations and Plans (J3), next year. This rotation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Pacific QUAD nations to regional stability and cooperation.

“After a very successful meeting in Honolulu this year, I am happy to take over the American coordination of the Pacific Quad’s work and I look forward to hosting my fellow principals and their teams in Noumea next year,” said Brig. Gen. Yann Latil, the commander of French Forces New Caledonia.

U.S. Coast Guard District 14, covering a vast area in the Central and Western Pacific, plays a crucial role in maritime safety, resource protection, security and national defense through partnerships and international engagement.

“CTF 150, U.S. Coast Guard Seize $25 Million in Illegal Drugs” –NAVCENT

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A U.S. Navy L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 drone boat and the U.S. Coast Guard cutters USCGC John Scheuerman and USCGC Charles Moulthrope transit the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. (Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vincent Aguirre/U.S. Coast Guard)

Below is a news release by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs, October 11, 2023.

MANAMA, Bahrain —

The U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146) seized about $25 million worth of illegal drugs from a stateless vessel while operating in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 3.

The cutter, working under the command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized 360 kilograms of methamphetamines, 107 kilograms of heroin and 1,961 kilograms of hashish from the vessel during an interdiction operation.

This event marks the second time in a month that CTF 150 has interdicted illicit narcotics at sea. Last month, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster (F229) seized more than 450 kilograms, or approximately $9.5 million, of illegal drugs including heroin and hashish during a CTF 150 operation in the Arabian Sea.

“This new seizure, the second since the French Navy took command of CTF 150 last July, again shows the commitment of Combined Maritime Forces working together to enhance maritime security in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean,” said French Navy Capt. Yannick Bossu, commander of CTF 150.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf.

Since 2021, Combined Maritime Forces has seized more than $1 billion in illegal drugs while patrolling waters across the Middle East.

The 38-nation naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

“‘Blue Africa’ Partnership Seeks to Curb Annual $10B Loss from Illegal Fishing” –USNI

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Comparison of Africa size with other continents. From Wikipedia, by Jacopo Bertolotti.

The US Naval Institute News Service reports, 

“Faced with an annual $10 billion loss from Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, West African nations are moving to work together to better understand and police their exclusive economic zones as a group, the head of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa told USNI News last month.”

Not surprisingly the Coast Guard was involved.

The idea for a combined push emerged at the first African Maritime Forces Summit held in March at Cabo Verde organized by NAVEUR. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan represented the U.S. along with 80 other countries.

Fisheries management in African waters requires regional cooperation. As I noted in a 2014 post, among other problems, there are so many countries in Africa (54 countries, at least 32 with coastlines) that their individual EEZs are too small to manage fishing stocks. If one country attempts to rebuild stocks by reducing fishing, a neighboring country may take advantage of their sacrifice and undo their efforts.

The USNI post talks about replicating something like Joint Interagency Task Force South in U.S. Southern Command. The NAVCENT sponsored Combined Maritime Forces might also serve as a model. There is also the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation that might also serve as a model. Bilateral shiprider agreements could also be useful.

The Coast Guard has been working with African Nations for some time now.

“U.S.-Philippine Coast Guard Patrols: Time To Provoke the Provocateur” –Real Clear Defense

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Chinese fishing vessel fleet (Photo: The Maritime Executive)

Real Clear Defense has a post by the J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the Naval War College, Dr. James R. Holmes, discussing the implications of the planned Philippine/US Coast Guard joint patrols in the South China Sea.

It is a thought-provoking article but I would argue for a change of emphasis. The Chinese consider what is happening war without gunsmoke, but if we engage on that basis we are already at war. Rather I would suggest we see this as purely law enforcement vigorously applied–which is of course the reason it is the US Coast Guard rather than the USN that will be conducting these joint patrols.

  • If foreign vessels fishing in the Philippine EEZ without a license is not already illegal, make it so. The Philippines should make sure the Chinese know that is how it will be viewed and act accordingly.
  • No foreign vessels should be allowed to impede Philippine vessels conducting legal activities.
  • No foreign vessels should be allowed to exploit the resources of the Philippine EEZ without a license.
  • No foreign vessels should be allowed to damage resources in the Philippine EEZ.

The Chinese maritime militia has been very useful, but they may also be viewed as China’s weakness, since they are officially civilians. As civilians violating Philippine law, they should be subject to vigorous law enforcement action.

CRASH AVERTED This photo taken on April 23, 2023 shows BRP Malapascua (right) maneuvering as a Chinese coast guard ship cuts its path at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. AFP PHOTO

If a vessel chooses to block a Coast Guard vessel and violates the Rules of the Road in the process, if a collision results and their engineroom floods, it was their violation of the Rules of the Road that caused the collision.

This is lawfare, not warfare, and the law is on the side of the Philippines. The Chinese are acting as a gang of thieves stealing from their weaker neighbors. Diplomatically the US and the Philippines need to work toward something similar to the Combined Maritime Forces organization in SW Asia and fielding a law enforcement alliance like my proposed Combined Maritime Security Task Force Pacific. (“Combined” used this way means multi-national.)

“Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines renew commitment to cooperation” –Indo-Pacific Defense Forum

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Coast guard leaders and personnel from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations participate in the June 2023 ASEAN Coast Guard Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. IMAGE CREDIT: Indonesian Maritime Security Agency

The Indo-Pacific Defense Forum reports,

“Joint sea and air patrols conducted by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines under the 2017 Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) continue to demonstrate success and remain critical to Indo-Pacific maritime security, according to officials and analysts. The three countries agreed in June to build on their cooperative efforts going forward.

“Regular patrols, coordination and intelligence sharing established by the TCA are known as INDOMALPHI. The patrols have successfully countered threats including piracy and terrorism with no reported threat events in the first six months of 2023, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense. This compares to 99 reports of piracy and armed robbery in 2017 in the patrol area.”

This sort of cooperation might lead to my proposed Combined Maritime Security Task Force. They don’t need the US Coast Guard to do it, but US participation might add some much-needed gravitas, if they have to face down the Chinese.

“Indo-Pacific coast guards try to head off a troubling storm” –Asia Times

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The Philippine Coast Guard conducted its first-ever trilateral maritime exercise with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) in waters off Mariveles, Bataan, from June 1-7, 2023. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

The Asia Times reports, “Indo-Pacific coast guards and maritime law enforcement agencies are taking additional steps to improve their cooperation.”

We have frequently talked about US Coast Guard actions in the Western Pacific, but this gives us a better understanding of the leadership roles being taken by the Coast Guards of Japan, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, working in cooperation with Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Cambodia, South Korea, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Perhaps someday we will see something like my proposed Combined Maritime Security Task Force Pacific.

The CENTCOM sponsored Combined Maritime Forces provides a good model.

“Video: Interview With VADM Cooper On TF 59 Milestones, US 5th Fleet” –Naval News

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Naval News provides a video of an interview with 5th Fleet/NAVCENT commander VAdm Charles Bradford (Brad) Cooper II. In addition to the video above, the Naval News post provides a transcript of the interview (always appreciated).

The video provides more than talking heads. There are snippets of video showing the operation of unmanned systems and the people mentioned.

PATFORSWA Webber class cutters show up in the video three times.

Task Force 59 is an exciting development. It appears likely this model will be replicated in other areas including with the 4th Fleet in the Drug Transit Zone. Hopefully the Coast Guard is taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible from these operations. If the Coast Guard does not have a Coast Guard R&D liaison to Task Force 59 we are missing a good bet.

221207-N-NO146-1001 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 7, 2022) An Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) takes off from U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) transiting the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 7. U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59 launched the UAV during Digital Horizon, a three-week event focused on integrating new unmanned and artificial intelligence platforms, including 10 that are in the region for the first time. (U.S. Navy photo)

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