CMF Delivers Maritime Security Training
French frigate FS Dupleix (D641) recently completed two days of maritime security training with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The programme involved classroom lectures on boarding techniques, alongside live role plays and practical boarding scenarios, courtesy of the U.S. Coastguard detachment in Bahrain. Experts from the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) were on hand to advise on evidence gathering and handling methods, whilst CMF’s legal team delivered a brief on the complex considerations relating to international maritime law. There were also talks on human factors, such as cultural considerations, conversational skills, body language and deceptive behaviour. Maritime Security Operations (MSO) are undertaken by CMF’s three task forces. Approach and Assist Visits form a key part of ongoing effort to provide assistance to the maritime community and to deter illegal activity, whilst Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) is the procedure by which CMF warships inspect merchant vessels suspected of engaging…
Commanders Discuss Somali Counter-Piracy Operations
At Sea, Somali Basin – On 28 Sept. 2010, commander, Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), Rear Adm. Sinan Ertugrul of the Turkish Navy, hosted the commander of the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), French Rear Adm. Phillipe Coindreau. The ninety minute meeting between the two commanders took place onboard CTF-151 flagship TCG Gokceada, with Coindreau arriving by helicopter from his flagship, French frigate FS De Grasse (D612). The purpose of the meeting was to improve the working relationship between the two maritime forces, deepening understanding and increasing cooperation. “The meeting was very fruitful,” stated Ertugrul after the meeting. “We have both benefited a great deal from this meeting. Both forces are in the region to deal with piracy, and such meetings give us the opportunity to share the burden of such a great task. Today’s meeting reinforces both Task Forces’ commitment to dealing with the global issue of piracy. We have…
Thailand Joins CMF Counter-Piracy Mission
MANAMA, BAHRAIN – Eight officers from the Royal Thai Navy have arrived at Combined Maritime Forces headquarters, Bahrain, in preparation for the historic deployment of two Thai vessels to the Gulf of Aden. The offshore patrol vessel, HTMS Pattani, and the support ship, HTMS Similan, will conduct counter-piracy operations with Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), currently commanded by Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul of the Turkish Navy. The 98-day deployment involves a total of 351 Thai personnel, led by Rear Admiral Chaiyot Sundaranaga. Vice Adm. Mark Fox, Commander CMF, said, “We are delighted that Thailand has joined CMF. Our strength derives from the fact that, as a coalition of the willing, we can achieve more by working together than any single nation or navy could do alone.” CTF-151’s mission is to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy, protecting maritime vessels of any nationality and securing freedom of navigation in the Gulf of…
16th SHADE Meets to discuss Counter-Piracy
On September 21st National representatives from 32 countries met in Bahrain along with International Law Enforcement Representatives, Shipping Industry representatives and representatives of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) Maritime Security Council, Horn of Africa (MSC HOA) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to discuss the counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin. The SHADE meeting was established to provide a forum in which the various military elements engaged in counter-piracy operations in the region, have a means to discuss their successes and challenges in the dynamic area of operations. The forum is also a means of offering new practices and establishing co-ordination on activities. SHADE also provides interaction with representatives of the shipping industry which raises the concerns of the merchant traffic that transit through the region and allows military commanders to understand the concerns and limitations of the companies who derive…