Combined Maritime Forces Welcomes New Deputy Commander

Courtesy Photo | Commodore Tim Lowe, Royal Navy, stands with his successor Commodore Tim Fraser and Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, after an informal change of command ceremony held at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters. Lowe served 19 months as the Deputy Commander for CMF as well as the UK Maritime Component Commander. (Royal Navy Photo/Lt. James Nisbet)  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

05.14.2010

Courtesy Story

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

MANAMA, Bahrain - The multi-national staff serving with the Combined Maritime Forces welcomed a new Deputy Commander May 13.

Royal Navy Commodore Tim Fraser relieved outgoing UK Commodore Tim Lowe, who concluded a 19-month tour as the Deputy Commander. At the informal handover ceremony, involving "a very British cup of tea," Fraser said to the assembled CMF guests: "I do not underestimate the challenge ahead and I recognise the huge success of my predecessor. I look forward to working with all of you and I will endeavour to take CMF forward."

Fraser joined the Royal Navy in 1982. He has extensive experience of serving at sea in a variety of ships including commanding the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and Type 42 Destroyers HMS Gloucester and HMS Cardiff. His last appointment was Head of Navy Resources and Plans in the Central Staff of the Ministry of Defence in London.

On handing over, Lowe said: "My journey as the Deputy Commander has been 19 months long with many hills to overcome. I have worked with a great staff, working together to make an impact across the globe. CMF is a true partnership of trust, camaraderie and professionalism. I leave with many fond memories and a sad heart. There is still much to do, but I am leaving CMF in safe hands."

Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, commented during the ceremony that "CMF is where it is today as a direct result of Commodore Lowe's vision, leadership, humor and work ethic."

The 24 nations comprising CMF patrol more than 2.5 million square miles of international waters to conduct both integrated and coordinated operations with a common purpose: to increase the security and prosperity of the region by working together for a better future. CMF is comprised of three task forces: CTF 150 focuses on counter-terrorism; CTF 151 is the counter-piracy task force and CTF 152 focuses on Maritime Security Operations.

• Date Taken: 05.14.2010
• Date Posted: 05.14.2010 20:38
• Story ID: 49705
• Location: MANAMA, BH