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The unprecedented international naval support for Operation Enduring Freedom already has involved nearly 100 ships from 17 nations, helping the U.S. Navy accomplish missions it could not have done alone. Modern coalition naval warfare is being tested, proved, and put into action in the crucible of the Arabian Sea.
The naval component that provided support to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2001 to April 2002 was impressive in the sheer number of ships, aircraft, and nations involved. Yet the true significance of the coalition naval support effort was in the operational proficiencies and capabilities demonstrated by participating forces. A new level of integration and coordination was achieved through the hard work and determination of all parties involved, particularly those units of Task Force 50 operating in the North Arabian Sea.
A new mission was developed in late November 2001 to support the maritime interdiction of al Qaeda and Taliban leaders fleeing war-ravaged Afghanistan. Dubbed leadership interdiction, it initially was planned and executed by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 9, the sea combat commander for Task Force 50. Destroyer Squadron 21 took over this role on 15 December 2001. Task Force 50's operations demonstrated the expertise and incredible energy coalition units brought to the battle force, achieving results that never could have been realized by a U.S. carrier battle group operating alone. Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Greece, Australia, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom provided a combined average of 25 ships to the North Arabian Sea battle force during a five-month period to support leadership interdiction for Task Force 50. Many more nations contributed to theaterwide naval operations for Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet, including Spain, Germany, and Japan. From command and control to basic maritime interdiction procedures, the staff of Carrier Group 7 and Destroyer Squadron 21 were astounded every day by the capabilities and can-do spirit the coalition partners exhibited.
Allied integration into U.S. carrier battle groups proved a boost to capabilities in all warfare areas. As the John C. Stennis (CVN-74) battle group prepared to surge deploy two months earlier than planned in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, HMCS Vancouver was added while she was operating with the Canadian Pacific Fleet in midOctober 2001 off southern California. The Vancouver had just three weeks to complete...