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News | March 1, 2023

Combined Task Force 152 Projects Multinational Presence in Arabian Gulf

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark Thomas Mahmod

A Bahrain-led multinational task force from Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) completed a three-day joint sail in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 28, involving naval assets from five nations.  

Ten vessels from Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States operated under Combined Task Force (CTF) 152, one of CMF’s four operational task forces. CMF is the largest international naval partnership in the world, consisting of 38 member-nations and partners.

“Conducting operations such as these makes a difference when we work together for the maritime security and stability of the region,” said Royal Bahrain Naval Force Capt. Rashed Al-Ameen, commander of CTF 152 during the operation.

CTF 152 is CMF’s task force focused on maritime security in the Arabian Gulf. Crewmembers from various units interacted, conducted professional exchanges and demonstrated multinational presence.

Participating vessels included RBNS Ahmed Al Fateh and RBNS Al Manama from Bahrain; KNS Bateel, KCG Al Jaber and KCG Al Mashor from Kuwait; HMS Khalid and SBG Al Mujamah from Saudi Arabia; UAENS Mubarraz and coast guard ship Al Seddeq from the United Arab Emirates; and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) from the United States.

Additionally, personnel from the Royal Guard of Bahrain participated as an observing unit aboard Paul Hamilton, marking the first time the Royal Guard participated in a CMF operation.

CMF is U.S.-led and headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.

CMF forces operate in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Its member-nations and partners are united in promoting international rules-based order to protect the free flow of commerce, ensure regional maritime security and deter illicit activity by non-state actors.