MANAMA, Bahrain (Nov. 17, 2025) — Focused Operation Mare Liberum V, which brought together personnel from 13 nations and integrated 11 naval units and nine air assets, with support from seven maritime information-sharing centers and two international organizations, concluded in Bahrain, Nov. 6.

The enhanced maritime domain awareness training, organized by Brazilian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, reinforced the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) commitment to maritime security and the free flow of global trade routes across the Western Indian Ocean.

From Nov. 2-6, participating units maintained an extensive presence across key shipping routes and delivered 382 maritime awareness calls to merchant ships, dhows and fishing vessels, promoting best practices and reinforcing adherence to maritime security guidance. The operation also strengthened understanding of activities in the region and contributed to the collective effort to deter piracy and illicit maritime activities.

Commander of CTF 151, Brazilian Navy Rear Adm. Marcelo Lancellotti emphasized the success of Focused Operation Mare Liberum V goes beyond the figures achieved at sea; it represents the strength of coordination, trust and readiness that unite CMF.

Lancellotti referenced the response to a recent piracy incident involving the Merchant Tanker Hellas Aphrodite to illustrate this approach.

“Focused Operation Mare Liberum V enabled a rapid exchange of information and swift action, which were decisive for the successful rescue of the merchant ship Hellas Aphrodite, attacked by pirates during our operation,” said Lancellotti. “A Japanese Maritime Patrol Aircraft, in coordination with CMF, located and disseminated information, enabling the prompt deployment and engagement of the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA flagship ESPS Victoria. This coordinated effort ensured the effective disruption of the pirate group and protection of the vessel’s crew.”

During Focused Operation Mare Liberum V, other CMF units and partners demonstrated interoperability and responsiveness through coordinated patrols, intelligence exchange and real-time communication across multiple maritime centers. The operation also included engagements with regional maritime security entities and the planning of a law seminar, promoting legal cooperation and the rule of law at sea.

The successful conclusion of Focused Operation Mare Liberum V reinforces CMF’s enduring role as the largest multinational maritime partnership in the world, dedicated to promoting regional stability, deterring illegal activities and ensuring the safety of maritime navigation.

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.