Deputy Command of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) has been formally handed-over by Commodore Dean Bassett to his successor Commodore Ed Ahlgren OBE, in a short ceremony at CMF headquarters in Bahrain, Feb. 10.

Commodore Bassett has served as Deputy Commander since June 2019. During his time in Bahrain, he has seen multiple successive anti-narcotics operations, keeping hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of illegal contraband off the streets and disrupting terrorist groups’ financing. Counter-piracy efforts in the CMF Area of Operations continue to provide vital security and reassurance to merchant shipping, and capacity-building efforts in the region continue to thrive.

Royal Navy Commodore Dean Bassett, right, outgoing deputy commander of CMF, Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, center, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and CMF, and Royal Navy Commodore Ed Ahlgren OBE, oncoming CMF deputy commander, stand at attention during a change of responsibility ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 10. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Dawson Roth)

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Cdre Bassett said; “Our nations have nurtured a shared vision of maritime security, and one of the biggest successes has been learning from each other. Together, we have kept significant amounts of harmful narcotics off the streets, disrupting terrorist groups’ financing and we’ve continued to suppress piracy.

“The professionalism, dedication, commitment, and humour displayed by all those who’ve served during my time at CMF has been truly impressive. It has been an honour to serve as Deputy Commander.”

New Deputy Commander, Commodore Ahlgren is no stranger to CMF or the region, having served multiple deployments in Bahrain and the wider area. Most recently, in 2019 he served as Commander of CTF-150, one of the three CMF Combined Task Forces. He will serve in his new role for the next twelve months.

Royal Navy Commodore Dean Bassett, right, outgoing deputy commander of CMF, salutes Royal Navy Commodore Ed Ahlgren OBE, left, during a change of responsibility ceremony presided over by Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and CMF, onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 10. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Dawson Roth)

Speaking at the changeover, Commander of CMF, Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo praised Commodore Bassett’s achievements not just as a dedicated and determined leader, but as a friend whose efforts within the 33-nation coalition have earned the respect and admiration of all.

The post, a standing role covered by the Royal Navy, encompasses additional duties as United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander, the UK’s long-standing presence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean, with a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as ensuring the safe flow of oil and trade.