NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (Nov. 4, 2025) — Nearly 140 personnel from 22 countries, and 45 training facilitators from eight organizations and international agencies, provided training for more than 80 multi-national personnel during exercise Compass Rose V at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Oct. 26-29.

The four-day engagement, facilitated by Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Italian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, was the largest exercise of its kind in task force coalition history, and aimed to improve knowledge-sharing, experience and best practices across maritime operations.

“This [exercise] exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation that defines Combined Maritime Forces,” said Italian Navy Capt. Andrea Bielli, commander of CTF 154. “The diversity of knowledge and experience shared during these four days strengthens our collective capability to address maritime security challenges.”

Key international partners and organizations in attendance were from the CMF Staff, U.S. 5th Fleet Task Force 59, U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Force Southwest Asia, United Kingdom Maritime Component Command, United Nations Officer on Drugs and Crime, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization), Oil Spill Response Limited, and the NSA Bahrain fire and emergency services department.

Instructors and facilitators provided expert contributions across five training modules and workshops including: maritime domain awareness; visit, board, search, and seizure; maritime law; humanitarian law; firefighting and damage control.

The different levels of organizational command serve as a basis for participating nations to enhance their maritime domain awareness, share operational experiences and strengthen the bonds of partnership, essential to maintaining security and stability in international waters.

The record number of participants in 2025 demonstrate the growing commitment of the international community in collaborating the maritime security effort while setting a new benchmark for future operations.

CTF 154 plays a vital role in maritime security operations in the region, fostering partnerships and interoperability among coalition partners.

Combined Maritime Forces, 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 47 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.