US Establishes Security Patrol Area in Gulf of Aden

News in Balance:

MANAMA, Bahrain, Aug. 22, 2008 -- The Commander, U.S. Naval Central Command has directed the establishment of a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) in the Gulf of Aden. A force of Coalition Navy warships will patrol the area, and aircraft will fly in the airspace above.

Commodore Bob Davidson (Canadian Navy), commander Combined Task Force 150, will command naval forces in the patrol area.

The MSPA is being established in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ongoing efforts. Coalition actions will give the IMO time to work international preventative efforts that will ultimately lead to a long-term solution.

Coalition ships are in the area as part of our continual presence in this region. While they have conducted routine operations in the area in the past, the establishment of the MSPA will focus the efforts to counter destabilizing activities in the region and improve security while long-term initiatives mature.

(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs news release.)

Tags: Open Thread, Wire, Headlines, DOD, Military, War, United States, U.S., News in Balance, NAVCENT, Maritime Security Operation, Fifth Fleet, Navy
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Buzz, Tension