THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON DC 20350-1000

December 5, 2017

MEMORANDUM FOR CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
SUBJECT: Support for Joint Interagency Task Force
This'Task Force is a very important element in the control of illegal drug
transportation. Navy ceased providing surface ship support at the end of2015 when the
FFG-7 ciass was retired. Since then maritime events have doubled and more growth is
expected~by the Task Force in the coming years. Clearly the presence of Navy ships had
a deterrent effect on the drug transportation process. We must restore this impact now in
this vital national priority program.
We discussed the idea of reactivating FFG-7 ships, but the process of evaluating
alternatives identified better solutions using LCS and T-EPF ships. The LCS is ideally
configured for this low intensity operation and the T-EPF has significant potential with
some minor changes. Both classes need to include basic Remote Piloted Vehic!e visual
detection similar to SCAN EAGLE employed on USS PONCE (LPD-15). These ships
are now sunk cost, leaving only operating cost which has been included in the budget.
Operating cost in support of the Task Force should be covered within the funds
appropriated for the drug control purpose.
I request that you resource at least four ship years of this ship combination
beginning early 2018,. This is well below the SOUTHCOM requested amount. Multiple
demands will require prioritization, but this mission must be in the top priority category
for these ships, reversing the prior decision to eliminate support. Since the training areas
are close to the operational areas covered by the Task Force, it is likely possible that part
of the training profile can be real maritime security tasks likely to be encountered many
'
places in the world.
Please advise regarding the schedule beginning in 2018 for providing these ships
for Task Force use. My point of contact for any necessary actions is Mr. Everett Pyatt at
703-695-7343 or Everett.pyatt@navy.mil.
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'V\ /-<.; Clj___.
~~~v; Spencer