UNCLASSIFIED Ready TogetherCombined Maritime Forces 1 Task Force 150 anti-piracy operations Commodore Per Bigum Christensen 25. January 2009

UNCLASSIFIEDReady TogetherCombined Maritime Forces

1

Task Force 150 anti-piracy operations

Commodore Per Bigum Christensen

25. January 2009


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Danish Task Group commanding

Combined Task Force 150

15. September 2008 – 12. January 2009

o/b

Flagship HDMS ABSALON



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Agenda

• TF150 mission, priorities and geo strategic situation

• “Thesis”

• Characteristics of pirates and their tactics

• Counter piracy tactics

• Coordination with non-coalition naval forces

• Recommendations to shipping

• Conclusion and next step


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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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CFMCC task organization

Supported CommandersSupported Commanders

Supporting CommandersSupporting Commanders

CTF- 59CM

CTF- 561Special

Operations

CTF- 56Ordnance Disposal

CTF- 54Submarines

CTF- 55Patrol Boats

CTF- 57Maritime Patrol

CTF- 53Logistics

CTF- 50CSG

CFMCCDCFMCC

CTF- 51ESG

CFMCC is a true Coalition: C2 spans all Coalition members and U.S. forces often operate under non-

U.S. leadership

CTF – 152Central & Southern Arabian Gulf

Iraqi MaritimeNorthern Arabian Gulf

CTF – 150Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of

Oman and Arabian Sea

CTF – 151Mission Specific –within CMF AOR


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CTF 150 is to counter or defeat acts of violent extremism, aggression and associated

terrorist networks in littoral and maritime TF 150 AOR. Work with regional, joint and other partners to improve overall security, stability and regional nations maritime capabilities. Be ready to respond to full range of crises, including environmental and humanitarian events UFN IOT achieve secure and stable maritime environment free from terrorist activity.

TF 150 mission


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Piracy

• International problem that requires international solution

• Ultimate solution is ashore in Somalia– Establish conditions that preclude criminal activity at sea and ashore– Stability, security, economic prosperity, governance, rule of law

• Piracy is about money – no ties to terrorism – yet

• Historical perspective in Somalia– < 1991 Piracy controlled by functional Coast Guard / Navy– 1991-1995 UNOSOM maintains maritime security– 1995-2000 Somali fishermen begin armed clashes with foreign fishing

vessels– 2000-2004 Somali militias board / seize international fishing vessels– 2005-2007 Eastern clan seizes 31 vessels as far as 200nm from east

coast

Shipping lanes moved from 50nm to 200nm off coast – Aug 2008Sharp spike in piracy in Gulf of Aden – northern clan


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Geo Strategic Situation

1000 NM

1000 NM

1000 NM

27 regional nations (14 with coastline)3 chokepoints16.8 million km2

80% of global energy reservesReligious center for 1.5 billion Muslims23.000 ships passing the Gulf of Aden


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Traffic in Gulf of Aden (MAR 08)


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Traffic in Gulf of Aden (JAN 09)


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PVST

DIRECT SUPPORT TO CTF150

ASSOCIATED SUPPORT TO CTF150

NATIONAL TASKING

HALSEY

CDT BIROT

OAK HILL

J LENTHALL

BADR

VILLE DE QUEBEC

COURBET

ABSALON

IROQUOIS

TF150 operations – 23 Sep

MYS TG

CHATHAM


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PVST

DIRECT SUPPORT TO CTF 150

ASSOCIATED SUPPORT TO CTF 150

NATIONAL/NATO TASKING

MAHAWANGSA

ABSALON

TF150 operations – 17 Nov

HAMANA

YUUDACHI

VELLA GULF

DE RUYTER

COURBET

MASON

TG 432.01

NEUSTRASHIMY

CUMBERLAND

KENT

VAR AL DAMMAM

NORTHUMBL.

TABAR

MVP

DE LA PENNE

WAVE KN.

NIVOSE

KARLSRUHE

TIPPU SULTAN


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GOKOVA GORKOVA

PVST

DIRECT SUPPORT TO CTF 150

ASSOCIATED SUPPORT TO CTF 150

NATIONAL TASKING

ABSALON

TF150 operations – 18 Dec

TOWADA

NORTHUMBL.

WAVE KN.

NIVOSE

KARLSRUHE

TIPPU SULTAN

MASON

JEAN DE VIENNE

MYSORE

PORTLAND

PSARA.

EU

PRE M LHER

MVP

SRI INDERA SAKTI NEUSTRASHIMY

DILIGENCE

ARIAKE

ABHA YELNYA


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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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Thesis: A combination of international focus, naval forces intervention and improved self protections measures from merchant vessels is now keeping the piracy in Gulf of Aden at bay - maintaining a more safe but fragile situation from where medium to long term efforts can and must be implemented.



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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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Piracy activity

62 attacks of which 20 were successful!

15 Sep. 2008 – 12 Jan. 2009


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• Somalian pirates constitute a limited number of more experienced seamen and an unlimited number of “soldiers” – uneducated and unable to understand the situation

• Pirates are recruited from different small villages in Puntland/Somalia, mainly from fishing societies and with Xabo and Calulla as the origin of the piracy activities. Piracy team members normally know each others

• Combination of old and young men and boys

Piracy characteristics and tactics


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• Some preparation and training are conducted. There is a standard for organising and equipping the teams, and they have a code of conduct. Discipline is high – punishment is severe.

• Direct connection between sea state and piracy activities (very little activity in sea state above 1.0 m)

• Pirates have become more determined, but not more violent


More than 90% of all piracy incidents occur during day light hours.


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• Pirate leaders know they are “safe” when onboard and in control of M/V

• When met with with over-whelming force all pirates in small skiffs are willing to surrender. Only dhow mother ships have resisted apprehension

• Reappearance (repeat offenders) of pirates rarely observed



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• Pirates use different kinds of mother vessels to disguise their movements and for element of surprise. AIS-information is most likely utilized from the larger mother ships.

• Pirates coordinate their attacks. Cell phones

• Pirates leaders ashore or in larger mother ships are using spoofing/fake distress calls etc.


According to IMB:Risk for attack 1:340Risk for being hijacked 1:907


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Weapons and equipment used


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52NM

41NM

Overseas Hercules

STX Ace 6

Ginga Saker

Pirates Attack Multiple Times


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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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September

16 NOV: Update to Commanders guidance and intent for MSPA operations.

20 SEP: ABS disarms 10 pirates.

17 SEP: ABS detains 10 pirates.

02 OCT: BRT disarms 12 pirates.

20 OCT: ABS helo and rhib fires warning shots. Pirates looses skiffs, ladder and RPG.

December

03 NOV: ABS disarms 10 pirates.

30 NOV: JDV disarms 4 pirates.

04 DEC: ABS disarms 7 pirates.

13 DEC: MYS detains 12 pirates.

04 NOV: ABS disarms 10 pirates.

07 NOV: CMB disarms 8 pirates.

11 NOV: CMB disarms a total of 31 pirates in 2 incidents.

17 DEC: ABS disarms 9 pirates.

19 DEC: JDV disarms 7 pirates.

25 DEC: KAR foils attack and disarms 4 pirates.

18 NOV: TAB destroys Ekawatnava 5.

November

01 JAN: LHR detains 8 pirates

02 JAN: ABS detains 5 and disarms 19 pirates

January

04 JAN: JDV detains 19 pirates

02 JAN: MYS disarms 7 pirates

Kinetic encounter

Hijacking

Failed Attack

October

Piracy activity


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Date UnitNo of pirates Rifles

RPG launchers

Other arms Ladders Action taken

17SEP08 TF150 10 8 1 0 2 Detained – later released, 1 skiff and 1 mother ship destroyed

20SEP08 TF150 10 9 1 2 2 Disarmed

02OCT08 TF150 12 ? ? ? ? Disarmed

20OCT08 TF150 ? ? 1 ? 1 1 skiff destroyed

03NOV08 TF150 10 2 0 0 1 Disarmed

04NOV08 TF150 10 8 1 0 0 Disarmed

07NOV08 NATO 8 6 1 0 0 Disarmed, 1 skiff destroyed

11NOV08 NATO 16 7 1 0 1 Disarmed, 1 skiff destroyed

11NOV08 NATO 9 5 1 1 1 7 detained, 2 killed - 1 skiff confiscated

18NOV08 TAB ? ? ? ? ? Hi-jacked vessel destroyed, killing all but one.

30NOV08 TF150 4 4 0 0 0 Disarmed - 1 skiff destroyed

04DEC08 TF150 7 5 1 0 0 Detained, 1 skiff destroyed

13DEC08 MYS 12 7 1 3 0 Detained, 1 skiff confiscated

17DEC08 TF150 9 5 1 1 1 Disarmed, 1 skiff destroyed

19DEC08 TF150 7 5 2 0 1 Disarmed

25DEC08 EU 4 3 1 1 0 Disarmed

01JAN09 TF150 8 6 1 0 2 Detained

02JAN09 MYS 7 ? ? ? ? Disarmed

02JAN09 TF150 5 ? ? ? 1 Detained . 1 skiff destroyed

Encountered pirates (1)


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Date UnitNo of pirates Rifles

RPG launchers

Other arms Ladders Action taken

02JAN09 TF150 7 3 1 0 1 Disarmed

02JAN09 TF150 3 3 0 2 0 Disarmed

04JAN09 TF150 10 6 1 0 1 Detained, 2 skiffs confiscated

04JAN09 TF150 9 5 1 0 1 Detained, 1 skiff confiscated

Total 177 97 17 10 16 14 skiffs destroyed or confiscated, 3 motherships retaken

Encountered pirates (2)

Of the 177 pirates encountered 063 were handed over to authorities107 were released after disarming002 died005 are still in custody in TF150 unit

No confirmed reappearance by any of the 177, but not all had their biometrics registered


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• Most effective efforts are provided by the M/V themselves, but the presence of naval forces is required in order to deal the problem.

• We must maintain a posture which undermine and remove the courage and willingness of the pirates.

• Piracy activity is obviously not deterred yet, however indications are that teams do not come back after a failed operation ending with apprehension

• After initial attempt or attack, pirates must be constantly tracked and suppressed by air assets, until warship can arrive on scene for disarming the pirates (weapons and ladders)

Counter Piracy


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• The traffic corridor is only a temporary solution, but it enables naval forces to concentrate resources

• Naval forces are spread along the corridor, ready to react with helo, if attack or suspicious activity is observed by M/V

• Quick reporting by M/V is essential. (Use UKMTO or MARLO).

• Air surveillance is crucial to success

• Corridor should be moved south• Convoy/escort operations are no

solution. It does not remove the threat, it only helps the few, and there will never be naval forces enough to provide escort to all M/V or convoys

Counter Piracy


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Fishing areas in GOA


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New Transit Corridor

The present corridor

The new corridor

100-150 merchant vessels in the corridor at any time


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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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Non coalition Naval Forces(ships only)

• Dutch unit (1 unit Sep. – Nov. 2008)

• Malaysian units (1-2 units since Sep. 2008)

• Russian units (2-3 units since Oct. 2008)

• Indian units (1 unit since Nov. 2008)

• TG 169 (Chinese units) (2-3 units since Jan. 2009)

• TF 432 (NATO force) (4-6 units Oct. – Dec. 2008)

• TF 465 (EU Force) (3-4 units since Dec. 2008)

• Additional US/UK/FR naval units under national control

Co-ordination with Non coalition Forces


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• Welcome paperwork – exchange of e-mail addresses– Reference grid for area allocation– HF/VHF/UHF COMPLAN including call sign allocation– Air safety issues

• Staff visit – explaining about pattern of life• CTF 150 visit to clarify mandate and rules of engagement• At least twice daily exchange of SITREPs including area allocation

for units, convoy schedules, and reports on any actual piracy activities

• Daily summery of all activities, intelligence information and assessments (classified, but releasable to all military forces)

• UKMTO and MARLO mailing lists including all naval forces.• De facto succesful tactical coordination including tasking of units,

aircraft and alert helicopters.

Co-ordination with Non coalition Forces

• Each force provider, however, has a national/political requirement to promote own presence (MAC, reporting centres, public medias)


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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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CTF 150 recommendations 1/2

Preparations for the transit

• Consider professional protection team, and clarify company policy and flag state legal issues.

• By appearance demonstrate willingness to defend yourself.

• Prepare ship and crew. Protection team, safe room, fences, barbed wire, water hoses, flares, close and lock all hatches, train procedures.

• Use the new corridor. Stay clear of the Somali east coast preferably 300 NM or more.

• Continue to show navigation lights and transmit AIS.

• Increase look outs, ensure quick internal warning and reporting.


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CTF 150 recommendations 2/2

• Listen IMM VHF CH 16. Report any suspicious activity to call sign “Coalition Warship”. Use CH 8 as back up in case of jamming

• Proceed with max. speed, and be prepared for quick evasive manouevres

• Join other ships proceeding at equal speed for mutual support

• Be alert and stay calm throughout. Piracy threats may appear from all directions – even from close to the Yemenite coast

• Avoid areas with small fishing boats or skiffs. If necessary, leave the corridor until clear of fishing activity

• Call “Coalition Warship”, if suffering from technical problems causing reduced speed


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CTF 150 recommendations

When under attack

• Sound the general alarm in the ship. Execute evasive manoeuvres and other preplanned responses.

• Make emergency call or mayday on IMM VHF CH 16 or CH 8. Give ships name, position and describe the situation. Listen carefully to the questions and directives from “Coalition warship/aircraft”.

• If possible, proceed up into the sea at highest speed.

• Report to UKMTO, MARLO or any other immediate point of contact (phone, e-mail)

• If considered safe to do so, take photos or videos and post these immediately to UKMTO or MARLO.


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Agenda


• “Thesis”







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Conclusion

• Combined Maritime Forces / Navies and international organizations have taken actions:

– Maritime Security Patrol Area and traffic corridor established– Vulnerable shipping and World Food Program provided escorts– Naval Forces assigned to deter, disrupt, capture, and destroy pirate equipment– Coordinate, de-conflict, share intelligence / information– Provide best practices to shipping industry– New UNSCRs passed, providing robust legal mandate for military actions, also ashore

• These actions alone will not solve the problem

• More aggressive naval actions will not succeed until other elements are in place

– Expanding operations and further improve effectiveness requires coordinated tasking of naval assets from all nations present

– Establish legal framework to hold pirates accountable. No incentive to capture pirates when countries are unwilling to adjudicate casesShipping industry must continue to follow recommended best practices

– Shipping industry must embark armed security detachments or other effective self-protection measures

• Improvement of conditions ashore in Somalia is the long term solution


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Next step

• Based on UNSCR 1816, 1838 & 1846 a new mission specific TF151 has been established by 12. January 2009

• TF 151 is actively to conduct counter piracy operations in the CMF battlespace to deter, disrupt and defeat piracy in order to protect global maritime commerce, enhance maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations

• Will include TTW for those nations with agreements in place to enter them

• NATO or EU (post-ATALANTA) could command TF 151


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DNK CTF 150

Thank you

Documents

UNCLASSIFIED Ready TogetherCombined Maritime Forces 1 Task Force 150 anti-piracy operations Commodore Per Bigum Christensen 25. January 2009