MANAMA, Bahrain – Ships and aircraft from four nations conducted a multi-lateral exercise focused on a combined response to a maritime search and rescue in the northern Arabian Gulf, April 27.

Combined Task Force (CTF) 152’s capability to quickly take command of multi-national forces were showcased as it coordinated with ships from the Iraqi Naval Force, Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard, UK Royal Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as a helicopter from the Kuwait Police Flying Wing, to respond to a simulated aircraft water landing in the sea.

The incident, known as a SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), has a special importance within the maritime community, uniting aviators and seafarers in their desire to preserve life. Royal Navy ship HMS Middleton was directed to act as on-scene commander, allowing it to identify the best search areas and act as a vital communications link with other forces.

“The success of this exercise has strengthened the unity of Combined Maritime Forces within the Arabian Gulf, expanding capabilities and demonstrating the importance of CTF 152’s leadership in the region,” said Kuwait Commodore Mohammad Alarefi, commander of CTF 152. “These lessons learned and successes will ensure CTF 152 and CMF continue to safeguard lives at sea well into the future.”

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.

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.