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.

Dec. 8, 2023

U.S., Japan ships complete bilateral exercise in Gulf of Aden

GULF OF ADEN – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer FS Akebono (DD 108) conducted bilateral exercise in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25. Meeting at sea, the ships practiced a range of surface warfare events, including visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), helicopter deck landing qualifications (DLQ), divisional tactics (DIVTACs), and personnel exchanges.

Nov. 27, 2023

IKE Strike Group Transits the Strait of Hormuz

ARABIAN GULF — The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) completed a scheduled transit through the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 26.

Nov. 14, 2023

USS Stethem, Task Force 59 put more eyes in the sky, expanding maritime domain awareness

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) recently demonstrated expansive maritime domain awareness, utilizing Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicles during operations in the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 8-9.

Oct. 6, 2023

After U.S. Downs Turkish Drone in Syria, Focus Remains on Defeat ISIS Mission

WASHINGTON D.C. - An American F-16 fighter aircraft shot down a Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle that had been observed conducting airstrikes in a U.S.-restricted operating zone about a kilometer from U.S. forces in Syria today.  During a phone call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, the two leaders discussed the incident and agreed that while it is regrettable, the focus must remain on the important mission to defeat ISIS in Syria, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a media briefing today. 

Oct. 6, 2023

U.S. 5th Fleet Enhances Middle East Maritime Security with Unmanned Capabilities

MANAMA, Bahrain — Last month, naval forces in the Middle East region successfully integrated unmanned platforms with traditionally crewed ships and aircraft to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula.