HMAS Darwin’s boarding party teams recently boosted their counter-terrorism skills as the warship begins maritime patrols in the Middle East region where it will be working alongside other members of the 31 nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

During Darwin’s stopover in Bahrain, the Australian sailors conducted a week of “visit, board, search and seizure” (VBSS) tactics training. The fast paced combination of classroom and practical training was provided by the United States Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) Maritime Engagement Team (MET).

A Royal Australian Navy sailor, of HMAS Darwin, conducts visit, boarding, search and seizure training in the United States Coast Guard facility in Bahrain.

The US Coast Guard shared their extensive boarding expertise from their continuing counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Pacific, as well as their more recent lessons learnt in the Middle East region. Darwin’s boarding party teams conducted numerous boarding serials earlier this year during training in Australia prior to their deployment. Commander Phillip Henry, Commanding Officer HMAS Darwin, said: “The teams focused on vessel boarding and seizures, which will be similar to the operations we will undertake while at sea. The training with the Coast Guard in Bahrain gave their skills a final polish.”

The training facilities in Bahrain include a 100 square meter ‘ship-in-a-box’ and a 10-meter fishing dhow, with live role players provided by the Coast Guard and US Marine Corps Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT). Activities during the intensive course included boarding procedures, defensive tactics, communications, questioning and search techniques, as well as close quarter combat tactics, the use of force, and care of the battle casualty. Darwin’s boarding teams were put through multiple scenarios including; approaching a dhow, boarding, searching, and asking basic questions of the master and crew to help analyse the effectiveness of their intelligence gathering techniques.

HMAS Darwin’s boarding party teams have boosted their counter-terrorism skills as the warship begins maritime patrols in the Middle East region

Special Agents of the United States Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) provided focused training to fine tune the sailors’ skills in counter-narcotic and search techniques. The NCIS agents of the Middle East Field Office Transnational Crimes Unit (TCU) in Bahrain are assigned to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150) which focusses on maritime security and counter terrorism operations through narcotics interdictions on the Indian Ocean. CTF150 agents will accompany Darwin on patrol to provide law enforcement expertise during security operations. Since 2013, CTF150 has deployed agents on 16 separate missions aboard warships from the United States, France, New Zealand, Australian, Canadian, and the United Kingdom.

Darwin’s primary role in the region is to support CMF operations. She is predominately tasked to support CTF 150 for maritime security and counter-terrorism operations, and CTF 151 for counter-piracy operations.

In an unusual event, the outgoing Commander Task Force 152 (CTF 152), Colonel Mohammed Aleid of the Kuwait Naval Force, handed over command to his successor and fellow Kuwaiti, Colonel Nayef Alasker, also of the Kuwait Naval Force.

CTF 152 is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and coordinates Maritime Security Operations in the region.

Colonel Mohammed Aleid of the Kuwait Naval Force hands over command of CTF152 to his successor and fellow Kuwaiti, Colonel Nayef Alasker

On handing over command, Colonel Mohammed Aleid said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Commander CTF 152 on behalf of both the Kuwait Navy and Combined Maritime Forces. It has been a pleasure working with the members from the armed forces of many different nations. Working together, I believe we have been able to have a tangible and lasting effect on the safety of maritime operations within the Gulf.”

 The Change of Command ceremony was overseen by Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, Commander Combined Maritime Forces. Vice Admiral Donegan said: “under Colonel Aleid’s leadership, the Task Force did an outstanding job of providing meaningful security in the Arabian Gulf”.

Members of CTF 152

After assuming command, Colonel Nayef Alasker spoke about the opportunity to lead CTF 152 and said: “I am delighted to be assuming command of Combined Task Force 152 and look forward to carrying on the great work achieved by my friend Colonel Mohammed Aleid. Leading the task force for Combined Maritime Forces on behalf of the Kuwait Naval Force gives me a great sense of pride”.

This is the fourth time that Kuwait has taken command of CTF 152.

HMS St Albans was recently called upon to assist a stricken Dhow whilst conducting maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman.

HMS St Albans has been working in the Gulf with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and was on a routine patrol for the UK when she was contacted by an Omani Air Force surveillance aircraft. The aircraft reported seeing a dhow drifting at the sea with its engine hatch open. Suspecting that the dhow might have engine trouble, St Albans made best speed to her location in order to offer assistance.

St Albans’ sea boats attending the stricken dhow

On reaching the area, St Albans’ crew discovered that the Pakistani dhow had suffered engine failure and had consequently taken on a significant amount of seawater. The ship immediately sent a team of marine engineers on board with portable pumps and tools to help the two Pakistani crew members stabilise the situation as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, after several hours of labour, it became apparent that the dhow’s engine was beyond repair. St Albans’ crew also found a number of holes in the hull of the dhow, and discovered that the bilge pump was unusable as it was powered by the engine. This meant that it was not possible to tow the dhow to safety without it sinking. Having rescued the two Pakistani sailors, it became clear that the dhow was indeed sinking and beyond salvation. The crew of HMS St Albans were forced to scuttle it in order to prevent it from becoming a danger to other ships in the area.

Petty Officer Bethany Burton was part of the Marine Engineering Team sent across to assist the stricken dhow. She said: “Being the Diesel Section Head on board, it was really good to utilise my diesel engine skills and knowledge that the RN taught me, and to be able to help out with the team and ensure a safe recovery of the two stranded sailors”.

Another member of the Marine Engineering team, Petty Officer Ryan Gooderham, added: “‘As an engineer our job is usually to keep ships afloat, but in this case we were asked to sink it as it was a navigational danger. This was hard work in cramped conditions and needed to be done quickly, and we were glad it was successful”.

Working closely with Pakistani led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF151) HMS St Albans transferred the two Pakistani sailors to Pakistan Maritime Security Authority (PMSA) who repatriated them back to their home nation. The ‘Saint’, as HMS St Albans is affectionately known, then returned to the seas close to Oman to take part in a multinational maritime exercise where she will be training alongside units of different nations. This will reaffirm the partnerships that allow our ships to operate effectively in a multinational environment.

Commander Richard Hutchings, Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans said: “After many years of working in the Middle East, the Royal Navy has strong links with regional nations. This event shows how committed these nations are to protecting the maritime community. Omani Forces were able to contact a RN warship, which was immediately diverted to save two lives, and then worked with Pakistani Forces to get the sailors home safely. However, I am particularly proud of the seamanship and engineering skills shown by my ship’s company. Two lives would have been lost without their efforts”.

Following the event, Commodore Zahid Ilyas, the Pakistani Commander of CTF151, said: “We received notification from HMS St Albans that they had been called upon to assist a sinking dhow. Having confirmed the identity of the sailors, we were able to send Fast Response Boats from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to meet HMS St Albans and recover the sailors. We are very grateful to the Royal Navy for assisting the vessel and for rescuing two Pakistani crew members. Our thanks extend especially to the crew of HMS St Albans who responded in a quick and professional manner. ”

Operating as part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150), Australian ship HMAS Darwin has uncovered and seized a large weapons cache following the boarding of a small fishing style vessel in the Middle East.

HMAS Darwin intercepts a small-arms smuggler approximately 170 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.

HMAS Darwin intercepted the vessel approximately 170 nautical miles (313 kilometres) off the coast of Oman and initially conducted a flag verification boarding. After assessing the vessel to be stateless, HMAS Darwin searched the vessel and discovered 1989 AK-47 assault rifles, 100 rocket propelled grenade launchers, 49 PKM general purpose machine guns, 39 PKM spare barrels and 20 60mm mortar tubes. These weapons were seized from the vessel that was heading towards the Somalia coast.

Weapons seized by HMAS Darwin from a small-arms smuggler boarded approximately 170 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.

The weapons were seized under United Nations sanctions which authorise interdiction on the high seas of illicit weapons destined for Somalia.

Vice Admiral David Johnston, Australian Chief of Joint Operations, said: “the seizure on Darwin’s first patrol of such a large haul of illicit weapons is highly significant”. He added: “Australia worked as part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces to discover and seize these illegal weapons. One of the key reasons HMAS Darwin is deployed to the region is to contribute to global security and counter international terrorism. Darwin’s successful boarding and subsequent seizure of the weapons concealed under fishing nets highlights the need to remain vigilant in the region.”

Weapons seized by HMAS Darwin from a small-arms smuggler boarded approximately 170 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.

Commodore Jaimie Hatcher, AM, RAN, Commander CTF150 said: “HMAS Darwin is to be congratulated on such a significant seizure. This operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment that CTF150 and Combined Maritime Forces have to ensuring that those who seek to use the maritime domain to support terrorism are not successful.”

HMAS Darwin is deployed as part of the CMF and is assigned to the Australian led Combined Task Force 150. CMF is a multinational effort to prevent terrorism, piracy and drug smuggling, encourage regional cooperation and promote a secure maritime environment in the Middle East and off the east coast of Africa.

Commander Combined Task Force 151 (CCTF 151) Commodore Zahid Ilyas SI(M) S.Bt recently visited Sri Lanka to boost cooperation, coordination and information exchanges with the Sri Lankan Navy, in order to lay the foundations for Sri Lanka becoming a member of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

CCTF 151 Commodore Zahid Ilyas calls on Commander Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne during CCTF’s Key Leadership Engagement to Sri Lanka

The visit offered an opportunity to highlight the role and importance of CMF and CTF151 to the Sri Lankan Government, Sri Lanka Navy and Shipping Industry. Commodore Zahid Ilyas called on the Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral SS Ranasinghe, the Director General Operations, Rear Admiral DMB Wettewa and the Director General Training, Rear Admiral Mukv Bandara.

He briefed each one about the structure and role of CMF, and highlighted the roles of the different task forces. He stressed the importance of maritime security in counter piracy operations, discussed human and narcotics smuggling, and also discussed the threat of terrorism in the CMF area of operations, which stretches as far as the shores of Sri Lanka. During the discussions, he also stressed the importance of cooperation between CMF and the Sri Lankan Navy on maritime security issues in order to ensure freedom of navigation at sea.

Following his productive meeting with flag officers, Commodore Ilyas visited Vice Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy. During the meeting, he highlighted the benefits that CMF membership would bring to Sri Lanka. Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne was keen to build the capacity of the Sri Lankan Navy through participation in seminars, conferences and interactions. The Admiral also showed willingness for his Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVS) to provide associated support whenever they are deployed at greater distances from Sri Lankan coast.

CCTF 151 Commodore Zahid Ilyas exchanges crest with Sri Lankan Secretary Defence Engr Karunasena Hettiarachchi during CCTF’s Key Leadership Engagement to Sri Lanka

Commodore Ilyas also met with other high level government officials, including the Secretary Defence, Engr Karunasena Hettiarachchi, who was keen to build the capacity of the Sri Lankan Navy. He then called on Mr Arjuna Ranatunga, Minister for Port and Shipping, briefing him on maritime security issues and offering reassurance to the merchant community over the freedom of navigation on the high seas and safe guards against menace of piracy. The Minister agreed to support the request for the Sri Lankan Navy to assist CMF as appropriate.

Commodore Zahid Ilyas also attended a meeting with the maritime community and visited the Director General Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd, with whom he discussed the support that CTF151 offers to merchant shipping in high risk areas.

Combined Maritime Task Force 151 (CTF151) recently took part in Counter Piracy training operations alongside CTF 465 in the Gulf of Aden.

CTF 465, Commanding Officers of PNS Saif & ITS Carabinere

Pakistan Naval ship PNS Saif and Republic of Korea ship ROK Choi Young joined Italian ship Carabiniere to conduct counter piracy training operations in order to strengthen working relationships

The ships worked together in counter piracy operations, promoting mutual understanding, developing confidence, increasing cooperation and improving coordination between the units at a tactical level. These interactions have strengthened the relationship between the counter piracy partners and also improved coordination among units at tactical levels.

The combined exercises at sea provided an opportunity to rehearse tactical procedures and practice in ship handling skills. Units from different task forces, operating under the same motto “Ready Together”, shared their experiences and enhanced their interoperability in line with international practices.

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) celebrated International Women’s Day with a morning tea hosted by the Australian-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150).

Members of CMF get together to celebrate International Women’s Day

The morning was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women of the Combined Maritime Forces, NSA Bahrain. The homemade baked cakes from the men of CTF 150 were appreciated by the 40 personnel from 14 nations that attended the occasion.

CTF 150 Chief of Staff, CAPT Bill Quinn, RCN, described the morning as a great success and paid tribute to the valuable contribution of CTF 150’s six female personnel to achieving the Maritime Security mission.

Many women work within CMF and their contribution to the important work that is carried out at the headquarters was also recognised by its member nations both in Bahrain and nationally.

Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi Commander Central Punjab (COMCEP) and Commandant Pakistan Navy War College at Lahore visited Combined Task Force 151 (CTF151) Headquarters in Bahrain on 2 March 2016.

Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi Commander Central Punjab (COMCEP), Commandant Pakistan Navy War College being introduced to N-Heads of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151)

Commodore Zahid Ilyas, Commander CTF151, welcomed Rear Admiral Niazi. The Admiral was accompanied by 16 members of the Pakistan Navy who were attending a Staff Course.

During the visit, the course members visited the CTF151 watch floor and were briefed about the role of CTF151 and given an insight into its day to day functioning. The Admiral was also invited to the watch floor to tackle a simulated scenario. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts put in by the Task Force under the able command of Commodore Zahid Ilyas.

The Admiral also acknowledged the fact that this was the seventh time that the Pakistan Navy was in command of CTF151, and he went on to encourage Pakistan Navy contingent to maintain the good work that they have been conducting to date during this command. He finished by wishing both CMF and CTF151 good luck in future operations.

The French FREMM destroyer FS Provence discovered and seized a large weapons cache following the boarding of a dhow in the Northern Indian Ocean. At the time FS Provence was operating as part of the Combined Maritime Forces Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), which conducts maritime security and counter terrorism operations.

Guns seized by FS PROVENCE

The dhow was spotted heading toward Somalia by Provence’s Caïman helicopter whilst it was undertaking routine surveillance in the Northern Indian Ocean. Subsequently, Provence boarded the dhow and determined that it was without nationality. Provence then undertook a search of the vessel, during which the weapons were discovered. The haul included several hundred AK47 assault rifles, machine guns and anti-tank weapons.

As illicit weapons were deemed to be destined for Somalia, they were seized under the United Nations Security Council mandated arms embargo in accordance with UNSCR 2244(2015). The Commanding Officer of Provence commented: “This success remains a collective one, showing the value of like-minded nations committing ships and aircraft for the common good.”

“France has been supporting Combined Maritime Forces operations since their inception. This seizure is another French contribution to the stabilisation of the region.” said a CMF spokesperson.

Cdre Hatcher receives a gift from the Chief of the Kenyan Navy MAJGEN Mghalu

Commander Combined Task Force 150 (CCTF150), Commodore Jaimie Hatcher AM, RAN conducted a very successful Key Leader Engagement (KLE) in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya in the period 2 to 10 March 2016. A priority for the KLE was to enhance multi-agency and multinational efforts to counter terrorism and narcotics smuggling from the Makran Coast to Eastern Africa.

Commodore Hatcher met with senior members of the operations and intelligence staffs of all three militaries and navies. Additional meetings with law enforcement agencies also proved valuable in understanding law enforcement outcomes in particular the willingness to prosecute smugglers including the confiscation of dhows. All three countries undertook to pursue the confiscation and destruction of dhows involved in illicit activities as this will have a significant impact on smuggling operations. While South African National Defence Force Patrols in the Mozambique Channel are conducted with embarked Mozambique Marines to affect arrests, Kenyan and Tanzanian officials highlighted that providing they had the appropriate intelligence they would act.

Commodore Hatcher said

“The willingness of the Kenyan and Tanzanian Navies to apprehend smugglers is most welcome. We must now ensure appropriate intelligence sharing when operations permit.”

Each country was also briefed on opportunities to increase intelligence sharing, including as part of enduring Combined Maritime Force operations off the East African coast. The Chief of the Kenyan Navy Major General Mghalu, and the Chief of the Tanzanian Navy, Major General Laswai, both expressed interest in opportunities to participate in any Combined Maritime Force operations off their coasts. The Director of Maritime Operations of the South African Navy, Rear Admiral Thomson, confirmed the South African Navy would react to actionable intelligence.

Two CTF 150 plans staff and an Australian Federal Police Liaison Officer accompanied Commodore Hatcher. This provided a valuable opportunity for the Australian staff to gain a detailed understanding of how to incorporate Kenyan, Tanzanian and South African forces into counter narcotics and counter terrorism efforts in East Africa, including how the Combined Maritime Force can better support regional efforts.

Given the recent weapons smuggling intervention by HMAS DARWIN (insert hyperlink), whereby a significant number of weapons likely destined for Somalia, and thus possible use against Kenyan troops, were confiscated. Kenyan officials stated they were grateful to the Combined Maritime Force and the Royal Australian Navy, and were particularly keen to provide a liaison officer to the Combined Maritime Force.

Commodore Hatcher said

“The possible provision of a Kenyan Liaison Officer is most welcome as it will facilitate greater information sharing between Kenya and the CMF. Information sharing, in particular with countries that are prepared to prosecute illegal activities, is key to countering narcotics smuggling off East Africa. I am determined to facilitate enduring intelligence sharing with such countries. I particularly welcome Kenyan and Tanzanian willingness to prosecute offenders and confiscate dhows.”

While patrolling the Makran Coast Royal Australian Navy personnel hand out information on how to stop illegal maritime activities.

Royal Australian Navy personnel hand out information and chocolates while patrolling the Makran Coast.

While patrolling the Makran Coast Royal Australian Navy personnel hand out information on how to stop illegal maritime activities.

Rear Admiral IIyas, Commodore Warrender, Rear Admiral Cheong

The Republic of Singapore Navy has taken command of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 after conducting a handover ceremony with the Pakistan Navy. CTF 151’s principal mission is to suppress piracy in the maritime environment.

Rear Admiral Cheong Kwok Chien, Republic of Singapore Navy, assumed command of CTF 151 from Rear Admiral Zahid Ilyas, Pakistan Navy, on 31 March 2016 at a ceremony at CMF headquarters in Bahrain.  He will lead a multi-national team of over thirty people for three months of counter-piracy operations.

CTF 151 is committed to the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. Its vessels also assist mariners in distress and other humanitarian work as required.  For the last four months, under the command of the Pakistan Navy, CTF 151 has been working to deter pirates and smugglers from using the seas as an avenue to gain from crime and illicit activity.

On handing over command Rear Admiral Ilyas said: “Let me say today, we are passing through uncertain and unpredictable times, where diverse threats are posed to the seagoing community on the high seas. Of these, piracy, although low at the moment, continues to present an intricate and extraordinary threat that still impacts on energy security, freedom of navigation and global security and stability. No one nation can resolve this menace, as piracy is a shared challenge which can only be addressed through collaborative and comprehensive interaction and efforts.”

On assuming command, Rear Admiral Cheong said it was a privilege to lead the fourth Singaporean CTF 151 command rotation. He acknowledged the successes of Rear Admiral Ilyas’s team, both at sea and in their active engagement with regional nations.

Rear Admiral Cheong said: “I would like to express my gratitude to CMF for giving Singapore this opportunity to command CTF 151, and a special note of thanks to the various Senior National Representatives who have helped us put together a multi-national team. In addition to my Singaporean staff, we have members from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.”

He added: “We are honoured to be part of the international effort to keep vital sea lines free from piracy. Over the next three months, our command team will lead coalition forces within CTF 151 to achieve the common mission of deterring and disrupting piracy. This is what we are here for, and this is what we will deliver.”

Fishermen read with interest how they can help stop illegal maritime activities

USN personnel, as part of CTF 150, approach a vessel in the Gulf of Aden

USN Personnel, as part of CTF 150, are invited aboard a vessel in the Gulf of Aden

Commander CMF,Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, US Navy (centre) witnesses Royal Navy Commodore Robinson (right) assume command of CTF 150 from Royal Australian Navy Commodore Jaimie Hatcher

The Royal Navy has taken command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) after conducting a handover ceremony with the Royal Australian Navy. CTF 150’s principal mission is to disrupt terrorist organisations and their unlawful activities by restricting freedom of manoeuvre in the maritime domain.

Commodore Guy Robinson of the Royal Navy assumed command of CTF150 from Commodore Jaimie Hatcher of the Royal Australian Navy on 10 April 2016 in a ceremony held at the CMF headquarters in Bahrain. Commodore Robinson will lead a team comprising personnel from the United Kingdom, United States Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy. For the first time, an officer of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces will be the CTF150 Chief of Staff.

CTF150 has been combating terrorism by tackling the narcotics and weapons smuggling at sea that funds terrorist activities. Its vessels also assist mariners in distress and undertake other humanitarian work as required. For the last four months, under the command of the Royal Australian Navy, CTF 150 has been working to deter terrorists and smugglers from using the seas as an avenue to finance crime and terrorist activity.

Passing over command, Commodore Hatcher said: “While HMAS Melbourne had three drug seizures and HMAS Darwin one under this CTF 150 rotation, these seizures were ably supported by a raft of other vessels assigned to CTF 150. The focused operation on the Makran Coast utilising US Patrol Boats; Australian, French, Pakistani, American and British major fleet units and a range of maritime patrol aircraft has paid dividends. Co-ordinating the myriad of assets available to CMF with regional military and law enforcement agencies is key to long term success.”

On assuming command, Commodore Robinson said it was a privilege to lead CTF 150. He acknowledged the successes of Commodore Hatcher’s team, both at sea and in their active engagement with regional Navies.

Commodore Robinson said: “I am hugely grateful for all the hard work done by our Australian and Canadian predecessors and look forward to building on the strong foundations that have already been laid. And, through continued close cooperation with the CMF team, ensuring that our efforts contribute effectively towards the achievement of longer-term objectives.”

He added: “We are looking forward to taking up command of Combined Task Force 150 and to the challenge presented by playing our vital part in turning the tide against those terrorist organisations intent on sowing instability among the international community.”

CCTF 152 Colonel Alaskar (left) with Captain Laurent Marchard de Gramont

French Navy Frigate ACONIT will be working for Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) whilst carrying out Maritime Security Operations in the Arabian Gulf. CTF 152 is one of three Task Forces that make up Combined Maritime Forces and is charged with ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf.

Colonel Alaskar, Commander of CTF152, has discussed with Captain Laurent Machard de Gramont how the ship could best assist the Task Force in conducting patrols in the region, acting as a deterrent, and disrupting illegal activities that support terrorism.

France is a major contributor to the 31-nation CMF, providing personnel, ships and aircraft on a regular basis. Captain Geoffroy Roussel, French Senior National Representative and the CMF HQ Director of Plans, said: “Having the Aconit’s Commanding and Operations Officers fly in to meet directly with the CTF commanders is an excellent enabler to share understanding, ideas and procedures. This personal dialogue fosters efficient future operations and a closer collaboration between coalition partners.”

Part of the Task Force’s mission is for the ships to meet with local fishing dhows to reassure them of the coalition’s presence in the area. “Having ships from different Nations operating for the Task Force demonstrates to local mariners the commitment to the security of the region by all CMF’s members. Aconit is a very capable frigate and having spent four years studying at France’s Ecole Navale, I know how professional and dedicated the sailors of the French Navy are. ” Said Lt Cdr Ahmed Al Muslemani, the Kuwaiti Operations Officer at CTF 152 who conducted his Officer training with the French navy between 2004 and 2008.

CTF 150 also hosted Captain Marchard de Gramont to discuss FS Aconit’s period in support of CTF 150, during which she carried out several boardings. It was an opportunity to talk about integration procedures, intelligence dissemination, and the directives for maritime operations as a maritime force in the Gulf. Aconit is operating for CTF 150 whilst she is in their operating area in the wider Indian Ocean, continuing her commitment to CMF and the disruption of terrorism-related activities at sea.

CMF welcomes Ambassadors and National Representatives from CMF-contributing nations

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) welcomed Ambassadors from 10 nations and representatives from 18 countries to US Navcent HQ to celebrate the partnership of the willing as CMF aims to further strengthen the relationship between the contributing nations.

The doors at CMF were opened and ambassadors and national representatives were welcomed for a number of presentations covering the work of CMF. The ambassadors were given the opportunity to ask questions on topics ranging from counter-terrorism to maritime security. This was followed by a tour of the base and conversations with serving members of CMF which allowed the ambassadors an insight into the valuable work of the CMF contributing nations.
USN Vice Admiral Donegan, the Commander of CMF, said: “What we have is a coalition where no one is obligated to do anything not in the interest of their nation. But what is unique about CMF is that it puts theory into practice. We have a methodology to deal with all issues, we get the job done, we find a way.”
Based in Bahrain, CMF operates three Combined Task Forces (CTFs) across nearly 3.2 million square miles of ocean, bordering 21 countries. Operating within international law, CMF achieves success through teamwork and bringing together the resources of many nations and working with international NGOs.
The British Ambassador, The Right Honourable Mr Simon Martin, said: “What has really struck me about today is the extent to which this joint effort to ensure the security of this region is giving rise to new levels of collaboration between different militaries and other diverse organisations.”
Lawrence Anderson, the Singaporean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, added: “I found the presentations on the various maritime task forces very interesting and enlightening. The good work that the coalition does is significant in our fight against terrorism, piracy, and other illicit activities. Singapore is proud to be part of the successful efforts by CTF 151to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden.”
The success of Ambassadors Day has led to plans for future events and ways to further develop the strong relationships of CMF and celebrate its continued achievements.

The Flag Hoist Ceremony for Pakistan National Day

The CMF Pakistan Naval Contingent celebrated its 76th Pakistan National Day with a Flag Hoist Ceremony and parade at the Pakistani Embassy.

His Excellency, Mr Javaid Malik, Ambassador for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosted the event. The Pakistani military contingent was led for the parade by Commodore Zahid Ilyas.

Mr Malik spoke of the importance of Pakistan Day and of Pakistan’s traditions and communities as well as its topographical, political and economic diversity. Adding that since its foundation, Pakistan had continuously evolved, but its people still carry forward the rich history and the proud customs of their ancestors.

The Ambassador went on to acknowledge the efforts and show his appreciation for the Pakistan Naval Contingent and their commitment in ensuring the freedom of maritime routes. He expressed his gratitude to the Command of CMF for allowing them the opportunity to celebrate their National Day with the local Pakistani Community, and invited guests from the CMF.

He said: “Today’s Pakistan, although going through testing times in terms of countering terrorism and extremism, is resilient, and its resolve to maintain and further consolidate peace and stability in the region is vividly clear.”

Colonel Alaskar (right) meets the Deputy Head of the KSA Coast Guard

Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 recently held Key Leadership Engagements (KLEs) with regional Coast Guards to build positive relationships and further interoperability.

Colonel Alaskar, the  Kuwaiti Commander of CTF 152 has held KLEs with the Deputy Heads of the Kuwaiti and Saudi Arabian Coast Guards. The meetings were set up to build closer relationships between the different nations within the region to promote a safe and secure Arabian Gulf. These discussions also increase the task force’s ability to share information between the Gulf States, a key enabler to deter terrorist threats in the region.

During the meetings Colonel Alaskar discussed how the nations could continue to work together to counter illegal activities in the area. Lt Col Bani Ahmed Akram, the Jordanian Navy Chief of Staff for CTF 152 said: “By conducting maritime security patrols and operating together, as part of a combined task force, these capable ships act as a great deterrence against any potential illegal events.”

As well as discussing security operations, KLEs have provided an opportunity for the navies and Coast Guards to participate in multinational exercises throughout the year. Both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia took part CTF 152’s Search and Rescue Exercise in January and they will be joined by Iraq, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain when they take part in CTF 152’s Exercise Falcon Defenders later in the year.

CMF hosts participants from all over the world for its Legal Conference

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) held a very successful Legal Conference last month to discuss emerging legal issues facing CMF and its partners.

CMF hosted a two day legal conference on 21 – 22 March in Bahrain. The aim of the conference was to bring together legal officers from CMF member States, regional States, law enforcement agencies, and the UN to identify, assess and debate legal issues.
Participants from Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the US, as well as EUNAVFOR, NATO and NCIS, came to Bahrain. The conference programme consisted of presentations and discussions about a range of legal issues that have been challenging CMF, including narcotics trafficking prosecutions, the framework for CTF 150 operations, and cooperation between CMF and law enforcement agencies.

The Conference was a great opportunity for international partners to come together and develop legal strategies to deal with issues associated with multi-national operations. The attendees discussed different perspectives, limitations and legal regulations so that CMF can work towards more effective combined operations in the future.

Australian navy lawyer and conference convener, Lt Cdr Michael Paes, said: “As a Bahrain based lawyer, the conference provided an excellent opportunity for face-to-face discussions with a global network of legal advisors and partner agencies to discuss common issues and make plans for future engagement.”

USN personnel as part of CTF 150 onboard a vessel in the Gulf of Aden

USN Personnel approach local fishermen to understand what is happening in the area

USN Personnel interact with local fisherman of Mukalla to understand what is happening in the area