The Commander of Combined Task Force (CCTF 152) Colonel Alasker has opened his new CTF 152 Headquarters (HQ) with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Bahrain.
Colonel Alasker gave a short speech of thanks for all those that had facilitated the setup of the new HQ and expressed his gratitude for the team effort involved by his staff in ensuring CTF 152 operations continued unaffected by the move.
Colonel Alasker said: “It is a busy period for CTF 152 as we carry out numerous exercises and our daily Maritime Security Operations, however we are happy to take this opportunity to celebrate opening our new headquarters. CTF 152 has been fortunate to find such a good place. We really wanted to limit the impact that relocation would have on our work. Our new location and enhanced operational efficiencies will help us continue to keep pace with our operation requirements.”
Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces (DCCMF), Commodore William Warrender of the Royal Navy, wished CTF 152 good luck in their new building and thanked them for their efforts so far. After the ceremony Colonel Alasker and his staff invited CMF officers and staff into the new HQ for a tour, followed by coffee and pastries.
CTF 152 was established in 2004 and its area of responsibility is one of the most globally significant and geographically constrained regions. The Arabian Gulf contains over 1000 oil and energy installations and other critical pieces of infrastructure, such as desalination plants and port facilities.
The staff is drawn mainly from GCC nations, supported by CMF personnel and assets.
CTF 152 coordinates Maritime security Operations in the region, facilitating cooperation and interoperability between regional maritime forces.
CMF was created post 9/11 to help counter the threat from terrorism but the mission has expanded to include counter-piracy operations. Commanded from its headquarters in Bahrain, CMF operates three CTFs across 3.2 million square miles of ocean.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 