Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) 152 met with the Second Mine Warfare Battle Staff (2MWBS) onboard RFA Cardigan Bay whilst alongside in Bahrain.
2MWBS is comprised of a team of 17 specialists drawn from multiple warfare and engineering disciplines from regular and reserve arenas. They are embarked on RFA Cardigan Bay, the Afloat Forward Support Base for the UK Mine Counter Measures Force. The Battle Staff rotate every 6 months after conducting multinational exercises and operations in support of the UK’s continued commitment to the Middle East region.
As they establish themselves in the region it was an ideal time to meet with CTF152, the Kuwait led Task Force within Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain. The units will be working together over the coming months providing maritime security in the Gulf.
Whilst on board RFA Cardigan Bay, Colonel Aleid, CCTF152, met with Commander Jools Howe Royal Navy, Commanding Officer of 2MWBS. Commander Howe said: “My team is extremely energised, excited and enthused to be operating in such a dynamic theatre of operations, working with a multinational team in the Gulf. We look forward to providing continued levels of support and cooperation to the multiple nations represented in the Middle East“.
Colonel Aleid and his staff were given an in depth tour of RFA Cardigan Bay and met with its Commanding Officer, Captain Christopher Clarke. Commander Beau White United States Navy, Chief of Staff for CTF152 said: “Meeting with 2MWBS and Commander Howe provided the ideal opportunity to discuss how we can successfully operate together over the coming months. I was very impressed by the capabilities of RFA Cardigan Bay and I thank Captain Clarke for the opportunity to tour his great ship and learn what she can achieve.”
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 