MANAMA, Bahrain — Sri Lanka-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 teamed with Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) to host their monthly Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) to 30 participants from 17 countries.

The training covered key topics such as introduction to maritime shipping, dark and gray shipping, and an interactive maritime trade scenario. Maritime industry resource personnel also provided insights to broaden participants’ understanding of key subject areas, facilitate discussion, foster collaborations and strengthen relationships within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) network.

“This training is conducted by specialist from maritime industry who will bring practical, real world experience to the table,” said Commodore Manjula Hewa Battage, commander of CTF 154. “Engaging with such experts is vital to broadening and enhancing our effectiveness in this dynamic domain. The insights gained today will enhance our collective capabilities in addressing complex maritime challenges.”

CTF 154 was established May 2023, and is one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces. CTF 154 leads multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East, enabling more CMF partner nations to participate in training opportunities without ships or aircraft, particularly during courses that are facilitated ashore.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 46-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.