P-3 Orion Articles: September 1999

• Navy patrol aircraft assist in 2,000-pound cocaine bust
  by JO1 David Rush, NS Roosevelt Roads Public Affairs, Navy News Service
  NAVAL STATION ROOSEVELT ROADS, Puerto Rico (NWS) - - With the help of a P-3C Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron 26 (VP-26), two U.S. Coast Guard cutters intercepted approximately 2,000 pounds of cocaine Sept. 2 in waters 180 miles south of Jamaica.

  The Navy maritime patrol aircraft, assigned to Roosevelt Roads, initially detected, monitored and coordinated the intercept of a 35-foot go-fast vessel attempting to smuggle 40 50-pound packages of cocaine into the United States.

  At Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, alternating P-3C Orion and E-2C Hawkeye squadrons use their aircraft to detect and monitor vessels attempting to smuggle narcotics through the Caribbean basin. Currently, Hawkeyes, flown by the Seahawks of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 (VAW-126) and Orions, flown by the Tridents of Patrol Squadron 26 (VP 26), maintain a discreet, yet powerful vigil throughout the Caribbean to catch elusive traffickers.

  Stemming the flow of narcotics is accomplished through collaborative efforts between the squadrons, the Joint Interagency Task Force East (JIATF East) and the Tactical Support Center (TSC) located within the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility (AFWTF). TSC personnel stand watch 24-hours a day, seven days a week, in the effort to stop drugs from entering the United States. They communicate with Navy air assets, gather intelligence and work closely with JIATF East.

  According to Capt. Steve Shegrud, AFWTF's commanding officer, the Navy's involvement in counter- narcotic operations is essential. "The Navy's job down here is extremely important," said Shegrud. "Working with the local authorities is something we are proud to do in order to help protect the interests of Puerto Rico and the United States."

  Patrol plane co-pilot Lt.j.g. Jim Lawson of VP-26 echoes Shegrud's sentiments. "We're probably their worst nightmare as they try to make their drug deliveries. You can tell by the way that they act when we do spot them. Just the sight of an Orion will make them dump the drugs overboard or turn around and go back. They know we're out there looking for them."

  Lawson believes the Navy's constant patrols are making a difference. "We have aircraft flying around the clock. The best thing we could do is find a drug smuggler, pass them off to other agencies involved and watch the Coast Guard make the bust. That's the biggest thrill for us. We come back to the hangar giving each other high-fives. That's more drugs off the streets of America. It's a great mission. It's a mission that has a direct effect on American society."

  Navy ships and aircraft performing counter-drug operations in waters surrounding South America and Caribbean are operationally attached to Commander Task Force 40 (CTF 40) and under tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force East.

  Through integration with the Director of JIATF East and Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Navy units are significant participants in counter-drug operations. Navy aircraft and ships assist the Coast Guard in the detection, monitoring and interdiction of illegal drugs transiting from South America through Central America, hindering the flow of drugs into the U.S.

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