US Navy Coastal Patrol Force in Arabian Gulf now at 10 Ships

: Posted On Saturday, 16 August 2014 10:07

Naval Forces News - USA

US Navy Coastal Patrol Force in Arabian Gulf now at 10 Ships

Coastal Patrol (PC) ships USS Hurricane (PC 3) and USS Monsoon (PC 4) completed their arrival to Bahrain the second week of August. Hurricane and Monsoon are the final two of 10 ships that are part of a realignment plan to increase the PC presence in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

(Aug. 13, 2014) The coastal patrol ships USS Hurricane (PC 3) and USS Monsoon (PC 4) arrive to their new homeport at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. Hurricane and Monsoon are the final two of 10 coastal patrol ships that are part of a realignment plan in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith/Released)

"This class of ship is ideal for working in this area," said Capt. Brendan McLane, commander, Destroyer Squadron 50. "Having two additional assets will greatly increase our ability for continued maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the Fifth Fleet."

PCs are an integral part of U.S. 5th Fleet, allowing the U.S. Navy with a fast, reliable platform that can respond to emergent requirements in a shallow water environment. The primary mission of these ships is coastal patrol and interdiction surveillance, an important aspect of littoral operations.

These ships are regularly used to escort larger ships, provide maritime security, protect infrastructure, as well as participate in exercises with allies and regional partners.

PCs stationed in Bahrain have permanent crews, allowing families to accompany their Sailors to the island. The shift from six-month rotational crew to permanent manning alleviates the significant strain that was placed on Sailors and their families.

"The well-being of our Sailors and families is critical to the accomplishment of our missions and this shift to permanent crews has improved that," said McLane.

The PC fleet has been active in the U.S. 5th Fleet since 2003, providing a mission of dedicated maritime security and force protection capability.

These ships are ideal platforms for working with partner navies in the Gulf. The navies and coast guard of coalition partners operate similar sized ships, with similar systems and capability fostering better interoperability in the maritime domain.

U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.