Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Commodore Mal Wise, Commander Combined Task Force 150, part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) led a small contingent of personnel on his first round of key leadership engagement meetings after assuming command of the Task Force in December 2017.
The two day visit was hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where Commodore Wise met with representatives of the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation in Dubai, followed by meetings with Deputy Commander UAE Navy, Brigadier Abdulla Abdulla AL-Shehhi and Rear Admiral Didier Piaton, Joint Commander of the French Forces in the Indian Ocean, in Abu Dhabi.
According to Commodore Wise, the meetings were the first in a series of key leadership engagements by his team aimed at improving maritime security and denying terrorist access to funding through the distribution of illicit drugs and weaponry.
Commodore Wise stated: “Engaging with leaders from the respective nations and organisations in the region ensures that we have a mutual understanding of each other’s challenges and assists in identifying ways for us all to work together even more effectively.”
Whilst in the UAE, Commodore Wise and his team took the opportunity to call on HMAS Warramunga and her Commanding Officer, Commander Dugald Clelland, who was alongside during a visit. HMAS Warramunga is a key asset to CTF 150, providing a highly capable platform for maritime security operations during the current Australian and Canadian rotation.
Operation Manitou is the current name for the Australian Government’s contribution to support international efforts to promote maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East Region. An enhanced security environment ensures Australia and her Allies including CMF countries have safe and open access to the region while fostering the free flow of trade and commerce.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 