US-LED NAVY TASK FORCE TO COMBAT IRAN THREAT
▶ Middle East allies work together to share expertise with focus on boosting regional maritime security
The US-led Combined Maritime Forces established a new task force yesterday to train its allied navies and improve maritime security in the Middle East.
A ceremony was held at the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain to commission Combined Task Force 154.
“Our navies are at their very best when we train, operate and work together,” said Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, the US Fifth Fleet and the CMF.
An increase in Iranian threats in the region has played a major role in the decision to set up the new force, the US said.
“Establishing CTF 154 demonstrates our deep commitment to strengthening and expanding partnerships through new training opportunities that will enhance regional maritime security,” Vice Admiral Cooper said.
CTF 154 will lead multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East and is there to enable exercises without ships or aircraft.
Participants from the military forces of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UK and US began arriving on Sunday for courses on first aid and vesselboarding procedures.
“I am excited to lead an international team in this important work,” said Capt Oliver Herion, CTF 154’s commander.
“Collectively, CMF has tremendous experience and expertise with critical skills, tools and relationships.”
CTF 154 will host training events in five main areas – maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance and leadership development.
Each course will be tailored to meet partner requests and range from the basic to advanced levels.
“Focusing our efforts to facilitate training for the multinational partnership will refine our skill sets and reinforce our ability to operate together,” said Capt Herion.
“We are ‘Stronger Together’ and ‘Ready Together.’ That is what CMF is all about.”
The CMF is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with the 38 nations involved committed to upholding the international rules-based order on the high seas. In recent weeks, the US military has said it will work to increase defensive capabilities in the Gulf after Iranian forces waylaid and harassed commercial ships.
In the last two years, Iran has harassed, attacked or interfered with the navigational rights of 15 internationally flagged commercial vessels, US officials say.