On 19th June 2019 Commodore Dean Bassett became the new Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces (DCCMF) at a short ceremony in Bahrain.

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Commodore Dainton hands over to Commodore Bassett, overseen by Commander CMF, Vice Admiral Malloy

Commodore Steve Dainton handed over the reins after more than two years as DCCMF and United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC). During his tenure he has seen many significant events including huge successes in the seizure and destruction of illegal narcotics, the containment of piracy and in maintaining the free flow of commerce throughout the region.

Leaving the role as DCCMF, Commodore Dainton said: “After two years, I am filled with an immense sense of pride. This coalition of 33 separate nations all working together to protect the free flow of commerce through some of the world’s busiest strategic choke points – the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab Al Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal – is an amazing achievement and one which I am hugely proud of. CMF has managed to increase the number and quantity of illegal narcotic seizures during my tenure, which will not only make all of our streets safer places but has also reduced the funds available to terrorist organisations.”

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Commodore Steve Dainton, Royal Navy

He continued: “As I hand over to Commodore Dean Bassett I am confident that CMF is in a strong place and will continue to carry out its important mission across the region.”

The 33 nation coalition that makes up the CMF was established 18 years ago and has strong links with many nations throughout the region. Enhancing these links further through military relationships is a core responsibility of CMF and its multi-national partners. Continuing this cooperation and engagement helps to maintain the free flow of commerce.

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Commodore Dean Bassett Royal Navy Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces (DCCMF)

Commodore Bassett, on taking up the role, said: “It is a great honour to become the Deputy Commander of CMF, a coalition of like-minded nations from around the world providing security and stability in the maritime environment.  I wish to thank Commodore Steve Dainton for his professionalism, vision and dedication during his time as Deputy Commander.  I look forward to working with CMF and wider regional partners as we work together to maintain freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in the region.”

CMF is an enduring global maritime partnership of willing nations aligned in common purpose to conduct Maritime Security Operations in order to provide security and stability in the maritime environment. The continued success of CMF relies upon the willingness of Nations to contribute.