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Adm. Cosgriff Outlines Importance of Maritime Security in Gulf

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080701-05
Release Date: 7/1/2008 3:18:00 PM

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

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces met with regional media in Bahrain, June 30 to discuss the role of maritime security in the Gulf, which builds a foundation for regional security and global prosperity.

Cosgriff explained that maritime forces are important because of their role in safeguarding maritime infrastructure and keeping key sea lanes open to legitimate traffic.

"As the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, my job is to provide security within the region," said Cosgriff. "From security arises stability, which enables and enhances trade, promotes economic activity and increases local and global prosperity."

Cosgriff noted there are several security concerns in the region, and violent extremism is the most troublesome.

"Extremism is still very attractive to some in the region and is growing at the 'speed of lies,'" Cosgriff said.

"These emboldened and unpredictable actions cause regional and global risk. I believe extremism cannot and must not be tolerated."

Cosgriff said coalition naval forces in the region help deter and deny violent extremists the use of the sea for terror. He also highlighted the need to foster partnerships within the region.

"Our maritime forces interact with virtually every country in the region. And to my thinking, the combination of persistent, credible naval powers conducting maritime security operations is precisely the sort of things we ought to be doing."

Collectively, NAVCENT's objectives are to maintain maritime security, ensure regional access for commerce, confront and defend against violent extremists and assist regional nations improve their own capabilities.

NAVCENT and the coalition are comprised of 20 nations including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom who work together to deny violent extremists the use of the sea. Coalition forces operate from the northern Gulf, to the Strait of Hormuz, to the Suez Canal, and from Pakistan to Kenya.

Operations in NAVCENT's area of operations focus on reassuring regional partners of the coalition's commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

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