Illicit Maritime Drug Trafficking

U.S. Navy Reserve Master-at-arms 2nd Class Keith Pona and U.S. Navy Reserve Construction Mechanic 1st Class Steve Miller, both Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West Integrated Maritime Skills team instructors, role play the part of ship crewmember as members of the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group prepare to board during a boat inspection training scenario as part of the JIATF West exercise Aug. 5, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Philippine Coast Guardsmen and Maritime Police Officers worked together to board and search simulated vessels while ensuring the safety of team members. The participants received training instruction from members of the JIATF West Integrated Maritime Skills team. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific region by combating drug related transnational organized crime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)