The US Coast Guard has completed its first patrol with the Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 since 2015.
USCG cutters Wrangell and Aquidneck patrolled the northern Arabian Sea from February 9 to 12 on operation Iron Guardian, exercising maritime security operations in the area.
Cutters Wrangell and Aquidneck spent three days patrolling in company, assisted by air assets from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, French Navy and the Royal Navy.
During the operation, the USCG, supported by CTF 150 headquarters, exercised their surveillance capabilities and boarding operations in an area known to be transited by vessels carrying illicit cargoes.
“This was my first time working with CTF 150 and it was a remarkable experience to work as part of a multinational coalition,” said USCG Lieutenant Jason Helsabeck.
“Each country brings its own expectations and expertise to the table and the real world experience of CMF partners in anti-narcotics
smuggling provided an excellent learning opportunity for the USCG.”
The multinational CTF 150 targets terrorists and related illegal activities in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.
The naval force operates under Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces, which also runs CTF 151 for anti-piracy operations and CTF 152 that patrols the Arabian Gulf.
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