NAVCENT Hosts Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Rufus Hucks | Vice Adm. Bill Gortney (left), Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Capt. John Oberst (right), Commander, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, take Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency, Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa (center), on a tour of the Freedom Souq in Manama, Aug. 28, 2008. During his visit, U.S. and coalition leaders briefed the Minister on the Navy's role in the Persian Gulf, as well as highlighted cooperation, regional partnerships and dialogue between the two nations  

08.28.2008

Courtesy Story

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

By the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command welcomed Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency, Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa to the command's headquarters in Manama, Aug. 28, 2008.

During his visit, U.S. and coalition leaders briefed the Minister on current operations in the Persian Gulf, and highlighted cooperation, regional partnerships and dialogue between the two nations. Gortney also gave the Minister a tour of Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain is a gracious host to the U.S. Navy, and all the men and women who serve here," said Gortney. "Bahrain is a vital leader in the coalition and it is important we maintain our outstanding relationship. Today, we are honored to host Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs at our headquarters."

Bahrain commanded Combined Task Force 152 from March to July of 2008, becoming the first Gulf nation to lead a coalition task force. CTF 152 is responsible for conducting Maritime Security Operations in the central and southern Persian Gulf

MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Coalition maritime forces are well positioned to respond to a variety of emergent situations based on the flexibility and capability they possess. Through operations and training with regional partners, Combined Maritime Forces enhance existing cooperative relationships with an aim to support regional nations' struggles against violent extremists.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2008
• Date Posted: 08.28.2008 09:43
• Story ID: 22958