Operation Black Marlin: Classified After-Action Report

Operation Black Marlin: Classified After-Action Report
A Force Reconnaissance Marine with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security in Guam, January 26, 2018, during Visit Board Search and Seizure training. VBSS teaches Marines how to take over ships for searches and counter-piracy operations. As the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, the 31st MEU provides a flexible force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Wildes)

Classification Level: TOP SECRET (SI/TK)
Mission Date: [REDACTED]
Location: North Atlantic Ocean, [REDACTED]
Unit Involved: 1st Force Recon Company, Detachment Bravo


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1st Force Recon Detachment Bravo executed a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation on a flagged commercial vessel suspected of smuggling nuclear material. Operation Black Marlin neutralized the threat, captured key personnel, and prevented the illicit cargo from reaching its intended destination. All objectives were achieved without compromise, and the operation significantly disrupted a major trafficking network.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

  1. Primary Objective:
    • Secure and inspect the vessel for smuggled nuclear material.
  2. Secondary Objectives:
    • Apprehend the vessel’s captain and senior crew for interrogation.
    • Retrieve shipping logs and communication devices for analysis.

MISSION OVERVIEW

Operational Timeline:

H-10: Intelligence Confirmation:
SIGINT intercepted encrypted communications indicating the vessel “Sea Warden” was carrying illicit material. Allied maritime patrol aircraft confirmed the vessel’s position, approximately 140 nautical miles from [REDACTED].

H-6: Briefing and Staging:
Detachment Bravo embarked aboard the USS [REDACTED], where mission briefings and rehearsals were conducted. ROEs (Rules of Engagement) and contingency plans were finalized, ensuring operational readiness.

H-2: Insertion:
Using CRRCs (Combat Rubber Raiding Craft), the team approached the vessel under cover of darkness, employing radar-jamming technology to mask their approach. A second detachment remained on standby aboard the USS [REDACTED] to provide rapid QRF support if required.

H-Hour: Boarding:
At 0300 local time, Detachment Bravo initiated the VBSS operation. The team deployed via grappling hooks and mechanical ascenders to breach the vessel’s decks. Simultaneous entry points minimized resistance, and the crew was subdued without gunfire.

H+15: Secure and Search:
Bravo conducted a systematic search of the vessel, locating a hidden compartment containing highly enriched uranium (HEU) packaged for transport. Evidence collection teams documented the materials, while SIGINT specialists secured encrypted communications equipment and navigation logs.

H+60: Extraction:
The secured crew and illicit cargo were transferred to the USS [REDACTED] via helo-cast extraction using MH-60 Seahawks. Bravo conducted final sweeps to ensure no remaining threats or contraband before scuttling the compartment to render the vessel unusable for further trafficking.


RESULTS

Enemy KIA: 0.
Friendly KIA/WIA: 0.
Captured Personnel: 12 (including vessel captain and key conspirators).
Seized Assets:

  • 15kg of HEU packaged for sale.
  • Multiple encrypted communication devices.
  • Detailed shipping records indicating other trafficking operations.

POST-MISSION ANALYSIS

Lessons Learned:

  • Multi-entry boarding techniques were highly effective in neutralizing threats without resistance.
  • The use of radar jammers provided complete operational stealth, demonstrating their utility in maritime operations.
  • Coordinated SIGINT and HUMINT efforts pre-mission significantly enhanced actionable intelligence.

Recommendations:

  • Expand training on maritime boarding under adverse weather conditions.
  • Upgrade portable radiation detection equipment to streamline identification of nuclear materials.
  • Develop SOPs for securing high-risk vessels in international waters to expedite handover to allied navies.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Operation Black Marlin was a resounding success, preventing a critical security threat and providing actionable intelligence on a trafficking network with global implications. Detachment Bravo’s precision and professionalism once again underscore the capabilities of 1st Force Recon Company in maritime interdiction operations.


Prepared By: [REDACTED]
Reviewed By: [REDACTED]
Approved By: [REDACTED]

End of Report

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