AVOID LEAKS: FIXING THE MARITIME DRUG INTERDICTION ASSET CRISIS
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Authors
Capistrano, Christian S.
Subjects
U.S. Navy
U.S. Coast Guard
maritime security
drug interdiction
counterdrug operation
MK VI Patrol Boat
frigates
LCS
technology assessment
policy analysis
SOUTHCOM
JIATF-S
U.S. Coast Guard
maritime security
drug interdiction
counterdrug operation
MK VI Patrol Boat
frigates
LCS
technology assessment
policy analysis
SOUTHCOM
JIATF-S
Advisors
Nieto-Gomez, Rodrigo
Date of Issue
2018-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The complete decommissioning of Navy frigates has produced a range of concerns regarding the United States’ maritime interdiction mission to remove drug traffickers and prevent illicit drugs from reaching the homeland. As the principal interdiction tool in the high seas, Coast Guard cutters have reported a significant increase in maritime seizure of cocaine, which is aligned with the dramatic increase in supply. Due to the decrease in maritime interdiction assets, however, only one in every four maritime drug events is interdicted and the rest pass safely through the security gap. This thesis examines the Navy’s newly acquired MK VI patrol boat to determine its suitability for the high seas. This is conducted through policy analysis of the Navy’s counterdrug mission and technology assessment of the MK VI. The research determined that MK VI application in the high seas, versus the littorals, would not be suitable; however, the Navy can engage the problem with creative ideas to mitigate the challenges with the MK VI. This thesis proposes the allocation of MK VI to forward naval bases in SOUTHCOM. The MK VI is a cost-effective, capable, and versatile platform that would tremendously help the Navy avoid maritime drug event leaks.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.