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Commander Task Force 56 Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090706-08
Release Date: 7/6/2009 2:33:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane, Commander Task Force 56 Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander Task Force (CTF) 56 held a change of command during a ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain June 30.

Capt. Vincent Martinez relieved Capt. Michael Jordan as commander of the task force that provides oversight for all Navy expeditionary combat warfare operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Area of Operations, some 3,800 Sailors.

Jordan said he was proud of his Sailors' accomplishments and looked forward to seeing more great things from them in the future.

"As I traveled around the area of operations this past year, I continued to hear the same thing; CTF 56 Sailors love what they do, and they are proud of their missions," he said. "Every day these Sailors are making a difference. They are completing their missions professionally, safely, enthusiastically and most of the time under arduous conditions and high threat environments. Serving with the Sailors of CTF 56 has been my greatest honor and has made my time here one of the most memorable of my 28 years in uniform."

Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), served as the guest speaker for the ceremony and recognized the many forward-deployed commanders serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of CTF 56. She praised the extraordinary work all NECC forces are doing and noted their important contributions as part of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

After reading his orders and assuming command of CTF 56, Martinez thanked Jordan for his contributions to CTF 56's success and for a smooth transition.

"It's a great honor to follow in Captain Jordan's footsteps," Martinez said. "But, I'm excited to be back in the CENTCOM theater and to be entrusted with such a great responsibility."

Martinez also addressed the Sailors of CTF 56 during the ceremony.

"To the expeditionary warriors of Task Force 56, it is a great privilege to serve with each of you," he said. "Your daily operations support all U.S. forces throughout the CENTCOM area of operations. Be proud. Be intrusive leaders, and be dedicated to your mission and also to your Sailors. When faced with adversity, remember the following: persistent determination and moral courage win the day."

CTF 56 is comprised of 10 task groups with a variety of missions including: explosive ordnance disposal, diving, naval construction, expeditionary logistics support, riverine operations, maritime expeditionary security, military intelligence operations, expeditionary combat readiness and combat camera. The task force coordinates theater-wide expeditionary combat warfare missions in order to plan and execute the U.S. 5th Fleet's objectives in the region.

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