Thailand | Operation Seafaring II

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Title: Operation Guardian Harmony
Document Number: RTAF-SEAFR-002/2003
Classification: Semi-Confidential | Secret
Security Level: NSST Protocol + Traditional Maximum Secure Encrypted Method
Date: June 27, 2003

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XI. IntroductionX

Background

With the ending of Exercise Naga Trident 2003, which observed all 3 NEGs partaking in the exercise, the Defense Ministry has deemed necessary that they were now ready for commencement of Operation Seafaring II. In honor for the enduring Thai Navy motto, "Join the Navy to see the world," the ceremonial nature of this deployment is a testament to the Republic Thai Navy dedication to realize the sentiment that has led to people joining the active duty.

Objective

Operation Seafaring II is designed to be purely ceremonial, aiming at showing the vastness of the world's ocean to the Thai sailors aboard NEG1, NEG2, and NEG3. While the role of the Republic Thai Navy is to safeguard and project Thailand's maritime sovereignty and interest, it is undeniable that most active-duty personnel expect the experience of being exposing to the world by the Thai Navy

XII. Command and ControlX

2.1 Guidance

This operation is conducted under the guidance of the Defense Minister, Sutin Klungsang, and approval from Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

XIII. Operational ForcesX

Republic Thai Navy First Fleet

• Naval Expeditionary Group One (NEG1)
  • [2] Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier
    • 1,202 Crews
      • HTMS Chakri Narubet
        • RTNAF Squadron 501
          • [17] Kamov Ka-50
          • [3] Eurocopter EC725
      • HTMS Thonburi Narubet
        • RTNAF Squadron 502
          • [16] Kamov Ka-50
          • [4] Eurocopter EC725
  • [12] Naresuan-class Frigate
    • 1,800 Crews
      • HTMS Naresuan
      • HTMS Taksin
      • HTMS Uthong
      • HTMS Ramesuan
      • HTMS Borommarachathirat I
      • HTMS Yotfa
      • HTMS Worawongsathirat
      • HTMS Uthumphon
      • HTMS Ekkathat
      • HTMS Hao
      • HTMS Ban
      • HTMS Maha Chakkraphat
    • RTNAF Squadron 101
      • [12] Kamov Ka-226
  • [3] Gepard-class Frigate
    • 282 Crews
      • HTMS Chao Phraya
      • HTMS Noi
      • HTMS Pa Sak
    • RTNAF Squadron 101
      • [3] Kamov Ka-226
• Naval Expeditionary Group Two (NEG2)
  • [1] Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier
    • 601 Crews
      • HTMS Ban Phlu Luang Narubet
        • RTNAF Squadron 503
          • [12] Kamov Ka-50
          • [8] Eurocopter EC725
  • [12] Naresuan-class Frigate
    • 1,800 Crews
      • HTMS Prasat Thong
      • HTMS Chao Fa Chai
      • HTMS Si Suthammaracha
      • HTMS Narai
      • HTMS Phetracha
      • HTMS Suriyenthrathibodi
      • HTMS Thai Sa
      • HTMS Borommakot
      • HTMS Ngua Nam Thum
      • HTMS Songtham
      • HTMS Chetthathirat
      • HTMS Athittayawong
    • RTNAF Squadron 102
      • [12] Kamov Ka-226
  • [3] Gepard-class Frigate
    • 282 Crews
      • HTMS Kok
      • HTMS Mae Sai
      • HTMS Bang Pakongl
    • RTNAF Squadron 102
      • [3] Kamov Ka-226

Republic Thai Navy Second Fleet

• Naval Expeditionary Group Three (NEG3)
  • [1] Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier
    • 601 Crews
      • HTMS Prasat Thong Narubet
        • RTNAF Squadron 504
          • [12] Kamov Ka-50
          • [8] Eurocopter EC725
  • [12] Naresuan-class Frigate
    • 1,800 Crews
      • HTMS Thong Lan
      • HTMS Ramrachathirat
      • HTMS Intharacha
      • HTMS Borommarachathirat II
      • HTMS Borommatrailokkanat
      • HTMS Ratsadathirat
      • HTMS Chairacha
      • HTMS Ram Khamhaeng
      • HTMS Mahinthrathirat
      • HTMS Maha Thammarachathirat
      • HTMS Ekathotsarot
      • HTMS Si Saowaphak
    • RTNAF Squadron 201
      • [12] Kamov Ka-226
  • [3] Gepard-class Frigate
    • 282 Crews
      • HTMS Sakae Krang
      • HTMS Chin
      • HTMS Chi
    • RTNAF Squadron 201
      • [3] Kamov Ka-226

Republic Thai Navy Auxiliary Fleet

• Logistic Support Squadron Three (LSS3)
  • [2] Similan-class Replenishment Tanker (Type 908)
    • 314 Crews
      • HTMS Bon
      • HTMS Ba-ngu
    • RTNAF Squadron 601
      • [2] Eurocopter EC725
• Logistic Support Squadron Four (LSS4)
  • [2] Similan-class Replenishment Tanker (Type 908)
    • 314 Crews
      • HTMS Pousar
      • HTMS Payu
    • RTNAF Squadron 601
      • [2] Eurocopter EC725
• Logistic Support Squadron Five (LSS5)
  • [2] Similan-class Replenishment Tanker (Type 908)
    • 314 Crews
      • HTMS Ha
      • HTMS Miang
    • RTNAF Squadron 601
      • [2] Eurocopter EC725
• Logistic Support Squadron Six (LSS6)
  • [2] Similan-class Replenishment Tanker (Type 908)
    • 314 Crews
      • HTMS Payan
      • HTMS Payang
    • RTNAF Squadron 601
      • [2] Eurocopter EC725

XIV. ExecutionX

4.1 Initial Deployment

All personnel will be reported to the respective base with all necessary equipment per the Defense Ministry documents.

4.2 Communication

Effective communication among all the units must be maintained. Any unidentified or suspicious activity must be reported to the command center immediately.

4.3 Rules of Engagement

Engagement will be per the established Rule of Engagement (ROE) with the application of Increased Vigilance (IVG) and international laws. The use of force must be proportionate, and only used in self-defense or to deter identified threats after all non-lethal methods have been exhausted.

4.4 Support

Logistic support, including fuel, supplies, and maintenance, will be provided by the respective naval bases.

XV. CoordinationX

5.1 Inter-agency

Liaise with maritime agencies such as the Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force to ensure maximum coverage and sharing of intelligence.

5.2 International

In case any foreign vessels or units are involved, contact must be established with the respective embassies or consulates and the situation must be reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

XVI. ConclusionX

The Defense Ministry has mobilized all necessary resources for the deployment of Operation Seafaring II. The Defense Ministry expects that its contribution will represent Thailand's role as a regional leader dedicated to peace, stability, and cooperation in Southeast Asia

[Signature]
Sutin Klungsang
Defence Minister

[Signature]
Thaksin Shinawatra
Prime Minister, Republic of Thailand

Document Clearance:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Armed Forces Special Warfare & Operation Command

Distribution List:
The Office of the Prime Minister
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The National Intelligence Agency
The Republic Thai Air Force Command Center
The Republic Thai Navy Command Center
The Republic Thai Police
The Republic Armed Forces Headquarters
The Republic Thai Air Defense Command
The Naval Special Warfare Command
The Air Force Security Force Command

 

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Secret unless contextual possible.​

Since the establishment of the Republic Thai Navy in 1998, Operation Seafaring II marked a significant milestone as the most extensive naval deployment in the history of the Thai Navy. Precisely, the scale of this deployment was double that of its predecessor, Operation Seafaring. It involved deploying over a third of the entire Thai Navy's assets. To put this into perspective, this meant that a substantial proportion of the Navy's vessels, including advanced frigates, submarines, and support ships, along with a considerable number of personnel, were mobilized for this operation. The deployment not only demonstrated the strategic capabilities of the Thai Navy but also represented a substantial increase in the operational reach and maritime influence of Thailand in regional waters.

Before the mobilization commenced, a rigorous protocol for comprehensive maintenance checks was implemented across all vessels. These checks meticulously focused on key operational aspects such as propulsion systems, navigation equipment, weapon systems, and communication infrastructures. Special emphasis was placed on the structural integrity of the hulls, ensuring that they were in pristine condition to withstand various maritime conditions. The functionality of the flight decks on the Chakri Narubet-class carriers received particular scrutiny, as well as the advanced combat systems on both the Naresuan-class and Gepard-class frigates, ensuring their readiness for any potential engagement. Simultaneously, all aircraft within RTNAF Squadron underwent exhaustive maintenance checks. These checks encompassed detailed engine inspections to guarantee optimal performance, comprehensive assessments of weapon systems for reliability, thorough verifications of avionics systems for accuracy and efficiency, and meticulous rotor blade integrity assessments for helicopters, ensuring their airworthiness and safety. In addition to these measures, the Thai Navy conducted a thorough audit of its supply chain, particularly for parts and materials necessary for at-sea repairs. This audit was aimed at ensuring a robust redundancy for critical components, thereby guaranteeing that the fleet could maintain operational capability even in remote or challenging conditions. Moreover, a schedule for dry docking of ships was meticulously planned and completed as required. This process was critical for assessing hull integrity and performing any necessary repairs or upgrades, thus ensuring that each vessel was not only seaworthy but also equipped with the latest technological advancements and structural reinforcements.

Before their deployment, specialized training was meticulously conducted for the engineering and maintenance crews. This training specifically concentrated on damage control and emergency repairs, anticipating the potential challenges that might arise while at sea. It included practical sessions on handling various types of mechanical and structural damage, ensuring that the crews were adept at swift and effective repair strategies. Simultaneously, all crew members underwent thorough medical check-ups. These examinations were comprehensive, covering general health assessments and updating vaccinations, considering the diverse range of port calls planned during their deployment. This proactive health management approach was vital in ensuring the crew's fitness and readiness for the voyage ahead. In preparation for any medical exigencies, the Thai Navy ensured that all medical facilities on the vessels were amply stocked with a wide range of medical supplies and medications. This included emergency medical equipment, essential drugs, and first-aid materials, ensuring a state of complete preparedness for any health-related scenarios. Both prior to and during their deployment, regular drills were a staple of the routine. These drills included firefighting exercises, man-overboard scenarios, and abandon-ship practices. The consistent repetition of these drills ensured that every crew member was thoroughly prepared for a variety of emergency situations, fostering a sense of confidence and readiness. Additionally, each crew member was assigned a tailored healthy regimen, designed to maintain their physical and mental well-being. A critical component of this regimen was a carefully structured rest and rotation schedule. This schedule ensured that each crew member received adequate rest and recovery time, maintaining their alertness and readiness throughout the operation. This attention to the crew's overall well-being was integral to sustaining high performance levels during the demanding deployment.

Prior to deployment, the Thai Navy meticulously calculated the total fuel requirements for the entire fleet over the extensive 24,000 km journey. This calculation took into account not only the needs of the ships but also the operational requirements of the aircraft onboard. To ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, they scheduled systematic refueling from the Similan-class replenishment tankers at strategically determined intervals and locations along the route. In addition to fuel considerations, each vessel in the fleet was thoroughly stocked with a comprehensive supply of critical spare parts. These parts were essential for both ships and aircraft and included vital components such as engines, sophisticated electronic components, and hydraulic systems. This proactive measure was to ensure that any technical issues could be swiftly and efficiently addressed without compromising the mission. Moreover, they had meticulously planned for the sustenance needs of the crew. Adequate provisions of food and fresh water were stocked on each vessel, sufficient to sustain the entire crew for the duration of the operation. They also maintained contingency reserves, which were calculated to last for over two months, taking into account any unforeseen extensions of the mission. Lastly, the fleet was equipped with the necessary ceremonial and defensive munitions. These munitions were not only vital for the fleet's protection but also for meeting the operational requirements that might arise during the journey. This included a range of munitions suitable for various potential scenarios, from ceremonial salutes to defensive maneuvers, all securely loaded and stowed to ensure readiness and safety.

Before the commencement of the seafaring deployment, the Thai Navy meticulously conducted comprehensive briefings for all crew members. These briefings were not just procedural overviews but detailed sessions outlining the specific objectives of the deployment, the expected conduct of each crew member, and the clarification of individual roles and responsibilities during the operation. The emphasis was on ensuring that every member was fully aware of their part in the larger mission and the importance of their contributions to the success of the operation. In addition to these preparatory briefings, they established secure communication protocols among the different fleets and squadrons. This was a critical measure to guarantee cohesive operation and facilitate rapid response to any arising situation. The communication systems were tested and retested to ensure reliability and efficiency in real-time operational scenarios. Moreover, the Thai Navy proactively communicated with port authorities along the planned route. This coordination was essential for logistical support, including refueling and resupplying as needed. It also ensured that there were predetermined arrangements in place for emergency assistance, should it become necessary during the deployment. This step was a testament to their thorough planning and readiness to handle unforeseen circumstances while at sea.​