(RightWing.org) – The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a US-led multinational naval partnership established in February 2002. The CMF’s primary role is upholding the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) across roughly 3.2 million square miles of international waters. A US Navy Vice Admiral commands the partnership, which includes 38 member nations. The CMF recently announced the creation of its latest combined task force (CTF) at an overseas ceremony.
On May 24, the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) issued a press release detailing the recent commissioning of CTF 154, the CMF’s fifth task force. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander for NAVCENT and the CMF, announced the partnership’s latest joint venture during a May 2 ceremony in Manama, Bahrain.
US Navy Capt. Oliver Herion will serve as CTF 154’s first commander, but an officer from another member state will take over as early as this autumn. The new task force will organize and carry out training events covering “five core” areas of operations, including leadership development and maritime awareness, interdiction, law, and rescue. CMF 154 will tailor the exercises to “meet partner requests” and will range from basic to advanced-level operations.
The other four task forces include:
- CTF 150, which concentrates on providing maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.
- CTF 151, which heads up counter-piracy operations throughout Middle Eastern waters.
- CTF 152, which provides maritime security throughout the Arabian Gulf.
- CTF 153, which focuses on CMF operation in the Red Sea.
Vice Adm. Cooper told ceremony attendees that their respective navies operate at their “very best” when they “train… and work together.” He also noted the commission of the CMF’s latest task force demonstrates the combined forces’ commitment to strengthening and expanding joint ventures through “new training operations” to enhance “regional maritime security.”
Capt. Herion echoed that sentiment, applauded the CMF’s “tremendous strength and expertise,” and stressed the ongoing work to accomplish the partnership member’s mutual and individual goals.
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