The Deputy Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Commodore Steve Dainton CBE Royal Navy, accompanied by CMF’s Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Master Chief (CMC) Lateef Compton, United States Navy, were delighted to recognise Leading Seaman Matthew Read (LS), of the Royal Australian Navy, as CMF’s January “Sailor of the Month” during CMF’s inaugural “All Hands Call” at the Naval Support Activity in Bahrain.
CMF’s Enlisted Sailor of the Month is an initiative launched by CMC Compton USN to provide recognition and acknowledgment of the outstanding work of enlisted personnel drawn from all CMF partner nations, afloat, in the air and on base, who contribute to CMF’s success.
LS Read was selected as CTF 150’s Sailor of the Month owing to his outstanding effort and performance since arriving at NSA Bahrain. He has been instrumental in the initial set up and configuration of all CTF 150 information systems. His work ethic and attention to detail has ensured a seamless transition with minimal interruption to services so that the CTF 150 team were equipped to assume Command and immediately progress the mission goals. In addition to accounts management, LS Read has used his expert knowledge in network administration to streamline business practices associated with the Australian National systems deployed to support the Maritime Operations Support Group (MOSG) in Bahrain.
LS Read, who was born in Christchurch, New Zealand but now lives in Sydney, Australia, commented:
“I am really proud to have provided support to smooth Australia’s transition into command of CTF 150. It was challenging but rewarding to set up information systems that were compatible between Australia, Bahrain and our American host Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Getting communications up and running right away meant that CTF 150 was able to quickly get to work and direct HMAS Warramunga’s early success in interdicting a significant amount of narcotics. I am definitely enjoying the operational tempo of the CTF 150 environment and being at the forefront of anti-smuggling operations in the Middle East. While my partner is 7,700 miles away in Sydney, enjoying some of the finest beaches in the world, our team of Australians and Canadians here in Bahrain feels like a bit of home. It’s a great experience to be out here in Bahrain having a real impact on improving regional maritime security and helping to eliminate criminal activity at sea.”
The first ever CMF All Hands Call, was introduced by the Commander of CMF and US Navy 5th Fleet, Vice Admiral John Aquilino, United States Navy. He answered a range of questions put to him by enlisted sailors drawn from across the CMF HQ staff and CTFs 150, 151 and 152. In an engaging session, CMF’s Deputy Commander, Commodore Dainton, then highlighted CMF’s recent successes, the current operating environment for CMF and addressed future plans and targets. As a result, the CMF Leadership Team stimulated a very successful discussion. Topics covered included CMF’s redefined mission to “Find, Fix and Finish” all of the threats to maritime security in CMF’s area of responsibility and how best to “Exploit and Analyse” information obtained during CMF Operations.
The typical approach to individual leadership engagement dialogues among enlisted personnel varies widely across the 32 nations that comprise CMF. CMF’s All Hands Call takes the form of an open question and answer conversation. It aims to help deepen relationships and improve mutual understanding between the CMF command team and the sailors, marines and airmen deployed in CMF command centres, ships and aircraft. By so doing, it supports increased commitment to CMF’s mission among the diverse cultural and linguistic diaspora that are represented across CMF’s unique international partnership. With the constantly changing and dynamic environment across CMF’s area of operations and the regular rotation of ships, aircraft and personnel, constructive internal engagement is an increasingly important factor in CMF’s success.
ENDS
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 