Task Force 51/5 Hosts Multilateral Maritime Engagement 23.2 in Bahrain

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Victor Mancilla | MANAMA, BAHRAIN (June 26, 2023) – Multinational participants of the Multilateral Maritime Engagement (MME) 23.2 conference in Bahrain discuss future bilateral training ideas, June 26, 2023. MME is a Task Force 51/5-led event that fosters multilateral communication, security cooperation, and future collaborative training between partners in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla)  

BAHRAIN

06.27.2023

Story by Capt. Joseph Leitner 

Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

BAHRAIN – On June 25th and 26th, 100 military leaders from ten partner countries and several U.S. military branches met in Bahrain for the second iteration of the Task Force 51/5-led Multilateral Maritime Engagement. The Multilateral Maritime Engagement (MME) enhances multilateral partnerships and maritime military cooperation throughout the region while supporting the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) security constructs.

“The MME is about bringing partners together and enhancing the strong bonds that are already in place,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Reid, Commanding General of Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Task Force 51/5). “One of the best ways to remain ready to respond to a contingency is to listen to and work with our partners,” said Reid. “Understanding their security challenges and learning how we can best integrate with them during a crisis or contingency response – especially one that occurs in an amphibious domain – is important,” he said. “All of this supports our efforts to ensure this region’s stability and security”.

Over the course of two days, conference participants had a series of briefs and breakout sessions on air, ground and maritime operations, continuing discussions last held in January. Participants also toured the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Cardigan Bay (L3009), a landing-ship dock belonging to the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. Participating countries included Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France and the United Kingdom; participating U.S. armed forces elements included leaders from within the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Army Central Command’s Task Force Spartan.

This is the second time Task Force 51/5 has led the MME in Bahrain. Future iterations of MME are planned, although dates have not yet been solidified.

Task Force 51/5 is a Bahrain-based Joint Task Force-Capable (JTF-C) Headquarters that responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts Theater Security Cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in support of U.S. Fifth Fleet and Marine Forces Central Command theater objectives. Led by a Marine Corps Brigadier General, the command is comprised of a staff of Marine Corps and Navy professionals. Task Force 51/5 regularly conducts Theater Security Cooperation exercises with partner nations in coordination with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, on behalf of CENTCOM, in pursuit of National Defense Strategy objectives.

• Date Taken: 06.27.2023
• Date Posted: 06.27.2023 07:38
• Story ID: 448040
• Location: BH