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Coalition Forces Conduct Exercise Arabian Gauntlet

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090427-09
Release Date: 4/27/2009 5:02:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Coalition naval forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Pakistan, Bahrain and seven regional nations completed a nine-day exercise in the Arabian Gulf, which focused on air, surface and maritime security training April 27.

Conducted by Task Force (TF) 52 and Combined Task Force (CTF) 152, Exercise Arabian Gauntlet demonstrated the ability of coalition forces to counter potential mine-laying activities as well as increase interoperability between coalition partners.

"The exercise gave the coalition an opportunity to improve our tactical proficiency, specifically in the area of mine warfare, surface and air warfare and off-shore infrastructure protection," said Capt. Brian Brakke, commander, TF 52. "Support from all nations was outstanding, and the interpersonal relationships developed during the exercise will be vital to enhancing and maintaining security and stability throughout the region."

The mine countermeasures capability is an element of maritime security operations (MSO). Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

"Coalition forces are vital to promoting regional security and maintaining stability in this region," said Brakke. "Exercises are merely preparations for real-world operations."

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.