Combined Task Group 158.1 Changes Command

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Robert Northnagle | Commander, Combined Task Group 158.1 Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson addresses Sailors and Ocean 6 staff members before turning over command to Royal Navy Commodore Nick Lambert. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bobby Northnagle)  

03.08.2007

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Smith 

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

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Smith
U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

OCEAN 6, At Sea - Royal Navy Capt. Bob Sanguinetti relieved U.S. Navy Capt. Jeffrey Harbeson as Commander Task Group (CTG) 158.1 via telephone, March 6, while Sanguinetti was aboard HMS Cornwall (F99) and Harbeson was aboard Ocean 6, a barge that operates in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG) as an afloat forward staging base.

The primary mission of CTG 158.1 is to deliver 24-hour protection to Iraq's oil terminals, Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) and Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT). The Task group operates from Ocean 6, which acts as a command and control platform in support of personnel assigned to protect the oil platforms.

Harbeson enjoyed the task group's growth under his command.

"I've enjoyed watching the staff bring to life this whole concept of taking a command and control barge to the North Arabian Gulf and completing the mission," said Harbeson, referring to Ocean 6's arrival to the NAG in October 2006. "It's been a remarkable challenge for the staff, and they rose to the occasion."

Ocean 6's staff also played a vital role in supporting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). Harbeson said the task group's role in assisting these operations is crucial.

"We help secure the infrastructure for Iraq by guaranteeing there is freedom from (terrorism) and no maritime crime," said Harbeson. "A significant amount of (Iraq's) income is generated from ABOT and KAAOT, so providing maritime security for these oil platforms and ensuring there's stability in the maritime environment out here is essential."

Although supporting MSO is critical for the CTG 158.1, there is an equally important task at hand.

"Our goal is training the Iraqis to (take over) the security mission of the oil platforms' defense," said Harbeson. "We are training toward having the Iraqi marines secure the oil platforms and the Iraqi navy patrolling the area instead of the United States and coalition."

Harbeson feels confident the incoming staff will continue accomplishing the task group's mission.

"There is nothing but rave reviews for the team that Commodore Nick Lambert and Captain Bob Sanguinetti have assembled," said Harbeson. "Just by watching them for the last few days during the turnover, I've been very impressed."

• Date Taken: 03.08.2007
• Date Posted: 03.09.2007 07:04
• Story ID: 9364