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Combined Task Force 152 Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080928-12
Release Date: 9/28/2008 8:42:00 PM

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

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup relieved Royal Navy Commodore Peter Hudson as commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters, Sept. 28.

Established in 2004, CTF 152 is responsible for conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the central and southern Arabian Gulf.

"The Royal Navy has done a superb job commanding CTF 152," said Wisecup. "All of our coalition partners are focused on assuring countries in the region of our commitment to help develop and build security and prosperity. Our presence in this region is a continuation of decades of policy to protect the free flow of commerce."

Under Hudson's command, CTF 152 fostered positive relationships with local mariners by conducting interaction patrols (IPATS) on a regular basis. Combined Maritime Forces informed local mariners of the coalition's presence and their commitment to maritime security as well as conducted bilateral and multinational exercises with coalition partners. These efforts significantly contributed to building and maintaining a network of mutual trust and respect between regional navies and the mariners who use the Arabian Gulf.

"This has been a hugely rewarding period, working with tremendous navies and coast guards who all share the common vision of maintaining a safe and secure Gulf," said Hudson, who took command of CTF 152 June 5. "Through a series of exercises we have seen a vast improvement in combined interaction with Regional Maritime Forces (RMF) who now possess a far greater understanding of the coalition effort."

The ceremony concluded the Royal Navy's first command of CTF 152.

"We are now handing a well established organization to Wisecup and his team, and I am certain he will build on what has been achieved to ensure the continued progress in the CTF 152 area," said Hudson.

IPATS are an element of MSO which help generate support and awareness among commercial vessels sailing in the region of the coalition's efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment. Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

MSO help develop 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.

The flexibility and capability of coalition forces make them well positioned to respond to any potential emergent situations. Through operations and training with regional partners, Combined Maritime Forces enhance existing cooperative relationships with an aim to support regional countries' struggles against violent extremists.

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