The Commander and staff of U.S. Navy Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 embarked HNLMS Amsterdam (A 836) April 7, joining USS Typhoon (PC5), and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Wrangell (WPB 1332) in the Arabian Sea to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.
MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
"It's important to demonstrate that where you're from doesn't matter," said Cmdr. Georges van Aalst, Amsterdam’s commanding officer. "[Combined maritime forces] keep and maintain the same standards of living, and we're a diverse group of countries willing to stand together to defend those standards and way of life."
Amsterdam is acting as flagship for Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson, commander of DESRON 50, supporting Typhoon, Wrangell and the squadron's staff.
DESRON 50 serves as Commander, Middle East Force Surface Action Group, and also coordinates the Navy's extensive regional exercise program for surface combatants, working with friends and allies in the Gulf region.
Source: NavNews
By Journalist 3rd Class Bobby Northnagle, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs