Frigates join other nations in hunt for drugs

[Judi Lynn]

Frigates join other nations in hunt for drugs
By Mark D. Faram - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 10, 2012 16:47:34 EST

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. — Four Navy frigates and a patrol squadron operating in the 4th Fleet area of responsibility have joined a new multi-national effort to combat illicit trafficking routes in Central America.

Called Operation Martillo — Spanish for “hammer” — it is headed by U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West, Fla., and working under U.S. Southern Command.

Officials stress that 4th Fleet is providing the U.S. naval support element, and is not commanding the operation.

“Over 80 percent of the illicit trafficking takes place by sea, and the vast majority of that goes through the littoral waters along the isthmus and up to Mexico and on to the United States,” said Rear Adm. Kurt Tidd, 4th Fleet commander. “The naval assets, the ships and aircraft bring to the table unique capabilities in detecting and monitoring criminal activities at sea and in the littorals to track the movements, by sea and air.”

More:
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/02/navy-4th-fleet-frigates-other-nations-hunt-drugs-021012w/

[Lasher]

1. Drug Smuggling Submarine Seized In Colombia

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian soldiers have for the first time seized a fully submersible drug-smuggling submarine capable of reaching the coast of Mexico, authorities announced Monday.

Last July, another fully submersible "narcosub" was seized just across the border by authorities in neighboring Ecuador.

Previous drug-carrying vessels found in Colombia were only semi-submersible, meaning part of the structure always remained above the surface.

But the sub discovered Sunday can operate completely underwater, Col. Manuel Hurtado, chief of staff of Colombia's Pacific Command, told The Associated Press. He estimated it could hold eight tons of drugs.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/15/drug-submarine-seized-colombia_n_823445.html

[Judi Lynn]

2. Brunswick Corporation : Boston Whaler Justices Support Counternarcotics Operations

01/31/2012 | 11:18am
Brunswick Corporation : Boston Whaler Justices Support Counternarcotics Operations

Jan. 31, 2012, Edgewater, Fla. - The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) has awarded a $36 million contract to Brunswick Commercial and Government Products (BCGP) to supply up to sixty 32-foot and 37-foot Boston Whaler Justice models. The boats will support U.S. Southern Command's counternarcotics assistance program within Central America and the Caribbean to counter transnational organized criminal networks in Latin America. The boats will be supplied over a four-year period.

Both models feature Boston Whaler's unsinkable Unibond™ construction, center console layouts, heavy-duty angled rub strakes and engine crash rails to prevent damage, and bow mounts for weapons. The 32-foot Justice is powered by twin Mercury Verado outboard engines and features twin bolster seats at the helm. The 37-foot Justice is powered by triple Mercury Verado outboard engines and includes an integrated bow thruster for maneuverability and a climate-controlled cabin with head and berth. Both models include shock-mitigating seats in the cockpit for crew safety and fort in rough seas.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to fulfill this contract," said BCGP's General Manager Jennifer Butera. "These models are fast and extremely durable - a perfect match for their mission."

http://www.4-traders.com/BRUNSWICK-CORPORATION-11779/news/BRUNSWICK-CORPORATION-Boston-Whaler-Justices-Support-Counternarcotics-Operations-13995135/

[Sherman A1]

3. Perhaps, just perhaps

The Navy is taking an opportunity in the midst of a Defense Department budget draw down to find themselves a new mission & it's associated funding? I seem to recall this happening in the post Cold War time frame as well.

May not be the only reason, but things rarely happen for just one reason.

[DCKit]

4. What a cynical post!

You're probably right.

[Incitatus]

5. Perhaps.

The drugs will still make it here no matter what they do. The traffickers will just use cargo containers or throw as many mules at the border as it takes. I recently read a report that said the cartels could lose 90% of their product in transit and still make a profit. Catching a few tons of coke or meth being transported may sound impressive, but the transporters are nobodys and it barely makes a dent in the cartels income.