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Southwest Asia, East Africa, Coalition Maritime Leadership Discuss Maritime Security

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071023-16
Release Date: 10/23/2007 11:21:00 AM

From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Maritime leaders from the Southwest Asia and East Africa regions met in Newport, R.I., Oct. 19 for the Middle East Regional Discussion relating to maritime security.

Hosted by Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander, Combined Maritime Forces, the discussion provided an opportunity for the leaders to participate in a dialogue on issues impacting regional security and stability, including maritime infrastructure protection and maritime domain awareness.

"Maritime security is important for the prosperity of regional citizens, as well as larger global prosperity," Cosgriff said. "We are learning from you, teaming with many of the navies and coast guards represented here. In our coalition, we are taking advantage of opportunities to coordinate and operate together, leveraging our maritime assets for a common purpose."

U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, joined the group to begin the discussions and stressed the U.S. Navy’s commitment to support peace and stability. He also praised the maritime leaders for maintaining security and stability in the region, an important focus of "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower," which he unveiled Oct. 18 to maritime leaders of about 100 countries during the 19th International Seapower Symposium in Newport.

Several countries represented at the symposium are members of Combined Maritime Forces, a 20-nation coalition conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regional nations’ littoral waters. Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.