By Petty Officer 3rd Class Matt Snodgrass
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
MANAMA, Bahrain – Combined Task Force 53 provides operational logistical support for the U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition forces both ashore and afloat, a mission that is essential for ensuring security and stability in the region.
CTF-53 coordinates replenishment-at-sea efforts and delivers passengers, mail, cargo, ammunition, provisions and fuel throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations via air, land and sea modes, helping to ensure Sailors aboard ships have what they need to complete their mission.
"By handling the logistics in the 5th Fleet area of operation, CTF-53 allows the warfighter to rest assured that the logistics and sealift support needed to execute will be available anytime, anywhere," said Capt. Steve Kelley, the Commander responsible for all CTF-53 assets.
CTF-53 was established in 1992 to perform operational logistical coordination and given tactical control over all assigned logistics forces. In 2005, CTF-53 combined with Military Sealift Command Central to provide oversight for over 50 strategic sealift ships in the 5th Fleet AOO.
"Combining the two commands made the mission of supplying the 5th Fleet ships more efficient and enabled them to do their job better," said Kelley.
To transport the cargo and personnel that the 5th Fleet needs, CTF-53 utilizes various aircraft to conduct their mission.
"We have MH-60 Knight Hawk helicopters, MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters and various cargo aircraft, such as C-130, C-40, C-12 and C-2," said Lt.j.g. Andrew Haley. "Each aircraft performs specific tasks that enable us to get personnel, equipment and supplies where they need to be."
During the course of any given week, CTF-53 moves 407,000 lbs. of cargo, 47,000 lbs. of mail and 730 passengers in support of Maritime Security Operations as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
"CTF-53 plays a vital role in supporting Maritime Security Operations as well as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Lt. Kristen Christensen, a Force Protection officer for CTF-53. "Keeping 5th Fleet ships supplied allows them to remain at sea and provide invaluable support for coalition forces operating on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sailors serving at sea rely on steady supplies in order to effectively conduct their missions. CTF-53 helps ensure those serving at sea have the food, water, fuel, armament and essential supplies that keep their mission readiness at its peak.
MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO 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.
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