CTF-151 and Djibouti Hold Talks to Combat Piracy
The Commander of Pakistan-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) held a recent engagement via Zoom with the Commander of the Coastguard and Deputy Commander of the Djibouti Marine Nationale. Commodore Abdul Munib SI (M) of Pakistan Navy followed the current Covid-19 trend of using Zoom conference calling to discuss future collaboration and encourage counter-piracy capability development. The virtual meeting also validates that despite Covid-19 restrictions, the CTF-151 mission to engage with regional partners remains at the forefront of CMF’s operational activity. “We share a common goal – to ensure free flow of commerce,” said Cdre Munib. “At CTF-151, our measure of success is to ensure zero piracy incidents. We are already there, now we need to maintain it. Our mutual cooperation and coordination can make this happen.” He added his desire to assist Djibouti in its pathway to joining the CMF as a member nation, further enhancing cooperation between participant nations. Colonel Waiss…
CTF-151 and RBNF Hold Talks To Combat Piracy in the Region
The Commander of the Pakistan-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), Commodore Abdul Munib SI (M) held a recent engagement with the Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF), Rear Admiral Mohamed Yousif Al-Asam at their headquarters. The RBNF has a long history of supporting counter-piracy and maritime security operations in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Area of Operations. While thanking the Admiral for the two Bahraini staff officers supporting CTF-151, Cdre Munib said; “I am extremely delighted at the wonderful job your officers are doing in the CTF-151 team. This helps, not only with mutual learning, but also for capacity-building amongst member nations.” “The measure of performance at CTF-151 is to have zero incidents of piracy in the region. We are continuously working to maintain this status in the region,” added Cdre Munib. “The cooperation and support extended by RBNF has helped the CMF forces in a big way…
CMF Hosts the United Kingdom, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chiefs of Staff Committee (SEAC)
The Senior Enlisted members of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) had the pleasure of hosting the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chiefs of Staff Committee (SEAC) from the United Kingdom, WO1 Glenn Haughton. The event, which was attended by Senior Enlisted Leaders from many different nations and service organizations including Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Marines, and Border Guard personnel, was an opportunity for multinational partners to hear a great message from a leader with over 30 years of service who has operated at the highest levels of the Senior Enlisted Continuum. Previously the first appointed British Army Sergeant Major – the Army’s highest enlisted position – he was appointed by the Chiefs of Staff Committee as the first SEAC, becoming the highest ranking enlisted member in the UK’s Armed Forces. WO1 Haughton described his definition of leadership as “caring for your people”, and used this as the basis…
USS Port Royal Maritime Interdiction in North Arabian Sea
The guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73), deployed to U.S. Fifth Fleet and operating in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), interdicted a shipment of more than 1100lbs. (521kg) of suspected narcotics from a dhow in the international waters of the North Arabian Sea, Dec. 18. Twenty-three bags of narcotics were discovered and tested, resulting in a seizure of approximately 150lbs. (45kg) of suspected hash, 400lbs. (181kg) of methamphetamines and more than 600lbs. (272kg) of heroin. This seizure, conducted in direct support of CMF’s Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, marks the fifth CMF drugs seizure since October. To mitigate the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, the boarding team undertook carefully executed precautionary measures during and after the boarding, to include decontamination of all seized contraband. The CMF is a multinational maritime partnership which exists to counter illicit non-state actors in international waters, promoting security, stability and prosperity…
Turkish Navy hands over Task Force command to Pakistan
Rear Adm. Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy has formally handed-over command of Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force 151 to Commodore Abdul Munib of the Pakistani Navy, in a special ceremony held at the US Navy’s NAVCENT headquarters in Bahrain, Dec. 9. This concludes Turkey’s sixth command of CTF-151. Formed in 2009, CTF-151 this maritime defence force is primarily dedicated to the deterrence, disruption and suppression of piracy and armed robbery at sea, and to engage with regional and other partners to strengthen relevant capabilities in the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and the Indian Ocean. RAdm Inanir praised the international nature of the Task Force, citing this as the main reason for its ongoing success. “We have a truly international blend of staff from 10 countries, each bringing their own culture and experience to our task force,” he said. “The wide range of strengths and different approaches…
CTF-151 and Royal Navy of Oman Talk of Future Counter-Piracy Operations
Commander of CTF 151 (CCTF 151), Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir held a Zoom call with Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Kamis Bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO) to discuss future combined efforts around the Gulf of Aden. Discussions were held between the two commanders to ensure that future counter-piracy operations are as successful as the recent Focused Operation Shamal, which saw forces from Oman, Djiouti, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea and Japan participate in a large coordinated maritime operation to deter piracy and reassure merchant shipping. Rear Admiral Inanir said: “I pass on my thanks and appreciation on behalf of CMF for all the support given by the Royal Navy of Oman. By working together, we have managed to suppress piracy and keep the waters safe for all legitimate mariners. Knowing that Oman will assist with future operations is a very welcome statement of intent…
Maritime Interdiction in North Arabian Sea, 4 December 2020
The guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), deployed to U.S. Fifth Fleet and operating in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), interdicted a shipment of more than 2,000lbs (900kgs) of suspected narcotics from a vessel in the international waters of the Arabian Sea, Dec. 4. This seizure, conducted in direct support of CMF’s Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, marks the fourth CMF drugs seizure since October. The narcotics are currently in U.S. custody awaiting analysis. To mitigate the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, the boarding team undertook carefully executed precautionary measures during and after the boarding, to include decontamination of all seized contraband. Ralph Johnson initially identified a dhow loitering without power in international waters. The ship approached to determine if the dhow required assistance, and a subsequent search discovered the narcotics. CMF is a multinational maritime partnership which exists to counter illicit non-state actors in international…
USS Winston S. Churchill Completes CMF Air Defence Exercise
The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) participated in an air defence exercise (ADEX) in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 23, 2020. “Working with partner nations is essential,” said Cdr. Brian Anthony, Executive Officer of Winston S. Churchill. “Coordinated exercises, such as this ADEX with our French partners, are opportunities that strengthen our Sailors’ and partners’ ability to operate together.” Air defence operations aid in the refinement of tactics, techniques and procedures for interoperability in support of future operations. The U.S. Navy routinely conducts and participates in training with partner nations to develop and enhance defensive capabilities. This exercise involved coordination between the Winston S. Churchill and a squadron of French Mirage 2000 fighter jets while defending against simulated, air-based threats. “It’s always a great opportunity when Winston S. Churchill’s air defence team can train with other units in the…
CMF’s Senior Enlisted meet for Senior Enlisted Leadership Forum
This week the Senior Enlisted members of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) met together for CMF’s latest Senior Enlisted Leadership Forum. The event, which was attended by 25 members representing a number of CMF’s 33 member countries’ naval, coast guard, and border guard forces, was an opportunity for individuals to meet with their counterparts from other partner nations. The forum discussed the multinational and multicultural make-up of CMF, as well as future enlisted leadership opportunities including the building of an enlisted professional development program. The forum was organised by Command Master Chief Lucas Pullen of the US Coast Guard, the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for CMF. “Today’s meeting was an opportunity for all of CMF’s Senior Enlisted personnel to come together, and to talk as friends and as colleagues about the important work that they do to contribute to the shared CMF missions,” said CMC Pullen. Enlisted personnel are non-commissioned…
First Jordanian Officers in Combined Maritime Forces Return to the Coalition
The first two officers to represent Jordan in a Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) task force have returned to the multinational maritime coalition. Commander Mohannad Alnamat and Commander Derar Alhawamleh from the Royal Jordanian Navy both joined CMF as lieutenants in 2012, working under the tasking of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 152. Both have now returned to the organisation, working in roles within the CMF headquarters. At the time, CTF 152, which conducts maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf, was led by the US Navy, with three positions within the headquarters being filled by regional naval forces including the Jordanian Navy and the Kuwait Coastguard. Fast forward to 2020, and until recently CTF 152 was under the command of the Royal Jordanian Navy, the third time since joining CMF in 2007 that the nation commanded a task force. In fact, it was during CDR Alnamat and CDR Alhawamleh’s time…