INDIAN OCEAN - The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) seized illicit shipments of weapons and weapons components from two stateless dhows during a maritime security operation in international waters off the coast of Somalia, Feb. 11-12.

Churchill's Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) team and embarked joint service Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) discovered the illicit cargo during a flag verification boarding conducted by international law and in international waters.

The cache of weapons consisted of thousands of AK-47 assault rifles, light machine guns, heavy sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and crew-served weapons. Other weapon components included barrels, stocks, optical scopes, and weapon systems.

Weapons Smuggling In The Indian Ocean210215-N-PS962-1222 INDIAN OCEAN (Feb. 12, 2021) The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), following international law, boarded a stateless dhow off of Somalia and interdicted an illicit shipment of weapons and weapon components, Feb. 12. As conducted by the U.S. 5th Fleet, maritime security operations entail routine patrols to determine life patterns in the naval environment and enhance mariner-to-mariner relations. These operations reassure allies and partners and preserve freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Louis Thompson Staats IV)

The source of the weapons has not yet been identified. Churchill located the dhows and provided more than 40 hours of overwatch and security for the ship and its boarding teams throughout the two-day operation.

The dhow crews were provided food and water before being released.

"We are proud of the combined efforts of the AIT and Churchill crew members for executing dynamic and demanding boardings," said Lt. Travis Dopp, Assistant AIT Leader aboard Churchill. "We are proud to have a positive impact on the safety and security of coalition forces by interdicting shipments of lethal aid."

The seizure of the illicit weapons by Churchill was conducted as part of the region's U.S. Navy's regular maritime security operations. These routine patrols are performed to ensure the free flow of commerce for legitimate traffic and to disrupt the transport of illicit cargo that often funds terrorism and unlawful activity.

"This joint team [Army, Navy and Coast Guard] on board Churchill came together to successfully execute this operation over two days in the Indian Ocean. These operations prevent nefarious actors from illegally spreading their lethal aid," said Cdr. Timothy Shanley, commanding officer of Churchill.

Winston S. Churchill departed Norfolk, Virginia, on Aug. 10 for a regularly-scheduled deployment to maintain maritime security and ensure navigation freedom in critical waterways.

U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, conducts joint and naval operations to support regional allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in the Middle East.

Source: From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs