Feb. 23, 2024

Multilateral Maritime Engagement 24.1: Strengthening Regional Partnerships for Enhanced Stability

MANAMA, Bahrain - Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) is proud to announce Multilateral Maritime Engagement (MME) 24.1, a symposium aimed at fostering multilateral opportunities, partnerships, and capabilities within the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR). MME 24.1 will take place from 21-22 February 2024 in Bahrain, where TF 51/5 will host military leaders from across the region to advance bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The symposium will serve as a platform for military leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UK to engage in meaningful discussions about issues facing maritime security in the region, and to collaborate on strategic planning.

Feb. 20, 2024

Saudi Arabia Hosts U.S. CENTCOM Command Surgeon and Partner Nations For International Military Medicine Conference and Multinational Medical Response Training

TAMPA, Fla. - Saudi Arabia Military Medical Services hosted the first Multinational Medical Response Training in partnership with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Command Surgeon from Feb. 11-13, in Riyadh. “This inaugural event’s purpose is to create an enduring regional medical disaster response framework that enhances stability and collaboration throughout the region,” said USCENTCOM Command Surgeon U.S. Army Col. Larry McCord. “I believe this will be the first of many iterations of medical cooperation and training that builds relationships and strengthens our bonds.”

Feb. 20, 2024

International Maritime Security Construct Holds Change of Command

MANAMA, Bahrain — The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 20.

Feb. 15, 2024

U.S. collaborates with allies, partners at Saudi-led Spears of Victory exercise

KING ABDULAZIZ AIR BASE, Saudi Arabia — KING ABDULAZIZ AIR BASE, Saudi Arabia – Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central)’s KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and experts across the fields of command and control, security forces, and other critical operations deployed to the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Spears of Victory exercise Feb. 4-15, at King Abdulaziz Air Base. Spears of Victory includes eight countries and is one of the largest multinational exercises hosted by a U.S. partner in the region. The exercise provides opportunities to develop tactical proficiency, improve interoperability, strengthen military relationships and increase flexibility to address existing and emerging threats.

Feb. 6, 2024

DIA report confirms the Houthis’ use of Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct attacks across the Middle East

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING — DIA report confirms the Houthis’ use of Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct attacks across the Middle East.

Feb. 1, 2024

Cooper Hands Over Command of U.S. 5th Fleet to Wikoff

MANAMA, Bahrain — Vice Adm. Brad Cooper turned over command of Middle East naval forces to Vice Adm. George Wikoff during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 1.

Jan. 29, 2024

U.S. Military and Kuwait Armed Forces Collaborate in Exercise Eager Defender 24

Kuwait City, Kuwait — The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard, U.S Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT) have joined forces in Exercise Eager Defender 24, a bilateral maritime drill aimed at strengthening mutual interoperability and capabilities. This exercise, led by Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5), taking place in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf from January 28 to February 7, showcases the commitment of both nations to regional security and readiness.

Jan. 22, 2024

Ecuador Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 40th Member

MANAMA, Bahrain — On Jan. 11, the Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Ecuador as the 40th member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership.

Jan. 8, 2024

First Drug Interdiction of the Year for CMF French-led Combined Task Force 150

MANAMA, Bahrain — A U.S. Coast Guard cutter operating under the French-led Combined Task Force 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces seized about $11 million worth of illegal drugs from a vessel while operating in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, Jan. 5.

Dec. 13, 2023

International Night at CENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla. - Each year, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosts a celebration that includes Coalition personnel present at MacDill Air Force Base. This celebration brings together many of CENTCOM’s Senior National Representatives (SNRs) and non-commissioned officers, who represent their respective countries at the command. These representatives and their families volunteer to cook and serve foods and sweets, for which their country is famous, to MacDill Air Force Base personnel and members of the Tampa Bay community.