Task Force 56 Changes Leadership

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Herrada | Capt. Gary Windhorst salutes Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, while assuming command of Combined Task Force 56 as Capt. Francis Morneau looks on during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain in Manama, Bahrain. CTF 56's major responsibility is to coordinate theater-wide expeditionary combat warfare missions in order to plan and execute 5th Fleet objectives, tasks and missions.  

07.18.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Capt. Gary R. Windhorst relieved Capt. Francis A. Morneau as commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 56 at Naval Support Activity Bahrain July 18.

In May 2007, under the leadership of Morneau, CTF 56 stood up to provide oversight for all Navy expeditionary combat warfare operations in the Central Command area of responsibility supporting Combined Maritime Forces' maritime operations.

Maritime operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regional nations' littoral waters. Coalition forces also conduct maritime operations under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

As Windhorst read his orders and assumed command of CTF 56, he took a moment to thank Morneau for spearheading CTF 56's success.

"Thank you Captain Morneau for your tirelessness and dedication in standing up this fine organization," said Windhorst. "These are challenging times, and we face enemies who are relentless in their pursuits. We must be equally vigilant and relentless in ensuring our own operational effectiveness."

Windhorst also took a moment to inform his troops that the challenges they have accepted are now his as well.

"As I look across this battle space, I see opportunities to build on the solid foundation laid by Captain Morneau and all of you. As you already have, I readily accept the challenge that history and fate have set before us, and I look forward to leading the fine men and women of Task Force 56."

Subordinate units of CTF 56 include Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Construction Force (also known as Seabees), Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, Riverine and Naval Coastal Warfare, and Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2007
• Date Posted: 07.20.2007 07:17
• Story ID: 11370