NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (May 28, 2012) – U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Thomas C. Krajeski, right, and Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, Commodore Simon Ancona, salute during the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the country. NSA Bahrain provides operational support to U.S. and Coalition Forces operating throughout the
U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sonja M. Chambers/Released)

NSA Bahrain Commanding Officer, Capt. Colin Walsh spoke on the importance of the day.

“Freedom is not free,” he said.  “We must not forget the sacrifices that these brave young men and women have made and continue to make and the suffering they still endure for us and our way of life.

Deputy Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 5, Col. Bern Altman, was the ceremony’s guest speaker.  He said speaking at the event reminded him of a speech he made to his Marines after a motivational walk around the hills of Camp Pendleton.

“We talked about paying tribute to the efforts of generations of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and that our brief suffering that morning was in recognition and honor of those individuals,” he said.  “That while shortly when we were cleaned up and enjoying some time off, there were still many others deployed around the globe who would not have that luxury and that over the weekend there may, unfortunately, be more names added to that long list of those we remember on Memorial Day.”

In observance of the sacrifices made by their own, a member from each branch of service placed the five service covers and a civilian cap on each empty plate at the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action table.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (May 28, 2012) – An honor guard performs a flag ceremony, folding the flag 13 times during the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the country. NSA Bahrain provides operational support to U.S. and Coalition Forces operating throughout theU.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by MassCommunication Specialist 1st Class Sonja M. Chambers/Released)

A flag detail comprised of Sailors and a Coast Guardsman from the NSA Bahrain 1st Class Petty Officer Association and Southwest Asia EchoSix Association then performed a flag ceremony, folding the flag 13 times.  As the honor guard folded the flag, the master of ceremonies read the meaning of each fold.

Walsh and Altman closed out the ceremony by laying a ceremonial wreath in honor of fallen service members.

NSA Bahrain Military Working Dog Kennel Leading Petty Officer, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Shane Siewert, said it was a pleasure to be a part of the honor guard.

“It’s nice to be a part of the Navy traditions and ceremonies to honor our past service members who have gone before us,” he said.  “It’s important for every service member to reflect on the past trials and tribulations that all branches have gone through before to establish what the military has become today.”

KHALIFA BIN SALMAN PORT, Bahrain (May 24, 2012) Vice Adm. John Miller, left, relieves Vice Adm. Mark Fox as commander, U.S. Naval
Forces Central Command/Fifth Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces, while Gen. James Mattis, commander, U.S. Central Command, center, observes, aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cynthia Z. De Leon/Released

Vice Adm. John Miller relieved Vice Adm. Mark Fox as commander of NAVCENT/C5F/CMF.

As the guest speaker, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, Commander, U.S. Central Command, addressed the distinguished guests from regional and coalition partner nations, as well as fellow service members, in the hangar bay of the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear aircraft carrier and the second oldest vessel in commission.  Enterprise is on its 22nd and final deployment.

Mattis highlighted NAVCENT/C5F/CMF numerous achievements during Fox’s tenure, including assisting 62 ships and 610 mariners in distress at sea, and air support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Admiral Fox, the prince of the sea, emir of the sea – to translate ‘admiral’ from the Arabic to English – is a shipmate and a trusted confidant; I have relied on his operational judgment from day one.  A key advisor, he’s got a fighter’s instinct and a diplomat’s understanding,” said Mattis.  “Thank you, Admiral Fox. You are the epitome of a naval officer.”

Since July 2010, Fox has led more than 25,000 U.S. and coalition service members operating continuously in the region providing security, defending against violent extremism, conducting maritime security operations (MSO) and providing support for operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

“The U.S. and Combined Maritime Forces contribution and presence is vital to security and stability in this region of the world,” said Fox.  “It’s essential for the global economy that every nation has a presence here.”

Fox wore the Order of Bahrain, First-class medal, which was bestowed upon him on May 11, by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain. Fox was presented the award in honor of his meritorious service as Commander, NAVCENT/C5F/CMF. During the change of command ceremony, he was awarded the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional performance as NAVCENT/C5F/CMF commander from July 2010 to May 2012. 

Fox has been confirmed for reappointment to the rank of Vice Adm. and assignment as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5), in Washington, D.C. 

Miller’s previous assignments include serving as the NAVCENT Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff for Commander, U.S Central Command. His most recent tour was as special assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) in Washington, D.C.

“It is an honor to be here and to serve with the greatest group of Sailors and Marines the world has ever seen,” said Miller.  

Miller’s goals as the new commander are to build upon existing relationships and foster new partnerships throughout the region.

“It is always important to build the coalition,” said Miller.  “It’s our job to maintain security and stability in the region, and we do that through a large variety of coalition partners who share a common cause with us.”

NAVCENT/C5F/CMF area of responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Rear Adm. Tanin Likitawong, Royal Thai Navy, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, left, welcomes Admiral Tanasak Patimapragorn, Chief of Defence Forces, right.

Thailand’s military delegation met with Likitawong to discuss Thailand’s contributions to Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), CTF 151 counter-piracy mission. This is the first time Thailand has been in command of the counter-piracy mission since joining CMF in 2010.

Admiral Tanasak Patimapragorn, Chief of Defence Forces, left, Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, center, and RADM Tanin Likitawong, Royal Thai Navy, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 aboard RFA Fort Victoria, CTF 151′s flagship.

Likitawong stated, “This is the first time the Royal Thai Navy has been in command of CTF 151. This task force is comprised of a multi-national staff with the common ground of working towards security of sea lanes and communication in the region. Counter-piracy remains an important topic in the international community.”

Speaking of the efforts of CTF 151, Patimapragorn remarked, “A stronger support from participating countries is still needed to counter piracy to ensure security in this area of operation. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you and CTF 151 of my continued full support, both of personnel and equipment, to help suppress piracy in the region.”

The Thailand military delegation and members from CTF 151 also met with the British High Commissioner and members of European Union Naval Forces Somalia (EUNAVFOR) to discuss counter-piracy task force cooperation and counter-piracy measures in the region.

Rounroengrom said, “Many countries have recognized the importance of multilateral cooperation to strengthen maritime security. For this reason, it is heartening to see significant progress being made by coordinating our efforts and resources.”

RADM Tanin Likitawong, Royal Thai Navy, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, met with Mr. Ronny Govinden, Attorney General, Seychelles National House to discuss the process of prosecuting suspected pirates in Seychelles in accordance with agreements signed between Seychelles, Denmark, European Union, United Kingdom and U.S.

The delegation and members from CTF 151 concluded the visit with Seychelles Attorney General and Seychelles Chief of Defence Forces and discussed local concerns related to piracy and legal agreements for prosecuting pirates in Seychelles.

CTF 151 is one of three taskforces under control of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), based in Bahrain.  CTF 151 was established in 2009 to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy, protect maritime vessels of any nationality and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all. CTF 151’s area of operation encompasses 1.1 million square miles in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

CMF is a multi-national naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across approximately 2.5 million square miles of international waters in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

Admiral Tanasak Patimapragorn, Chief of Defence Forces and Admiral Surasak Rounroengrom, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy met with RADM Tanin Likitawong, Royal Thai Navy, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and members of CTF 151′s multinational staff aboard RFA Fort Victoria, CTF 151′s flagship.

HMCS Charlottetown provided medical assistance to local fisherman in the Gulf of Aden, May 16.

The Canadian ship was operating with Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) when the fishing vessel hailed them, requesting medical assistance.

“The vessel hailed us requesting medical assistance for one of their crewmembers, as we were about to depart the area,” said Commander Wade Carter, Commanding Officer of HMCS Charlottetown.

Charlottetown sent members of their boarding party team, a physician’s assistant, and an interpreter in their rigid-hulled-inflatable boat (RHIB) to provide the proper medical assistance.

“I wish I could have done more for him,” said Warrant Officer Gino Short, Physician Assistant on HMCS Charlottetown. “His eye was infected, so I provided antibiotic eye drops. I also advised him to seek additional medical treatment as soon as possible.”

“These type of good will approach operations are important, because they show the local mariners that we care,” said Cdr Carter. “In return, the relationships that we build are critical to achieving mission success and CTF-150 goals, because they provide us with invaluable information that allows us to track illicit activities in the region.”

CTF-150’s mission is to promote maritime security in order to counter terrorist acts and related illegal activities, which terrorists use to fund or conceal their movements.

CTF-150 is one of three task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). CMF is a 26 nation naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across approximately 2.5 million square miles of international waters covering the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean; an area which encompasses some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Commodore Simon Ancona, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Combined Maritime Forces and Rear Adm. Kevin Scott, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command meet Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, and her delegation during her tour of the Gulf region.

Commodore Simon Ancona, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Combined Maritime Forces, and Rear Adm. Kevin Scott, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, welcomed Prime Minister Shinawatra to CMF. Shinawatra is touring the Gulf region and will visit Qatar after departing Bahrain.

Commodore Simon Ancona, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Combined Maritime Forces and Rear Adm. Kevin Scott, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command meet Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand.

Shinawatra was presented briefs about CMF’s mission and achievements, and discussed the Royal Thai Navy’s contribution to CMF, as well as their current command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 (counter-piracy).

“The Combined Maritime Forces mission is important from both a national and international perspective. Continuing to develop our collaborative and interoperable Maritime Security role in the region remains crucial,” said Commodore Ancona.

Shinawatra commented on Thailand’s continued support of CMF, the importance of protecting sea lanes and continued cooperation in the maritime domain. She said, “It is an honour to be here at Combined Maritime Forces. Thailand places great importance on enhancing cooperation and in addressing piracy and armed robbery at sea. We must continue working together to stop these occurrences. Rest assured of Thailand’s continued support.”

Speaking on behalf of CTF 151, Capt. Benya Boonsong, Royal Thai Navy, Chief of Shore Coordination Team, said, “There is no doubt that the key to the successful reduction in the number of piracy events over this year is the effective cooperation among the capable naval forces in theatre.”

In 2010, Thailand became the 25th member of Combined Maritime Forces, a 26 nation naval coalition.

Combined Maritime Forces is a multi-national naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across approximately 2.5 million square miles of international waters in the Middle East, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, met with Combined Task Force (CTF) 151’s shore based team.

Rear Adm. Tanin Likitawong, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, and Officer Commanding Royal Marines (OCRM), Capt. Will Hall, Royal Marines, speaks with members of HMS Westminster.

Capt. Nick Hine, commanding officer, HMS Westminster, welcomed Rear Adm. Likitawong aboard to discuss the vessel’s contribution to the counter-piracy mission.

The visit familiarized Rear Adm. Likitawong with Westminster’s boarding team’s effectiveness and capabilities in support of counter-piracy operations, the primary mission of CTF 151.

Rear Adm. Likitawong observed the boarding team training and was able to speak with some of the embarked Royal Marines about their experiences.

The Royal Marines Boarding Team (RMBT) is comprised of an Officer Commanding Royal Marines (OCRM), a sergeant as the team commander and five marines. Team members undergo rigorous commando training in addition to boarding specific training prior to deployment.

CTF 151 is one of three taskforces under control of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), based in Bahrain.  CTF 151 was established in 2009 to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy, protect maritime vessels of any nationality and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all. CTF 151’s area of operation encompasses 1.1 million square miles in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

U.S. MH-60R helicopter embarked aboard RFA Fort Victoria.

The embarkation, led by Lieutenant Commander Aric “Bull” Edmondson, U.S. Navy, is the first U.S. helicopter detachment to be embarked on a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) asset in this area of operation, and also the first time on a Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The MH-60R Seahawk is fitted with advanced surface search radar and provides enhanced capability in counter-piracy operations.

Captain Ian Pilling, commanding officer, RFA Fort Victoria stated: “This is a great opportunity to explore the UK/ U.S. interoperability whilst providing a significant force multiplier to the embarked CTF151 battle staff.”

Fort Victoria is currently flagship for Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, Royal Thai Navy Rear Admiral Tanin Likitawong and his multi-national battlestaff. This is the first time Fort Victoria has embarked a multi-national task force and this is the first time the Royal Thai Navy has commanded CTF 151.

CTF 151 is a multi-national mission-based Task Force, working under the Combined Maritime Forces to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Somali Basin and Arabian Sea.

Left to right: Rear Adm. Kevin Scott, Mr. Mitsu Shimojo, Vice Adm. Mark Fox, His Excellency Mr. Shigeki Sumi, Commodore Simon Ancona.

The visit of Mr. Mitsu Shimojo, Parliamentary Vice Minister, Japanese Ministry of Defence, was to highlight the work of CMF and the contribution Japan makes to the 26 nation coalition.

Accompanied by His Excellency Mr Shigeki Sumi, Japan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, as well as other high level dignitaries, the delegation was welcomed by Vice Admiral Fox, Commander Combined Maritime Forces.  The visit included discussions about the ongoing successes of CMF’s activities to disrupt terrorism, piracy and armed robbery at sea.  Japan has been a member of CMF since 2003 and currently contributes a Senior Naval Representative to the headquarters’ staff and a range of assets including Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Commenting on the visit Admiral Fox said “I am honored to personally welcome Mr. Shimojo and his delegation to CMF to demonstrate the advanced capability and international interoperability used to enhance maritime security in this region.”

Mr. Shimojo replied: “It was good to see how Japan’s contribution to promote the continued peace and stability in the region is being utilised and the valuable work that our personnel are conducting for CMF.”

Charlottetown’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter located a dhow and a skiff that were transferring questionable cargo. “When the Charlottetown gave us permission to investigate the vessels, they were already exchanging packages,” said Major David Holmes, Air Officer. “We gathered intelligence and then the suspect vessels left in opposite directions.”

The skiff continued on a course towards the Charlottetown when it realized it was heading toward a warship, the crew began rapidly dumping the cargo. The helicopter was able to retrieve two packages from the water and the Charlottetown’s rigid-hulled-inflatable boat retrieved the remaining eight packages. All packages contained a total of 600 pounds of hashish.

Once on board, the Charlottetown boarding team established the vessel to be stateless and carried on with an extensive search of the vessel under Canadian Law.

“Although our mission here is much the same as it was in the Mediterranean – to participate in maritime security and counter-terrorism – we’re now in a tougher neighbourhood,” said Commander Wade Carter. “I’m proud of how my crew reacted to this drug interdiction operation. They put their training to the test and executed our plan seamlessly.”

This operation illustrates the need for a security presence in the region. “By being here we are making a difference,” emphasizes Cdr Carter. “90% of global trade is conducted by sea. The world depends on maritime shipping to transport vital supplies such as food and fuel. Operations such as these help ensure that maritime security is maintained, no profit can be made by harmful substances and that these activities do not become a conduit for facilitating terrorism.”

Earlier in the day the same skiff was detected by Charlottetown’s ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and was being watched for suspicious activity.

This year alone, CTF 150 has seized nearly 700 kilograms of illegal narcotics with an estimated value of nearly $50 million. In April, HMS Westminster captured, and destroyed 180 kilograms of pure heroin, valued at $22 million. In February HMAS Paramatta seized 240 kilograms of amphetamines and heroin.

Captain John Carter, Chief of Staff, Combined Maritime Forces commented: “As a CTF-150 asset, HMCS Charlottetown unquestionably demonstrated the awesome and cohesive reach that a 26-Nation maritime partnership can achieve in support of preserving the inviolate security of the globes critical sea lines of communication, and deterring and disrupting the illegal narcotics trade.”

CMF is a 26 nation naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across approximately 2.5 million square miles of international waters covering the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean; an area which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

CMF is comprised of three task forces. CTF 150 is assigned to counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism, CTF 151 conducts counter-piracy operations, and CTF 152 operates in the Arabian Gulf where it coordinates Theatre Security Cooperation (TSC) activities with regional partners, conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO), and remains prepared to respond to any crisis that may develop.

Capt. Bruce Legge, Royal Australian Navy, director of operations, Combined Maritime Forces, spoke of the significance of ANZAC Day during the service.

The service, which was attended by U.K., Australian, Turkish, New Zealand and U.S. personnel, commemorated the 97th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landings at Gallipoli, Turkey during World War I. The Gallipoli battle lasted eight months until the Allied Forces were evacuated after both sides suffered heavy causalities.

In 1916, Australia and New Zealand officially named April 25, ANZAC Day and is a national day of remembrance. Capt. Bruce Legge, Royal Australian Navy, director of operations, Combined Maritime Forces, welcomed those in attendance and spoke about the significance of ANZAC Day and how the dawn service is symbolic of the dawn landings at Gallipoli.

“This is the day we celebrate the sacrifices of our service members of not just Gallipoli, but of all wars. The Battle of Gallipoli is significant to Australians because it was one of the first international events Australians took part in as a new nation. In this sense it was a defining moment for Australia as a country,” said Legge.

Cmdr. Yavuz Gelir, Turkish Navy Force, remarked, “After almost a century after the loss of these brave service members we still commemorate their sacrifices. The Battle of Gallipoli didn’t just change the fate of the war but the fate of Turkey as well.”

The service concluded with the playing of the “last post,” followed by a minute of silence and then the Australian National Anthem.

ANZAC Day attendees salute as they play the Australian National Anthem.

ANZAC Day remains one of the most important national holidays for Australia and New Zealand and is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue and Tonga. ANZAC Day is typically celebrated with memorial services, military parades and festivals to recognize armed forces veterans and active-duty military.