CTF 52 Holds Change of Command
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha P. Montenegro
| November 19, 2018
MANAMA, Bahrain --
Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 5/Commander, Task Force (CTF) 52 held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Nov. 19.
Capt. Jeffrey Morganthaler relieved Capt. Michael Egan as commander of MCMRON 5/CTF 52 in the ceremony, presided by Rear Adm. Paul Schlise, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
Schlise made a point during his speech to highlight the teamwork and dedication to mission displayed by Egan and how it positively impacted those under his charge.
“Exercises, operations and doctrine are only part of the leadership characteristics Mike possesses,” said Schlise. “He is more than just an expert warfighter, he is a well-rounded officer who has developed his officers and Sailors.”
Under Egan’s leadership, CTF 52 participated in over 20 multinational exercises, including eight Mine Countermeasures Exercises (MCMEX). MCMEX, a quarterly exercise conducted between the U.S. and United Kingdom, enhances cooperation, mutual mine countermeasure capabilities and interoperability, demonstrating the shared commitment of ensuring unfettered operations of naval, support and commercial vessels throughout the maritime domain.
Before reading his orders, Egan spoke about his experiences and expressed gratitude for the men and women he was fortunate to lead.
“My experiences here can’t be put into words or a sound bite. My Sailors are the best and the brightest around, and it was truly an honor for me to serve alongside them,” said Egan. “But they’re in good hands, Capt. Morganthaler is more than equipped to continue and lead the charge in the area of operation.”
CTF 52 plans and executes mine warfare operations in support of U.S. 5th Fleet operational objectives. The command's efforts are critical to maintaining sea lines of communication, deterring and countering disruptive adversaries, and strengthening regional partner maritime capabilities to promote a secure maritime environment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The region is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab-al-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.