Combined Task Force 151 Visits with Turkey's Chief of Navy, Highlights Cooperation

GULF OF ADEN, USCENTCOM, AT SEA

03.15.2009

Story by Lt. John Fage 

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

GULF OF ADEN – Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, commander, Combined Task Force 151, visited Turkish chief of navy, Adm. Metin Atac, March 11, aboard the Turkish frigate TCG Giresun.

"Turkey is an important member of the coalition mission here in the Gulf of Aden," said McKnight. "Having the opportunity to sit down and share views on counter-piracy with Adm. Atac was an invaluable experience. The cooperation between our nation and theirs will certainly pay big dividends."

McKnight's visit underscored the importance of cooperation with coalition partners in combating piracy in the region and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods and commerce.

"I think our visit today highlights the fact that piracy is an international problem that requires an international answer," said McKnight. "It's not just the U.S. or Turkey that's affected by piracy, it's the whole world."

During his first visit to CTF 151, Adm. Atac expressed his gratitude for the support of the task force and the coordination between the task force and other coalition forces during counter-piracy operations.

The newest member of CTF 151, Turkey joins a maritime environment boasting ships from more than 20 nations conducting counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden. CTF 151 is a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. CTF 151 was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment.

• Date Taken: 03.15.2009
• Date Posted: 03.15.2009 08:23
• Story ID: 31133
• Location: GULF OF ADEN, USCENTCOM, AT SEA