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British Chief of Joint Operations Visits USS Cape St. George

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060120-05
Release Date: 1/20/2006 10:58:00 AM

By Ensign Robin Roberts, Expeditionary Strike Group 8 Public Affairs

USS CAPE ST. GEORGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The United Kingdom’s Chief of Joint Operations (CJO), Air Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, met with the staff of Commander Task Force (CTF) 58, currently led by Royal Navy Commodore Bruce Williams, aboard USS Cape St. George (CG 71) Jan. 10 in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

Torpy received briefs from the staff of CTF 58, reviewing the coalition’s maritime security operations in the North Persian Gulf. CTF 58 maintains security in and around both Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya oil terminals; set the conditions for security and stability in Iraqi territorial waters and supports the Iraqi government’s request for security assistance in the maritime environment.

“I am glad the [air marshal] was able to see at firsthand how a multi-national staff under a British commander is leading U.S., Australian, British and Iraqi units from a U.S. warship,” said British Lt. Chris Benarr, the CTF 58 staff battle watch captain.

This visit underscores the important role that coalition operations have towards security in the Northern Persian Gulf, according to Benarr.

“Air Marshal Torpy’s visit was a great opportunity for the CJO to see the teamwork involved in the coalitions’ efforts in establishing and maintaining maritime security and stability in the region,” said Lt. Cmdr. John R. Gray, Cape St. George’s executive officer.

Cape St. George is currently serving as the flagship for CTF 58. Cape St. George left Norfolk, Va., Nov. 7 for a six-month deployment as part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 currently supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny the illegal use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.