Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) welcomed Kuwait Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Sabah Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah and a delegation from the Kuwait Naval Forces in Bahrain, Aug. 17, underlining Kuwait’s commitment to the CMF mission of upholding the Rules Based International Order (RBIO).

U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Wikoff, commander of CMF, welcomed the delegation and discussed CMF’s role and aims for the future, as well as Kuwait’s vital commitment to the organization. Kuwait Navy Commodore Mohammad Alarefi, commander of CTF 152, delivered a brief on CTF 152’s mission in ensuring maritime security in the Arabian Gulf.

Following this visit to CMF HQ, Major General Al Sabah visited the CTF 152 staff to learn how the important work of delivering CMFs mission is delivered day to day.

“It was a privilege to host Maj Gen Al Sabah. The achievements of CTF 152 reflect the power of partnership and the importance of unity,” said Cdre Alarefi. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident we can continue our work to deter illicit actors, engage with our allies and friends, and strengthen our partnerships.”

Kuwait has been in command of CTF 152 since August 2024, delivering maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf through a diverse team of personnel from 6 nations. This has been a period of change for the CTF, bringing new capabilities such as SeaVision and, within the next few months, Saildrone to the region. These new capabilities ensure CTF 152 will continue to adapt to the evolving challenges of security at sea, and remain a united coalition of nations working to make the waters of the Arabian Gulf safer for all.

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 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.