MOMBASA, Kenya — Kenya Operation Southern Readiness 2026 (K-OSR 26), a four-day
multinational training event which aimed to strengthen regional maritime security cooperation under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) framework, was held at Bandari Maritime academy and Mtongwe Naval Base, in Mombasa, Kenya, and concluded Jan. 29.

K-OSR 26 was planned and conducted by the Italian-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), in close coordination with the Kenya Navy, and drew the largest turnout for a single training activity in the history of CTF 154.

K-OSR 26 was the second iteration of the Southern Readiness training series, following the inaugural event hosted by Seychelles. The growing scale of participation underscored the continued expansion of partner-focused maritime training and highlighted Italy’s tenure as a period of record engagement across both Operation Compass Rose and the Operation Readiness series.

Hosting the event showcased the Kenya Navy’s ability to support large-scale multinational
training, leveraging modern facilities, experienced instructors and a strong commitment to
regional maritime stability.

The training combined shore-based instruction, professional lectures and practical exercises.

A total of 108 trainees participated, representing the Kenya Navy and Coast Guard, Kenyan
maritime agencies, the Yemen Navy and Coast Guard, and representatives from the Djibouti
Coast Guard, Oman, Qatar and the Somalia Navy. Somalia also participated in a CTF 154-
organized training event for the first time. An additional 18 observers and 30 facilitators took part, bringing total participation to more than 160 personnel.

Ten international organizations and government entities contributed subject matter expertise and instructional support, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta, EUNAVFOR Aspides, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Hellenic Navy, the Italian Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. A Brazilian Navy legal officer delivered lectures remotely from Bahrain via video teleconference.

Italian Navy Capt. Andrea Bielli, commander of CTF 154; the task force’s deputy commander from the Royal Canadian Navy; and two Italian Navy officers traveled to Kenya to engage with trainees, facilitators and Kenyan counterparts. Multinational CTF 154 staff from Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Jordan and Sri Lanka provided planning and support from Bahrain.

Through its scale and diversity of participants, K-OSR 26 enhanced interoperability,
strengthened professional networks and deepened shared understanding of regional maritime security challenges. Organizers said lessons learned and relationships formed during the event will inform future multinational training activities and contribute to collective maritime readiness across the region.

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.