Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces (DCCMF) Commodore (Cdre) William Warrender of the Royal Navy has met with Reservists under his command from five different countries.

Bahrain-based Reservists working for CMF came together and were recognized for their contribution to operations in the Gulf.  Reservists from the UK, Canada, Australia, France and Germany met with Cdre Warrender on the day the UK Armed Forces celebrate their Reserves.

Naval Reservists work 365 a days a year around the globe in conjunction with their regular counterparts supporting military and humanitarian operations.  Thus they need to keep their skills and fitness at a consistently high level to integrate with their regular navies.

Unless deployed on an operational tour of duty, Reservists serve in their spare time, often taking time away from civilian jobs to deploy abroad.  Serving within the Reserves is a unique and challenging way of life that attracts people from all backgrounds and jobs. For some it’s a bridge between Regular Service and civilian life, for others it is a chance to develop new skills, knowledge and personal qualities that help in their present civilian work. Whatever their reasons for joining, it is a great opportunity to meet friends, test their fitness and travel.

Cdre Warrender said: “’CMF is a unique partnership that relies on 31 nations to make it work efficiently.  The Reserves are a big part of the UK Armed Forces and are well represented at CMF and it is great to see personnel from so many other nations here, representing their countries, and also representing CMF.”

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) was created post 9/11 to help counter the threat from international terrorism but was later expanded to include counter piracy operations. Commanded from its headquarters in Bahrain, CMF operates three Combined Task Forces (CTFs) across 3.2 million square miles of ocean bordered by 21 countries.

When it comes to combating piracy or terrorism, no single nation or navy could possibly have enough ships or aircraft to cover such a large area. CMF achieves results by working together, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces patrolling their own maritime environment.