Italian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, along with the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), hosted their first maritime security enhancement training (MSET) under their leadership, Aug. 20.

This interactive engagement focused on enhancing maritime security and fostering interoperability between CMF partner nations and the maritime industry environment. Thirty-two participants, from 14 different nations, shared information and best practices in maritime operations while gaining valuable knowledge.

In his opening remarks, Italian Navy Commodore Andrea Bielli, commander of CTF 154, highlighted the importance of mutual exchange of understanding among all the different entities related to the maritime domain. He also addressed operating from different approaches and perspectives, yet with the common goal to preserve and enhance the vital role of the seas for the sustainable growth and shared prosperity of worldwide societies.
He also emphasized how bringing together these entities effectively contribute to regional maritime security and strengthen the collaborative spirit within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

The MSET demonstrated CTF 154’s continued commitment to delivering effective maritime training across diverse domains and sets the foundation to further enhance teamwork for the forthcoming activities scheduled under the Italy-led tenure.

CTF 154 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. 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 47-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.