MANAMA, Bahrain – United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore Ed Ahlgren OBE turned over duties as deputy commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to UK Royal Navy Commodore Adrian Fryer in Bahrain, Jan. 13.

Ahlgren has served as CMF’s deputy commander since February 2021. Headquartered in Bahrain, CMF consists of 34 nations that form the world’s largest multinational maritime partnership.

During Ahlgren’s tour, naval forces operating in support of CMF had a record-breaking year for counter-narcotics missions, and conducted maritime security and counter-piracy patrols in regional waters.

“Serving as the deputy commander of the Combined Maritime Forces during the ‘Year of CMF’ has been a great pleasure,” said Ahlgren. “Aside from nearly 70,000 kilograms of drugs seized, the partnership has grown to 34 members and continues to be the archetype for a successful multinational organization. I wish Admiral Cooper, Commodore Fryer and the whole of CMF the very best of luck in 2022.”

Ahlgren is slated for promotion to rear admiral and will serve as the Royal Navy’s operations commander when he returns to the United Kingdom.

Fryer previously served in the Middle East region as the commander of Coalition Task Force Sentinel, the operational arm for the International Maritime Security Construct, whose assigned forces help ensure the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb.

“I look forward to serving as the deputy commander of the Combined Maritime Forces,” said Fryer. “The organization has been exceptional throughout 2021 in the face of COVID restrictions, for which I thank Commodore Ahlgren. I am privileged to continue that legacy alongside our member and partner nations.”

In addition to his new post as CMF’s deputy commander, Fryer serves as the United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander and senior naval officer in the Middle East. CMF upholds rules-based international order by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability, and prosperity across some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.