NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain – Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 conducted operation Sea Shield in the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 2-5.

The operation focused on deterring and disrupting illicit narcotics smuggling, illegal shipping of controlled materials, and armed robbery at sea. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States all contributed maritime assets.

Sea Shield saw coordination between the Kuwait Naval Force, Coast Guard and Police Aviation assets from the Kuwaiti Ministry of the Interior; the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard; the Qatari Emiri Navy, the Royal Bahraini Naval Force; the Royal Saudi Naval Force and Saudi General Directorate of Border Guards.

The CMF Task Forces are well placed to promote communication and information sharing between nations which operate within the area of responsibility. CTF 152 acts as a single point of contact between all of the national Naval Operations Centers in order to quickly identify any illicit activity in the Arabian Gulf and inform the closest national asset to intervene.  

This operation formed part of CMF and CTF 152s ongoing efforts to promote legitimate maritime activities and ensure that the Arabian Gulf remains a safe and secure environment.

CTF 152 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 152’s mission is to counter smuggling activities, disrupt activities that support terrorism using the maritime commons and to support legal fishing in the Arabian Gulf.

CMF is the world’s largest naval partnership, with 46 countries working together. Other task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 154, enhancing maritime security training throughout the region.

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