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Navy/USMC

SOUTHCOM Says It Needs More Ships, Aircraft To Intercept Drugs

By Marc Selinger

Thursday, April 6th, 2017

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SOUTHCOM Says It Needs More Ships, Aircraft To Intercept Drugs

Coast Guard National Security Cutter Munro during christening ceremonies in Mississippi. Photo: Coast Guard

A shortage of ships and aircraft prevents U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) from stopping much of the illegal drug flow to the United States, the organization’s leader said April 6.SOUTHCOM usually has about six ships assigned to it, far short of the 23 ships, plus accompanying aircraft, it estimates it needs, said Navy Adm. Kurt Tidd, the head of the command, who testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee. As a result, the command can intercept only about a quarter of…

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