The troops of Special Operations Command, like this member of TAG East, will give the ADF a unified unconventional warfighting and counter-terrorism force. Photo provided by 4RAR(Cdo)

TARTAN TAG

By Capt Jason Logue

DRAMATIC action on the high seas off Newcastle shattered the recent Easter weekend when Australian Special Forces, supported by HMAS Stuart, seized a renegade drug ship.

The North Korean registered MV Pong Su had been on the run from State and Federal law enforcement agencies for several days when members of Australia’s Special Forces stopped the chase.

SOCAUST Maj-Gen Duncan Lewis said elements of the newly-formed Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) acted as part of a coordinated Government operation to board, seize and secure the ship, which had failed to comply with an order to stop.

He said the boarding of the freighter was carried out by members of TAG(W), TAG(E) and the IRR with specialist skills in boarding vessels underway in open seas.

The element used HMAS Stuart’s helicopter and Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to board the MV Pong Su in some fairly atrocious weather conditions

“The weather made life difficult for our boarding party who had to get aboard a ship rolling and heaving in large seas,” he said.

“That the teams got on board as quickly and professionally as they did is testament to the rigorous and continued training Special Forces members continually undertake.”

He said Special Forces troops moved quickly to dominate the ship by securing the bridge and detaining the 30 crew members.
“The ship was secured, searched, brought on course for Sydney and handed over to the AFP and Customs shortly after.”
He said Op Tartan was extremely successful and highlighted the readiness and capabilities inherent within SOCOMD.
Op Tartan also reinforced the decision to create SOCOMD with all elements of the command involved in the activity in some way.

“Importantly, this operation reflects the quality and dedication of our people.

“In our line of work people are more important than machines and this operation involved some of our finest Australians.
“I am very proud of the job they did this morning but I would expect no less.”

SOCOMD’s links with State and Federal agencies, developed through intensive training and operational activities, were also fully tested during the boarding of the Pong Su.

Maj-Gen Lewis also praised the Navy support provided by HMAS Stuart and her crew, as well as the activities of the RAAF flight crews who maintained observation of the freighter when the Coastwatch plane was unavailable during Op Tartan
He also highlighted the whole-of-government approach to the boarding of the MV Pong Su, thanking Federal and State Government agencies which were involved.

“I am sure it was an interrupted, but memorable, Easter for them all.”

The Pong Su is now berthed in Sydney and the crew have been extradited to Victoria for prosecution.