REQUEST COUNTERNARCOTICS FUNDING FOR PATROL BOAT

UNCLAS TASHKENT 000772 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/CEN, INL FOR ANDREW BUHLER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS ASEC PBTS UZ SUBJECT: REQUEST COUNTERNARCOTICS FUNDING FOR PATROL BOAT PARTS FOR UZBEKISTAN ¶1. (U) This is an action request for CCJ3 CENTCOM. Please see paragraphs 3-5. ¶2. (U) The Government of Uzbekistan (GOU) purchased 19 riverine patrol boats from the United States in 2004 for the purpose of drug interdiction along the portion of the Amu Darya River which constitutes Uzbekistan's border with Afghanistan. The addition of these patrol boats to the GOU's border security efforts represents a qualitative improvement in the ability of Uzbekistan to interdict narcotics and contraband leaving Afghanistan. When the patrol boats were delivered to the GOU at Termez, Uzbekistan, in 2007, some missing parts were noted. U.S. Central Command representatives confirmed that parts were missing and aided the GOU in developing the following list of parts required to bring the patrol boats up to full operational capability. Since April 2008, the GOU has requested U.S. Embassy Tashkent's support in procuring replacement parts. ¶3. (U) U.S. Embassy Tashkent requests that CENTCOM Counter-Narcotics Program funding be made available for the purchase of items outlined in the following list for transfer to the GOU. The purpose of this request is to ensure the maintenance and repair of the patrol boats provided to the GOU to preserve their future utility for counternarcotics missions. ¶4. (U) POC: Lieutenant Colonel Brian Swanland, USAFR, Security Assistance Officer, USDAO Tashkent, Office: (998-71) 120-5450, extension 2303, Classified e-mail: swanlandbe@state.sgov.gov, Unclassified email: swanlandb@state.gov. ¶5. (U) Missing Parts and Equipment Belonging to the Patrol Boats: Honda engines 225 hp: 2 lower units, 3 propellers Honda engines 150 hp: 3 propellers 27' safe boat - response, Homeland Security Boats: 2 anchor chains and shackles, 30 mooring lines, 3 towing line covers, 3 towing lines, 2 loud speaker holders, 2 loud speakers, 2 boat hooks, 2 trailer jacks, 2 ARC searchlights 25' Boston Whaler light patrol boats: 3 hand-held spotlights, 10 ammo box tie downs, 4 rear seat cushions, 4 batteries, 2 console covers, 2 trailer tie downs, 13 fire extinguishers NORLAND