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U.S. 5th Fleet/Coalition Forces Continue to Build Regional Partnerships

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080401-13
Release Date: 4/1/2008 1:55:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Bahrain assumed command of the Persian Gulf's primary Task Force April 1, marking the first time coalition forces have been commanded by a Gulf nation.

This and other regional exercises, conferences and exchanges exhibited 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) commitment to regional partnership and cooperation during the month of March.

The month began with an eight-day coalition mine countermeasures exercise in the North Persian Gulf that concluded March 6. U.S., U.K., and Kuwaiti forces trained together to locate, identify and destroy mines planted in a simulated mine threat area. During the exercise, U.S. and U.K. navies engaged in personnel exchanges so Sailors could learn how they conduct mine countermeasure operations.

In a continued effort to coordinate with regional partners, CMF representatives participated in the three-day Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), which began March 17.

Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces, served as the key-note speaker for DIMDEX.

"The U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition believe maritime security is the essential condition for regional stability," he said during his address to conference participants on March 18. "In this part of the world especially, stability is essential to local prosperity, not to mention global economic well being."

U.S. 5th Fleet help keep sea lines of communication open and commercial vessels safe as they transit through the region by maintaining a lawful maritime order. This month, amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) completed interaction patrols by integrating the use of a landing craft utility vessel with air assets during a series of exercises in the Central Persian Gulf.

CMF operations in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden also succeeded in disrupting the transit of contraband, narcotics and alcohol during March.

The most recent interception of contraband occurred March 12 in the Gulf of Aden by frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339). Charlottetown boarded a dhow and discovered approximately 1.7 tons of hashish worth several million dollars. The drugs were disposed of at sea and the vessel was held until local authorities arrived. The success of this interception was a direct result of vigilant Maritime Security Operations.

Several commands changed hands this month throughout CMF as well.

Royal Bahrain Navy Brig. Gen. Abdulla Saeed Al Mansoori relieved U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Bill Gortney as commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 in a ceremony held March 4.

Mansoori said being part of the coalition was important because MSO is a significant responsibility.

"Maritime Security Operation is not a single country's mission, and no country can single-handedly achieve the goal of these operations," he said. "That's why we are joining our friendly navies in this imperative task."

CTF 158 also changed hands when the U.K. Navy assumed command from the Australian Navy, March 10. Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 also had its change of command, March 22.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command remains committed to fostering regional partnerships and improving security, which promotes stability. U.S. 5th Fleet and coalition forces efforts help build and sustain a lawful maritime order.

MSO help set the conditions for security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.