Rear Admiral Ken Cheong, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, visited the EU Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR) (Somalia) flagship, FGS Bayern in Salalah in the Gulf of Aden.
Rear Admiral (Radm) Cheong, who works for Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), met the Force Commander EU NAVFOR (Somalia), Radm Jan Kaack, onboard FGS Bayern. This was the second time both commanders have met since the Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium held in Bahrain in April 16.
The meeting between the two senior officers was to enhance their understanding of counter-piracy operations in CMF’s and EU NAVFOR‘s Area of Operations. The discussions led to a more complete picture of shipping activities and how the different task forces interact. The commanders agreed to boost cooperation, coordination and the exchange of information to achieve their common counter-piracy objectives.
CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. It also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.
When combating piracy no single nation or navy could possibly have enough ships to cover the 3.2 million square miles of ocean. However, while operating within international law, CMF achieves results by working together, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces.
Radm Cheong said: “I am heartened by the close coordination and cooperation forged between the two Headquarters. I am confident that the mutual support and understanding between us will help us achieve our common mission to counter piracy.”
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 