Shipmates,
Even Commandants have collateral duties. One of mine is Chairman of The Interdiction Committee (TIC). As TIC Chairman, I report to the Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy (Gil Kerlikowske) via the U.S. Interdiction Coordinator (Patrick Ward). TIC advises the Director on issues related to drug interdiction in the Western Hemisphere, prepares Interdiction Planning Guidance, and maintains the National Interdiction Command and Control Plan. I am supported by Captain Bob Dean, USCG, who leads the TIC staff.
I was pleased to receive as Commandant and TIC Chair the following news that two Coast Guard units were honored by Mr. Patrick Ward (USIC) for outstanding counter-narcotics contributions. Air Station Elizabeth City and TACLET South were selected from units throughout the federal government as 2008 USIC Award recipients.
Counternarcotics smuggling represents a significant threat to the global community. In Mr. Ward's words: "I would like to congratulate these units for their significant contributions to counter the increasing international and asymmetric threat posed by the trafficking of narcotics and other illicit substances. The production, processing, transportation and use of these illicit drugs have a significant negative impact on individual users, their families, and even the environment. The proceeds of illicit trafficking are use to corrupt individuals and governments, destabilize governments and social systems, and provide the financial support which enables terrorist and criminal organizations."
AIRSTA E-City was honored in the Fixed Wing Aircraft category for their effective deployment of the C-130J aircraft to support JIATF-South. Over the course of three months (October to December 2008), E-City's C-130J aircrews utilized a new radar system, the Edo Elta 2022, to detect 16 smuggling vessels in the transit zones. This resulted in the seizure of three go-fasts, 14 tons of cocaine, a quarter ton of marijuana, and the detention of nine narco-terrorists. The aircrews integrated the new radar system, along with their other sensors, into a Common Operating Picture (COP) that fuses multi-source data and enables operational commanders to task assets towards the highest risk targets.
TACLET South was honored in the Maritime category. During 2008, their LEDETs interdicted over 42 thousand kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of $1.2 billion and the detention of 72 suspected narco-terrorists. TACLET South personnel also played a critical role in addressing the rising threat of Self-Propelled Semisubmersible (SPSS) vessels. These submarine-like vessels are barely visible from the surface and can carry tons of cocaine through the transit zone. They also represent a significant danger to boarding personnel because they are designed to be quickly scuttled by their crews after being detected. Using innovative boarding techniques, TACLET South's teams intercepted four of the seven SPSS vessels interdicted by the U.S. Government forces in 2008.
The cutter MIDGETT was also a nominee and recognized for their outstanding counternarcotics efforts during 2008.
I am extremely proud of all our men and women who execute and support our counter-narcotics mission. It is a true team effort with our interagency and international partners that has wide-ranging ramifications for our safety and security. Protecting the public from the scourge of illegal drugs is an essential part of being America's Maritime Guardian.
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