US military assists in Latin America anti-drug operation February 10, 2012 07:57 PM

[Judi Lynn]

US military assists in Latin America anti-drug operation February 10, 2012 07:57 PM

MIAMI, Feb 9, 2012: The US military announced Thursday it is joining a large international operation against drug smuggling and organized crime off the coast of Central America.

Military units from Europe and Latin America are also participating.

An interagency group of the US military's Southern Command is working with the multinational force's efforts to detect and stop smuggling of illegal drugs, weapons and large amounts of laundered money.

"More than 80 percent of the cocaine destined for US markets is transported via sea lanes, primarily using littoral routes through Central America," said Southern Command chief General Douglas Fraser. "We intend to disrupt their operations by limiting their ability to use Central America as a transit zone."

More:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Feb-10/162823-us-military-assists-in-latin-america-anti-drug-operation.ashx#axzz1m3hQnb2I

[Judi Lynn]

1. Frigates join other nations in hunt for drugs

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/

[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/