Coalition Forces Provide Assistance to Danish Merchant Vessel

From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs Two Coalition ships from Combined Task Force (CTF 150), French Warship Commandant Blaison (F 793) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), provided assistance to Danish merchant vessel Danica White following its release from Somali pirates Aug. 22. Blaison rendezvoused with Danica White at approximately 6 p.m. and was subsequently joined by Arleigh Burke in international waters off the coast of Somalia. The coalition ships are escorting Danica White to its next port to ensure it arrives safely.

Pirates took control of Danica White off the coast of Somalia in early June. CTF 150 provides the tactical direction for Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Currently commanded by Commodore Khan Hasham Bin Saddiqu of the Pakistani Navy, CTF 150 has previously been commanded by commanders from France, Germany, Netherlands, and the U.K. Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit