In direct support to the Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 maritime security mission, the Australian frigate HMAS Ballarat, US Coastguard cutters Adak and Maui and the Iraq Navy patrol boat 309 have conducted a successful period of joint operations in the Northern Gulf.
HMAS Ballarat & USCG cutter Adak in the foreground and USCG cutter Maui in the background. Credit: HMAS Ballarat
Commander Paul Johnson, the Commanding Officer of HMAS Ballarat, hosted delegations from all the participating units to discuss the plans and intentions for the joint operational period. This enabled all the units to have input into the final joint operations plan. This preplanning helped to ensure an excellent demonstration of international interoperability between all the participating units in support of regional maritime security and wider regional engagement.
HMAS Ballarat & USCG cutter Adak in the foreground and USCG cutter Maui in the background and Iraq Navy patrol boat 309 in the distance. Credit: HMAS Ballarat
Captain Saleh Alfodary, Kuwait Coast Guard, Commanding officer of CTF152 said: “It has been a pleasure to have HMAS Ballarat in Direct Support to CTF 152 and I have been impressed with the professionalism of the crew and their dedication to supporting maritime security in the region. It has been good to have the opportunity for her to conduct joint operations with the US Coast Guard and the Iraqi Navy.”
Commander Paul Johnson RAN hosting the command team coordination meeting on board HMAS Ballarat. Credit: HMAS Ballarat
Iraq Navy patrol boat 309 in the foreground, HMAS Ballarat centre and port and starboard USCG cutters Maui & Adak. Credit: HMAS Ballarat
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 