Bahrain Hands Command of CTF 152 to the UK

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer | Royal Bahrain navy Brig. Gen. Abdulla Saeed Al Mansoori (left), outgoing commander, Combined Task Force 152 and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff (right), commander, Combined Maritime Forces, salute during the CTF 152 change of command ceremony, June 5. The ceremony marked the completion of three successful months of command by Bahrain, the first Gulf country to command a CTF, part of CMF. Established in March 2004, 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. (Official U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer)  

06.05.2008

Courtesy Story

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

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain – Royal Bahrain Navy Brig. Gen. Abdulla Saeed Al Mansoori concluded three successful months as commander, Combined Task Force 152 in a ceremony held at the Bahraini Naval Headquarters, June 5.

Al Mansoori handed command to Royal Navy Commodore Peter Hudson marking the end of Bahrain's command, the first Gulf country to command a CTF, part of Combined Maritime Forces. Established in 2004, CTF152 is responsible for conducting Maritime Security Operations in the central and southern Persian Gulf.

"The Royal navy is privileged to be taking command of CTF152 at such an historic time – following the hugely successful tenure of the Bahraini Defense Force under Brigadier General Al Mansoori," said Hudson. "Our Bahraini counterparts have had a tremendous command, the first one by a Gulf nation and one they should justifiably be proud."

Under Al Mansoori's command, CTF 152 fostered positive relationships with local mariners by conducting more than 300 Interaction Patrols. Combined forces informed local mariners of the coalition's presence, commitment to maritime security, built a network of mutual trust and respect between regional navies and the mariners who use the Persian Gulf and conducted bilateral and multinational exercises with coalition partners.

Al Mansoori also led one operation and two exercises during his command of CTF 152. Operation Stake Net focused on protecting key economic infrastructure in the central and southern Persian Gulf, while Exercise Goalkeeper II and III helped the coalition improve interoperability while enhancing regional security and keeping the sea lanes open for the vital flow of commerce throughout the region.

Al Mansoori said being a part of the coalition was important, because maritime security is a significant responsibility.

"MSO is not a single country's mission, and no country can single-handedly achieve the goal of these operations," he said. "That's why we are joining our friendly navies in this imperative task."

Guest speaker Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, commander, Combined Maritime Forces, praised Bahrain's leadership of CTF 152 and said it represented one of the successes of the coalition.

"In addition to actively denying violent extremists the use of the sea as a venue for terror or its facilitation, we work to help regional nations improve their own maritime capacity," he said. "The Bahrain Navy taking command of a task force is an example of a new capability built in part with coalition help."

This is the first time the U.K. has led CTF 152.

"We will continue to build on their successes," said Hudson. "Our regional partners and mariners throughout the region have the absolute right to be able to conduct their business in a stable, lawful environment. The coalition and regional nations will continue to work together on the common goals of deterring and defeating international terrorist organizations' use of the maritime environment by as well as providing enduring security for those who lawfully go about their business in the Gulf."

IPATS are an element of MSO which help generate support and awareness amongst commercial vessels sailing in the region of the coalition's efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment. Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

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.

The flexibility and capability of coalition forces make them well positioned to respond to any potential emergent situations. Through operations and training with regional partners, Combined Maritime Forces enhance existing cooperative relationships with an aim to support regional countries' struggles against violent extremists.

• Date Taken: 06.05.2008
• Date Posted: 06.05.2008 08:30
• Story ID: 20130