MANAMA, Bahrain — In a step towards enhancing maritime security in piracy-prone areas, Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA’s CTF 465 conducted week-long coordinated patrols in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. This combined effort was aimed at deterring piracy, armed robbery and other illicit activities in ATALANTA and CMF areas of operation to ensure the security of vital sea lines of communication.

These collaborations improve interoperability between naval forces and help in sharing best practices. CMF leadership and commanders of both task forces are keen to set new standards for multinational counter-piracy efforts by ensuring tighter operational coordination and frequent information sharing. These coordinated patrols are the first step in this direction. Both task forces aim to conduct frequent coordinated patrols in the future for asset optimization, deconflicting lines of effort and ensuring mutual assistance.

These coordinated patrols reflect the spirit of collaboration and collective resolve towards peace and stability in the region, one of the major focus areas of CMF and ATALANTA. By working closely with CTF 465, CTF 151 aims to create a more secure environment for maritime community and ensure the free flow of trade.

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the EUNAVFOR, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.