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Combined Task Force 152 Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091110-10
Release Date: 11/10/2009 9:58:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 held a change of command ceremony in the United Arab Emirates Nov. 9.

United Arab Emirates Navy Staff Col. Tareq Khalfan A. Al Zaabi relieved Royal Navy Commodore Tim Lowe as commodore.

Lowe stressed the importance of being a part of the coalition as it enabled full integration of Combined Maritime Force (CMF) partner nations to complement the regional counter-terrorism and security efforts.

"The tactical front line unit level, the operational Naval Operations Centre and the strategic engagement between our navies all contribute towards maritime security in the region," said Lowe.

Established in March 2004, CTF 152 coordinates engagement activities with regional partners, conducts Maritime Security Operations, and is prepared to respond to any crisis inside the Persian Gulf.

"Our coalition forces are at the forefront of Maritime Security Operations at sea," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, CMF. "We are committed to maintaining stability and security in the region because it supports global commerce."

Gortney also praised Lowe for his accomplishments as task force commander.

"This ceremony marks the end of Commodore Lowe's command of CTF 152. Not only did he engage with coalition leadership throughout the region, but he and his staff have laid the groundwork for the establishment of a core CTF 152 staff," he said.

CTF 152 engages with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and their naval, Coast Guard and infrastructure protection agencies to limit illegal activities and defeat destabilizing activities in the Persian Gulf, as well as in their own territorial waters.

CTF 152 also conducts Maritime Security Operations to help improve security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations further complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of GCC nations and seek to impede the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or other illicit maritime activities.

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