Combined Maritime Forces Improves Cooperation with Indian Navy’s Western Fleet

Photo By NAVCENT Public Affairs | 250910-O-NO146-9545 MANAMA, Bahrain (Sept. 10, 2025) Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force 154 coordinated a multi-subject exchange of experience between CMF personnel and the crews of three Indian Navy warships in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 10.  

BAHRAIN

09.10.2025

Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs    

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

MANAMA, Bahrain — Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force 154 coordinated a multi-subject exchange of experience between CMF personnel and the crews of three Indian Navy warships in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 10.

Under the command of Indian Navy Rear Adm. Rahul Vilas Gokhale, commander, Western Fleet, the Indian P15B-class, stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Mormugao (D67), and the Talwar-class frigates INS Tarkash (F50) and INS Tabar (F44) visited Manama as part of their regional deployment.

The Indian crews hosted 12 attendees, including officers and sailors from seven CMF member nations. They conducted simulated drills using shipboard systems and equipment; and shared tactics, techniques and procedures used in boarding operations, afloat first aid, medical assistance, damage control and firefighting, both in port and at sea.

Observing the ship crews demonstrate their capabilities, and enhancing individual knowledge through interactive dialogue, proved to be a valuable experience for all CMF participants. The event promoted cooperation among sailors from different countries and backgrounds, united by the common spirit of those confronted with the challenges of the high seas.

Italy-led CTF 154 Commander Capt. Andrea Bielli expressed gratitude on behalf of CMF to the Indian Navy for its superb hospitality, outstanding training support and the genuine sense of camaraderie shared throughout the event.

Such opportunities continue to strengthen cooperation, enhance readiness and improve the collective ability of CMF nations to operate effectively together.

CTF 154 was established in May 2023 and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. Combined Maritime Forces’ other task forces include CTF 150, which focuses on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean; CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 153, which focuses on the Red Sea.

Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 47 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2025
• Date Posted: 09.28.2025 07:38
• Story ID: 549477
• Location: BH