News from the Fleet - 2009
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New Bonhomme Richard ARG Commander Assumes Duty
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea – Capt. Timothy Wilson relieved Capt. Rodney Clark as commander of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7 during a ceremony Dec. 28 held aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), which is currently supporting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
UK FLAGGED MV ST JAMES PARK PIRATED IN GULF OF ADEN
MANAMA, Bahrain – The M/V St James Park, a UK flagged ship, was pirated early yesterday evening (Monday) while transiting the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC) through the Gulf of Aden.
Boxing Day Ashes Match Played At UKMCC Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – A competively played indoor cricket match for the coveted ‘Bahrain Ashes’ took place on Boxing Day when a team from the United Kingdom Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) played against an Australian contingent from Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150).
US Sailor in Afghanistan Receives Call from Pres. Obama
PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Luis Tunake receives a surprise telephone call from President Barack Obama at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan Dec. 24.
Moms send holiday gifts to Nimitz Sailors
USS Nimitz, North Arabian Sea – Sailors deployed on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) received 6,000 boxes filled with holiday gifts from moms of service members on Christmas Day.
President Obama Calls Corpsman on USS Rentz
USS Rentz, North Arabian Sea – President Barack Obama placed a phone call to the independent duty corpsman on the deployed guided-missile frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) today to pass a personal holiday greeting.
Exercise Iron Magic Concludes in Arabian Gulf
AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE AREA, Arabian Gulf – Expeditionary Strike Group Five Commander, Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris joined senior host nation military leadership to observe a combined-arms live-fire exercise followed by a brunch during the final day of Exercise Iron Magic, Dec 15.
Corps’ ‘floating warehouses’ visit Arabian Gulf
091217-O-9999X-005.jpg USNS SGT MATEJ KOCAK, Arabian Gulf, Dec. 12, 2009 - A Marine Corps "floating warehouse" recently made a stop in the Arabian Gulf to showcase the capabilities of the Marine Corps Maritime Prepositioning Force.
USS Ingraham Holds Change of Command
MIDDLE EAST - Cmdr. Adam Welter relieved Cmdr. Matthew D. Ovios as commanding officer of USS Ingraham (FFG 61), Dec. 13, in a ceremony held aboard USS Ingraham.
Australia Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 150
MANAMA, Bahrain – Australian Navy Commodore Richard Menhinick assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah during a change of command ceremony held December 16 on Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.
Royal Bahraini Navy visits HMS Grimsby
MANAMA, Bahrain – Five Royal Bahraini Navy Force (RBNF) officers were given a guided tour of HMS Grimsby in Mina Salman, Bahrain, recently.
International Delegates Visit Coalition Destroyer
MANAMA, Bahrain – Sixteen delegates from the Arabian Gulf security symposium, Manama Dialogue, were greeted aboard the coalition warship USS Grace Hopper (DDG 70) by thirty multi-national officers assigned to Coalition Maritime Forces (CMF) December 13.
General Petraeus Holds Spirited All Hands Call at NSA Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), held a spirited All Hands call at Naval Support Activity Bahrain Dec. 13.
US, British Sailors Perform Community Service
MANAMA, Bahrain – Sailors from Naval Central Command, Naval Support Activity Bahrain and HMS Grimsby (M108) joined together and donated time to mentally and physically disabled students at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School Dec. 9.
USS De Wert Assists Iranian Dhow
MANAMA, Bahrain – USS De Wert (FFG 45) provided assistance to an Iranian fishing dhow experiencing problems December 9 in the Indian Ocean.
US, Coalition Sailors Practice Fire Fighting On Iraqi Oil Platform
AL BASRA OIL TERMINAL, Iraq – The Sailors of guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) conducted a joint damage control drill with Coalition Sailors assigned to Commander Task Force – Iraqi Maritime (CTF-IM) aboard Al Barsa Oil Terminal (ABOT) Dec. 3.
Russian and Coalition Task Forces Discuss Counter-Piracy Operations
USS CHOSIN, Gulf of Aden – Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and Captain 1st Rank Evgeny Irza, Commander of Russian Task Force 680, coordinated their counter-piracy efforts during meetings held aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) Dec 2.
Update: US Navy Divers Assist in Afghanistan Recovery Operation
FORWARD OPERATING BASE TODD, Afghanistan – A team of U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Two, Company 2-3, assisted in the recovery operations of the body of U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Islip from the Murghab River in northern Afghanistan.
US Navy Divers Recover Body of Soldier From Afghanistan River
FORWARD OPERATING BASE TODD, Afghanistan – A team of U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Two, Company 2-3, helped recover the body of U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Islip from the Murghab river in northern Afghanistan.
CTF-IA Celebrates One-year Anniversary
MANAMA, Bahrain – A ceremony was held Thursday at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) headquarters marking the one-year anniversary of the establishment of Commander, Task Force Individual Augmentee (CTF-IA).
USS Porter Holds Change of Command
USS Porter, At Sea. - Cmdr. David T. Peterson relieved Cmdr. Michael S. Feyedelem as commanding officer of USS Porter (DDG 78) during a change of command ceremony held aboard the guided-missile destroyer Dec. 2nd.
Marine Expeditionary Unit, Kuwaiti Commandos Participate In Successful Bilateral Training Exercise
BUBIYAN ISLAND, Kuwait -- At the Government of Kuwait’s invitation, Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) recently conducted a successful training exercise with a platoon from the Kuwaiti military’s 25th Commando Brigade on the uninhabited island of Bubiyan.
Rentz Sailor Dies in UAE
Jebel Ali, UAE – Petty Officer Third Class David Michael Mudge, 22, of Sutherlin, Ore. assigned to USS Rentz (FFG 46) sustained fatal injuries due to electric shock while conducting repairs in an auxiliary machinery space at approximately 5:47 p.m. Saturday.
Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command Visits U.S. 5th Fleet Sailors
MANAMA, Bahrain - The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command took time from his tour of the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations on Nov. 25 to meet with Sailors in Bahrain.
Bahrain Sailors Compete in Marathon Relay
BAHRAIN - Sailors from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) joined with over 2,000 avid runners from all over the world to compete in the 29th Annual Bahrain Relay Marathon Nov. 20.
Three Combined Task Forces Meet in the Gulf of Aden
USS CHOSIN, Gulf of Aden (At Sea) – Three commanders of counter piracy task forces met Nov. 21 to discuss the future of their efforts and to welcome their newest member, Commodore Jose Pereira de Cunha, NATO Commander, Combined Task Force 508.
US, Iraqi Navy Divers Conduct Survey, Clear Hazards From Iraqi Port
UMM QASR, Iraq – Members of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, currently deployed to Combined Task Group (CTG) 56.1 in Bahrain, worked alongside members of the Iraqi Navy to perform a salvage dive survey and hazard clearance in the Umm Qasr, Iraq harbor Nov. 14-16.
CMF Participates in Counter-Piracy Conference in Beijing
MANAMA, Bahrain – Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) took part in an international counter-piracy conference held in Beijing recently. Piracy off the coast of Somalia continues to be a major concern for international shipping operating within 1,000 miles of the coast.
Chinese Admiral Visits Coalition Warship
USS CHOSIN, Gulf of Aden – Rear Adm. Zhiguo Wang, Commander of Task Force 529 of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, Nov. 19 to discuss ongoing cooperation in counter-piracy efforts.
Coalition Forces Help Iraqi Navy Stand On Its Own
UMM QASR, Iraq - The Coalition Naval Advisory Training Team at Umm Qasr, Iraq has been mentoring and training units of the Iraqi Navy and Marines for over three years through in port, underway and classroom training.
USS Rentz Assists Mariners In Distress
MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Rentz (FFG 46) responded to a distress call Nov. 20 from Motor Vessel Adnan Wahd, which was taking on water while at sea in the Central Arabian Gulf.
USS DeWert Sailors Earn Warfare Pins
GULF OF ADEN – Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, participated in an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) pinning ceremony during a visit to USS De Wert (FFG 45) Nov. 15.
Navy Supply Road Show Comes to Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Navy Supply Corps Command Master Chief Petty Officer (CMDCM) James Collins and Navy Supply Enlisted Command Manager (ECM) Cmdr. James Fabby brought the US Navy Supply Corps Road Show to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain to discuss topics of interest regarding the enlisted Logistic Support (LS) community.
USS Chosin Rescues Three Yemeni Fishermen in the Gulf of Aden
MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Chosin (CG 65), the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 flagship, rescued three stranded Yemeni fishermen in the Gulf of Aden Nov. 17.
USS Chosin Sailors Seek to Deter Piracy in Gulf of Aden
USS Chosin, At Sea - USS Chosin (CG 65), home ported in Pearl Harbor, assumed the role as flagship for the counter-piracy task force Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 Nov. 6 after arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment.
Nimitz Squadrons join Dubai Air Show
USS Nimitz, Indian Ocean - Two Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 joined hundreds of civilian and military exhibitors Sunday at the International Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Two F/A-18E Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 and one E-2C Hawkeye from Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 were flown from the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Saturday to promote U.S. Naval Aviation at the Dubai International Air Show, taking place Nov. 15-19.
M/V Maersk-Alabama Repels Suspected Pirate Attack
MANAMA, Bahrain - Motor Vessel (M/V) Maersk-Alabama came under attack from suspected pirates today at 6:30 a.m. local time while transiting 560 nautical miles off the northeast coast of Somalia.
Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Enters 5th Fleet
INDIAN OCEAN – After transiting the western Pacific Ocean, the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR) this week to relieve the USS Bataan (LHD 5) ARG.
Bataan ARG/22nd MEU Departs Fifth Fleet
USS BATAAN, At Sea - The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) officially departed the U.S. Fifth Fleet and entered the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations when the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transited the Suez Canal and entered into the Mediterranean Sea recently.
Soldiers, Sailors Keep Nimitz CSG In Line With Tactical Directive
USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), Indian Ocean — Two Army soldiers serve as liaisons between the aviators of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan from deep inside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Navy’s Safety Command Visits CENTCOM AOR
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) played host to Rear Adm. Arthur Johnson, commander, Naval Safety Center this week.
Combined Task Force 152 Holds Change of Command
MANAMA, Bahrain – United Arab Emirates Navy Staff Col. Tareq Khalfan A. Al Zaabi relieved Royal Navy Commodore Tim Lowe, Nov 9, as Commodore, Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 in a ceremony held in the United Arab Emirates.
Ospreys Launch From Bataan to Support OEF
USS BATAAN, At sea - The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) launched 10 MV-22B Ospreys from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to fly into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
ESG 5 Assumes Command of Amphibious Forces in 5th Fleet
MANAMA, Bahrain - Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris assumed command of the newly-established Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 during an assumption of command ceremony today aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65).
USS Nimitz hosts Australian Navy
GULF OF OMAN – Sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz welcomed the commanding officer of HMAS Toowoomba, an Anzac-class Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate, Tuesday. Cmdr. Ivan Ingham and five officers visited Nimitz as Toowoomba joined the operations of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.
Halloween Celebrated In Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Kindergarten through 12th-grade students at the Bahrain Department of Defense Dependents School (DoDDS) celebrated Halloween during the school’s 2nd annual Halloween Spooktacular Event on Thursday, October 29th.
CTF 151 Commander Visits Chinese Counter-Piracy Flagship
USS ANZIO, Gulf of Aden – Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, visited Chinese Rear Admiral Wang Zhiguo, the commander of TF-529, yesterday in the Gulf of Aden to discuss ongoing cooperation in counter-piracy efforts.
Navy Corpsman Promoted Under New, Rare Recognition Program
MANAMA, Bahrain – Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Darsean M. Sharpe, a native of Atlanta, Ga., earned a rare promotion for his outstanding support of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) while serving in Afghanistan, often under hostile fire.
DESRON 50 Expands Maritime Security Mission
MANAMA, Bahrain – In the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) the men and women of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 play a vital role in providing maritime security by protecting sea lanes, conducting naval presence missions, and ensuring freedom of navigation throughout the Arabian Gulf.
Coalition Assets Rescue Civilian Mariner at Sea
MANAMA, Bahrain – A merchant mariner was rescued today at approximately 8:00 a.m. by Coalition naval assets after falling overboard in the Central Arabian Gulf earlier this morning.
USS Anzio Seizes Four Tons of Narcotics
USS ANZIO, Gulf of Aden – USS Anzio (CG 68), operating as part of the Combined Maritime Forces, a U.S. led coalition supporting maritime security operations in the region, seized approximately four tons of hashish found aboard a skiff Oct. 15 in the Gulf of Aden, with an estimated street-value of $28 million.
Bahrain Chiefs Perform Community Service
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Southwest Asia Chief Petty Officer’s Association from Naval Support Activity Bahrain purchased and donated much needed equipment for mentally and physically disabled students at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School Oct 15.
Bataan, Coalition Demonstrate Amphibious Arsenal
USS BATAAN, Mediterranean Sea – Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked aboard ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), joined Coalition forces to conduct an Amphibious Assault demonstration Oct. 12 near Alexandria, Egypt, as part of exercise Bright Star 2009.
NSA Bahrain holds Suicide Prevention Seminar
MANAMA, Bahrain – Naval Support Activity Bahrain supervisors and leaders attended a seminar Oct. 13 and 14 on suicide prevention and establishing command crisis response programs.
PHIBRON 2 Showcases Command and Control
USS BATAAN, At Sea – The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) began its participation in Exercise Bright Star 2009 Oct. 10, with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 2 serving as the command and control (C2) element
22nd MEU Storms Beach During Bright Star
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – Coalition forces along with Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) stormed Egyptian beaches near Alexandria during a major amphibious assault demonstration Oct. 12, 2009, as part of Exercise Bright Star.
USS Bataan ARG Begins Exercise Bright Star
USS BATAAN, At Sea – The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began participation in an Egyptian and U.S. Central Command sponsored exercise near Alexandria, Egypt, Oct. 10, 2009.
CTF 53 Officer Recognized for Volunteer Service in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Commander Task Force (CTF) 53 recognized Lt. Kristen Christensen for significant achievement in community service today at a ceremony held in Bahrain, and awarded her the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
South Korean Navy strengthens anti-piracy co-operation
MANAMA, Bahrain (Oct. 06, 2009) – The Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Dae Jo Yeong, currently conducting anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, hosted an onboard reception for over 180 people on October 2nd while berthed in Djibouti. Guests included dignitaries of the Djiboutian government and military, the Commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), diplomatic delegations and liaison officers in Djibouti, members of the French Armed Forces, and 50 naval personnel from various nations including the U.S. and Japan. The event, held one day prior to the Dae Jo Yeong departing for an escort operation, commemorated the 61st anniversary of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces Day.
Bahrain School Offers Unique Athletic Opportunities
MANAMA, Bahrain – With the return of Department of Defense (DoD) family members to Bahrain, students of the Bahrain School will have the opportunity to join sports teams that were previously unavailable.
USS Georgia Conducts Community Relations Projects in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – More than 30 Sailors from the Ohio-Class submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue) participated in two Community Relations (COMREL) projects Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, during their recent port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
ESG Two Donates Supplies to Bahrain School
MANAMA, Bahrain – Members assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) Two, deployed to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, have delivered more than $1,000 in children’s books, small toys and craft supplies to children at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya, Bahrain.
USS Georgia Departs Bahrain after Port Visit
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Ohio-Class submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) departed Bahrain Sept. 28, following a regularly-scheduled four-day port visit to the Kingdom.
Pirate Attacks on the Rise off Somalia
MANAMA, Bahrain - Pirate activity has increased recently off the coast of Somalia with four attempted attacks occurring on motor vessels in the Gulf of Aden since Sept. 19.
USS Georgia Hosts US Ambassador to UAE and 5th Fleet Commander
USS GEORGIA, At Sea – USS Georgia (SSGN 729) welcomed the Honorable Richard G. Olson Jr., U.S. Ambassador to United Arab Emirates and Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, aboard the Ohio-class guided missile submarine Sept. 20, while operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Gulf of Oman.
New Weapons Simulator Installed at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain— Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Three, Detachment Bahrain, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 20 at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain to mark the installation of a $1.5 million Littoral Combat Laser Shot Weapons Simulator (LCLSWS) used to train and qualify sailors in land and waterborne gunnery in support of security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF FLEET VISITS BAHRAIN
Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT), Commander Fifth Fleet (C5F), and Commander Combined Maritime Forces (CCMF), along with Commodore Tim Lowe, United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander and Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces, welcomed Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB OBE, Commander in Chief Fleet (CINCFLEET) on his arrival at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.
Counter-Piracy Task Force Flagship Hosts Yemen Sea Service Officers
USS ANZIO, At Sea - Commander CTF 151, Rear Adm. Scott E Sanders USNR, and Capt. Frank J Olmo USN, commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS ANZIO, hosted senior members of the two Yemeni maritime forces aboard the CTF 151 flagship this week. The visit promoted cooperation between the Yemeni Navy, Yemeni Coast Guard and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
USS Nimitz Relieves USS Ronald Reagan, Launches First Sorties in Support of Coalition Troops in Afghanistan
GULF OF OMAN – The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) relieved the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group as Commander, Task Force 50 September 18, and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Visits Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Sept. 16 - 17 to meet with Sailors currently deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR).
Porter Renders Aide to Egyptian Mariner
USS PORTER, At Sea. – In response to distress calls sent out by a Russian tug on September 14, the medical team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) responded quickly and capably in order to aid a fellow mariner.
Navy’s Top Enlisted Sailor Attends Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West was the special guest at the U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain annual Chief Petty Officer (CPO) pinning ceremony held Sept. 16 in the base gym when 47 new CPOs from NSA Bahrain’s more than 80 tenant commands as well as forward-deployed ships in the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) area of responsibility pinned on their Navy Chief anchors.
NAVCENT Hosts Anti-Terrorism Seminar
MANAMA, Bahrain - U.S. Naval Forces Central Command played host to military officials from Aezerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan Sept. 9, for a one-day seminar on anti-terrorism tactics and the challenges involved with defending maritime infrastructure and the oil platforms in the Northern Arabian Gulf.
Commodore-In-Chief Royal Fleet Auxiliary Visits RFA and RN Units in Bahrain
MANAMA Bahrain - HRH Prince Edward, in his capacity as Commodore-in-Chief to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), paid a special visit to Bahrain to meet with members of the RFA, Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Navy Reserve (RNR). These sailors are currently supporting RN units throughout the maritime area of operations, which encompasses the Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Somali Basin. During the course of his one day visit, HRH receivedbriefings at the headquarters of the United Kingdom Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) in Juffair, and toured British vessels RFA LYME BAY, a BAY Class landing ship, and HMS PEMBROKE, a Mine Counter Measures (MCM) vessel.
CMF Urges Mariners To Be Vigilant, Use IRTC With End of Monsoon Season
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is urging mariners to heed an advisory warning issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration yesterday warning that piracy attacks off the Horn of Africa and in the Indian Ocean will likely increase now that the monsoon season has ended.
Naval Support Activity Base Chapel Donates to Local Ministry
MANAMA, Bahrain - Navy Chaplains aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain held a dedication ceremony with the pastor of Bahrain’s Jacob Jose (JJ) Ministry to donate more than $1000 worth of food and personal hygiene items for the newly opened food bank.
NSA Bahrain’s Labor Day Celebration Focuses on Families and Sailors
MANAMA, Bahrain –The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR) at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain set the benchmark for the three-day Labor Day holiday weekend by hosting more than 12 free events for Sailors and recently returned family members from Thursday, September 3rd to Sunday the 6th.
NAVCENT Hosts Command Game Day
MANAMA, Bahrain –U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and its Morale and Pride Association hosted their first Game Day event to kick off the three-day Labor Day weekend with games and food for the staff Thursday, September 3rd at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.
Runners in Bahrain and Afloat Complete 10 Mile Run
MANAMA, Bahrain - Ten members of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 and Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 embarked aboard USS Anzio (CG 64), participated in the 34th Annapolis Ten-Mile Run on Aug. 30, 2009.
South Korean Task Force Handover
MANAMA, Bahrain (Aug. 30, 2009) - The Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Dae Jo Yeong arrived in Bahrain earlier this month and visited the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquarters in order to begin coordination with CMF personnel. After receiving anti-piracy briefings and making final preparations to join the CMF anti-piracy mission led by Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, the South Korean flagship departed the Arabian Gulf to commence operations in the waters off Somalia.
Congressional Delegation Meets With Bahrain Sailors
MANAMA, Bahrain – Two members of a Congressional Delegation met with Sailors stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain and aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) Aug. 26.
Somali Pirates fire on U.S. Navy Helicopter
MANAMA, Bahrain – Yesterday, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time, Somali Pirates aboard Motor Vessel (M/V) Win Far, fired what appeared to be a large caliber weapon at a U.S. Navy SH-60B Helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, embarked aboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62).
European Union Counter Piracy Commodore visits CTF 151
USS ANZIO, At Sea – The European Union (EU) counter-piracy task group commander, Dutch Navy Commodore Pieter Bindt, visited the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 flagship USS Anzio (CG 68) at sea to discuss counter piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
CTF 151 Flagship Marks Deployment Milestone
USS ANZIO, At Sea – The crew aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) took a break in its busy schedule at sea to mark the middle of the ship’s deployment in support of counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia Aug. 24.
USS Thach Helps Protect Iraqi Infrastructure in North Arabian Gulf
USS THACH, At Sea – The guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) is providing a vital security presence in the North Arabian Gulf, helping to protect Iraq’s critical infrastructure since arriving on station in mid-July.
Chief of Naval Operations Visits U.S. 5th Fleet
MANAMA, Bahrain (Aug. 23, 2009) – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited Sailors and Marines currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Aug. 21 – 23.
Bahraini CNO Presented With Legion of Merit
MANAMA, Bahrain – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Gary Roughead, on behalf of Robert Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense, presented Royal Bahrain Navy Brig. Gen. Abdulla Saeed Al Mansoori with the Legion of Merit medal during an award ceremony today at the Royal Bahraini Naval headquarters.
U.S. 5th Fleet Executes the Maritime Strategy
MANAMA, Bahrain – In the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, more than 24,000 Sailors are operating on the ground and at sea and carrying out a full spectrum of missions that support the U.S. maritime strategy.
Reserve Admiral Makes History, Takes Command of CMF Task Force
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 change of command ceremony held Aug. 13 aboard the CTF 151 flagship USS Anzio (CG 68) marked the end of one historic chapter and the start of another when U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders relieved Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Caner Bener.
5th Fleet Commander Visits USS Ronald Reagan
USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea – Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Gulf of Oman Aug. 16-17, while conducting operations in support of Coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan.
Coalition Counter Piracy Task Force Changes Command
U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in a ceremony held aboard the coalition counter-piracy flagship USS Anzio (CG 68) while pier-side in Bahrain today. Rear Adm. Scott relieved Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Caner Bener and heralded the Turkish Navy’s first command of a CTF as a success.
Multinational Counter-Piracy Meeting Held in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – A meeting of the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) group was held in Bahrain August 11. The meeting, attended by 23 nations including China, Russia, India and Egypt, and members of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), NATO, the European Union (EU), UKMTO, MARLO and INTERTANCO representing industry, resulted in a number of agreements which will help coordinate efforts of the international community to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.
SECNAV Visits NAVCENT, NSA Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Yesterday, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Honorable Raymond Edwin “Ray” Mabus, made his first visit to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain since being named SECNAV June 18, 2009.
Commander Task Force 53 Changes Hands
MANAMA, Bahrain – Capt. Don Hodge relieved Capt. Steve Kelley as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 53 during a change of command ceremony held today at the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Unit in Bahrain.
USS Bataan Completes Five COMRELS During Three-Day Port Visit
MANAMA, Bahrain – More than 65 Sailors and Marines assigned to USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) conducted five community relations (COMREL) projects during the ship’s recent three-day port visit to Bahrain.
Navy IA Sailor Support Continues to Expand
MANAMA, Bahrain – Throughout the Middle East there are more than 14,000 Sailors serving “boots on ground” with forward deployed units in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) area of responsibility (AOR). More than 5,100 of these Sailors are Individual Augmentees (IA) who left their ‘parent’ command behind to serve in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
NSA FAST Company Marines Hold Dunk-A-Marine Fundraiser
MANAMA, Bahrain – Marines assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) participated in a fundraiser yesterday at the base’s Freedom Souq courtyard area to support this year’s upcoming Marine Corps Ball.
NAVCENT Vice Commander Holds All Hands Call at NOSC Bronx
BRONX, N.Y. - U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Vice Commander, Rear Adm. Scott E. Sanders visited the Navy Operational Support Center in Bronx, N.Y., July 18 for its annual Family Readiness Day and met with reserve component Sailors to discuss the needs and requirements of the Navy's mobilization and readiness process.
Gen. Petraeus Visits Bainbridge Sailors
MANAMA, Bahrain – Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, visited the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) while in port Bahrain today to thank Sailors for their hard work while deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet as well as their role in the successful rescue of Richard Phillips, the Maersk Alabama captain held captive by Somali pirates for five days in April.
Senior NCOs Bond While Helping School Open New Wing
MANAMA, Bahrain – More than 20 sailors from six different commands at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain (NSA) participated in a Community Relations (COMREL) project at Sacred Heart School in Isa Town, Bahrain over the weekend.
NAVCENT Launches Facebook Site
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th Fleet launched its official Facebook page yesterday.
Combined Maritime Forces Issues Piracy Warning to Mariners
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) are warning mariners of an anticipated increase in piracy incidents when the southwest monsoon ends in the coming weeks, and are reiterating that merchant mariners must continue to take proactive action to help prevent piracy attacks.
PNS Badr Assists Mariners in Gulf of Aden
GULF OF ADEN – The Pakistani naval ship (PNS) Badr, operating as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, recently came to the assistance of Merchant Vessel (M/V) Antisana Jorf after the vessel reported engine problems in the Gulf of Aden.
CTF 53 and NAVCENT Sailors Help Teach English to Local Students
MANAMA, Bahrain – Twelve Sailors assigned to Commander Task Force (CTF) 53 and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) volunteered yesterday to help teach English to disabled teenagers and their families as part of a recurring community relations (COMREL) project sponsored by the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF).
Task Force Commanders Meet in the Gulf of Aden
GULF OF ADEN – Leaders from three of the major task forces operating in the Gulf of Aden met aboard the Spanish warship Numancia (F-83) at sea July 19.
DoD Family Members Welcomed to Bahrain During a Town Hall Meeting
MANAMA, Bahrain – Families of U.S. servicemembers who have already come to Bahrain were welcomed at a Town Hall Meeting aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain yesterday by Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 150
MANAMA, Bahrain – Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from French Navy Rear Adm. Alain Hinden during a change of command ceremony held July 20 in Bahrain.
Bataan Conducts Amphibious Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet
USS BATAAN, At sea – Sailors and Marines aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently conducted full-scale amphibious operations training, allowing the crew to maintain proficiency and readiness on four different types of crafts.
Chairman of Joint Chiefs, Celebrities Embark USS Ronald Reagan
USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea – The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen embarked USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) July 13, while the ship operated in the Gulf of Oman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
CTF 150 Seizes 10 Tons of Narcotics
MANAMA, Bahrain – Coalition forces, operating in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics July 7, with an estimated value of $70 million.
CMF and EU Sponsored Counter-Piracy Meeting Held in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Royal Bahrain Navy Brig. Gen. Abdulla Saeed Al Mansoori hosted naval leaders and shipping industry experts from 21 nations at the Royal Bahrain Naval Base July 7, for a series of counter-piracy meetings.
USS Scout Visits Umm Qasr, Iraq
Umm Qasr, IRAQ – Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Scout (MCM 8) pulled into port in Umm Qasr, Iraq June 30.
Commander Task Force 56 Changes Hands
MANAMA, Bahrain – Capt. Vincent Martinez relieved Capt. Michael Jordan as Commander Task Force (CTF) 56 during a ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain June 30.
USS Ronald Reagan Relieves Eisenhower, Launches First Sorties in Support of OEF
USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea – The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group relieved the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50 July 6, and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
USS Anzio Relieves USS Gettysburg as CTF 151 Flagship
USS ANZIO, At Sea – The guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) relieved USS Gettysburg (CG 64) as the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 on June 28, 2009.
Senior Women SWOs Provide Insight and Mentorship in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Yesterday, Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, Commander, Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), and Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) Two, forward-deployed to Bahrain, met with a group of women Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) here to encourage them to continue to progress in their careers and lives.
MV-22 Ospreys Conduct First-Ever MEDEVAC
ABOARD USS BATAAN – The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) made history by using two MV-22B Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), to conduct a ship-to-shore emergency medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a Sailor from USS Bataan (LHD 5) June 25, 2009.
ESG 2 Reaches Out To Local Children at the RIA School
MANAMA, Bahrain – Members assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) Two, deployed to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, recently delivered several boxes of children’s books, small toys and craft supplies to children at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya, Bahrain last week.
Defense Department Authorizes Family Members to Return to Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – On June 26, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates met with Bahraini Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and informed him that all family members of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel will be allowed to return to Bahrain, effective immediately.
DOD Civilian Contractor Found Dead at Residence
MANAMA, Bahrain - A U.S. Department of Defense civilian contractor assigned to U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain was found dead today at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time at his residence in Juffair.
Royal Navy Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 152
MANAMA, Bahrain – Royal Navy Commodore Tim Lowe relieved U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kurt Tidd as Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 during a change of command ceremony held at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquarters today.
USS Chinook Assists Stranded Iraqi Fishing Dhow
USS CHINOOK, At Sea – USS Chinook (PC 9) provided assistance to an Iraqi fishing dhow June 22, in the North Arabian Gulf after it experienced mechanical problems leaving it unable to operate at sea.
Bataan Transits Suez Canal, Enters the U.S. 5th Fleet
USS BATAAN, At Sea – Sailors aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) transited the Suez Canal June 20, and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations relieving the USS Boxer Amphibious Group.
DESRON 50 Changes Hands
MANAMA, Bahrain – Capt. Bradley Mai assumed command of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50 during a ceremony held aboard USS Chinook (PC 9), today.
Navy Identifies Sailor Who Died Onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea – Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW 7) Command Master Chief Jeffrey J. Garber died Saturday, June 20 aboard the deployed aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Initial indications are that the death was of natural causes. He was 43.
Aviation Ordnanceman Honor Medal of Honor Recipient John Finn
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Ordnanceman stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain honored John Finn today, a Medal of Honor (MOH) recipient who was awarded the medal for his extraordinary bravery during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
CTF 151, USS Gettysburg Strengthen International Ties in Seychelles
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), the task force’s flagship, recently completed a four-day port visit to the Republic of Seychelles.
NAVCENT Sailors Volunteer At Bahrain School
MANAMA, Bahrain – Ten Sailors assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), visited the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya, Bahrain, yesterday to spend time with children.
NMCB 11 Seabees Improve Life on Oil Platform
AL BASRA OIL TERMINAL - Working 14 to 16 hours-a-day, seven days a week in tough conditions is nothing new for U.S. Navy Seabees. Even exotic locations don't raise an eyebrow for the Navy's Construction Battalions who travel to the far corners of the world building everything from schools to bridges to airport runways.
CTF 152 Concludes Exercise Goalkeeper
ARABIAN GULF – Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 recently concluded an eight-day, multi-lateral exercise in the Arabian Gulf, aimed at improving the capabilities of Coalition partners to counter smuggling operations.
Camp Arifjan Commemorates the Battle of Midway
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Sailors, Marines, soldiers, airman and coast guardsmen at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait commemorated the Battle of Midway June 4 with a wreath laying ceremony.
Marine Training In The Desert Builds Small Unit Leadership
MIDDLE EAST – Loud blasts from a 25 millimeter chain-gun rip through the quiet desert air as Marines maneuver through a river-bed under the cover of night. Keeping constant communication with each other, they simulate fighting their way to the objective.
Combined Maritime Forces Issues New Update for Mariners
MANAMA, Bahrain – Following observed changes in the pattern of attacks by Somali pirates, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) issued an updated Special Maritime Advisory message yesterday.
CTF 151 Strengthens Partnerships, Stresses Cooperation
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 visited the British frigate HMS Portland (F79) and the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Munmu the Great (DDG 976) recently to discuss counterpiracy operations.
CTF 151, USS Gettysburg Help Keep Waterways Safe for All
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and its flagship, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64), helped keep the sea lines of communication open and waterways clear of criminal activity when they boarded a suspect skiff June 2.
NAVCENT Sailors Advance At Higher Rate Than Peers
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Sailors were selected for promotion at an extremely high rate during the spring 2009 advancement cycle; not an uncommon occurrence for Sailors forward deployed in Bahrain.
HMS Portland Intercepts and Disarms Pirates
HMS PORTLAND, At Sea – This afternoon, while conducting counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Task Force 151, the Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate HMS Portland (F 79) detected, intercepted and boarded two suspicious skiffs preventing a possible pirate attack.
13th MEU Completes ARG/MEU Exercise
DJIBOUTI, Africa – The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed the weeklong ARG/ MEU Exercise near Camp Lemonier Djibouti May 26.
Combined Maritime Forces Works With International Navies to Counter Piracy
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) have been working together with more than two dozen international navies to help deter, disrupt and thwart piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
USS Gettysburg Assists Mariners in Distress
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – USS Gettysburg (CG 64) responded to a vessel in distress in the Gulf of Aden May 26, and towed the boat to Yemeni territorial waters, so the dhow could be repaired.
Naval Leaders Meet to Coordinate Counter-Piracy Efforts
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) hosted naval leaders from 23 nations and international organizations today for a series of meetings, held in Manama, Bahrain.
CTF 151 Strengthens International Ties against Somali Piracy
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and Capt. Richard Brown, commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), hosted the commander of Japan’s Escort Division Eight for a discussion on counter-piracy.
USS Lake Champlain Rescues Mariners in Distress
GULF OF ADEN – The San Diego based guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) responded to a vessel in distress in the Gulf of Aden May 23, rescuing 52 men women and children who had been adrift in a small skiff for approximately seven days.
Eisenhower Resumes Flight Operations After a Historic Port Visit in Bahrain
NORTH ARABIAN SEA - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 resumed flight operations today in support of Operation Enduring Freedom after a completing a historic port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
CENTCOM Commanders Discuss Regional Security Issues in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Commanders from the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility gathered in Bahrain May 20 – 22, for the USCENTCOM Commander’s Conference to discuss regional security issues and approaches to these challenges.
Eisenhower Sailors Lend a Helping Hand at a Bahraini School
MANAMA, Bahrain – A dozen Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8 participated in a community relations (COMREL) project May 17, at the Ali Primary School of Bahrain, during the ship’s recent port visit to Bahrain.
Marines and Sailors Conduct Amphibious Exercise
GULF OF ADEN – The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began an ARG/ Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) May 19, in the Gulf of Aden and ashore at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.
NSA Bahrain Shines In Historic USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Visit, NEX Breaks Sales Records
MANAMA, Bahrain – Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain rose to the challenge May 16 - 19 to support the historic visit by USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the first American aircraft carrier to dock pierside in Bahrain in more than 60 years.
CTF 151 Commander Meets With Coalition Partners
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 visited Singapore’s RSS Persistence and Turkey’s TCG Giresun to discuss counterpiracy operations yesterday.
Naval Support Activity Bahrain Prepares For Return of Service Members’ Children
MANAMA, Bahrain – In preparation for the return of children and family members, significant work has been done at the Bahrain School and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Makes Historic Port Visit to Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – Yesterday evening, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) became the first Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier to pull in pier side in Bahrain as part of the ongoing effort to strengthen relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime strategies.
Turkish-Led CTF 151 Makes First Suspected Pirate Capture
USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea – Ships from Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 prevented a piracy attack in the Gulf of Aden, which resulted in the apprehension of more than a dozen suspected pirates aboard an alleged “mothership” yesterday.
USS New Orleans Underway from Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) returned to sea last night, fully mission capable after completing repairs at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) Shipyard dry dock in Manama, Bahrain.
Chief of Naval Personnel Visits Bahrain Sailors
MANAMA, Bahrain – Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III visited Sailors in Bahrain May 10 – 11, to discuss current Navy personnel issues and thank them for their service.
CTF 151 and CTF 152 Commanders Meet Aboard Eisenhower
USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea – Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 welcomed Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, CTF 151, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) May 10.
Royal Navy Assumes Command of CTF IM
MANAMA, Bahrain – Royal Navy Commodore James Morse relieved Rear Adm. T.C. Cropper as Commander Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF IM) during a change of command ceremony today aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
USNS Lewis and Clark Prevents Suspected Piracy Attack
MANAMA, Bahrain – At approximately 10:30 a.m. local time yesterday, Military Sealift Command ship (MSC) USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE-1) was approached by suspected pirates off the eastern coast of Somalia and took evasive action to prevent a successful attack.
Turkish Navy Takes Command of Combined Task Force 151
MANAMA, Bahrain – The U.S. Navy transferred command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) counterpiracy task force to the Turkish Navy today, in a ceremony held aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
Iraq Assumes Control of Oil Terminal from Coalition Forces
ABOARD KHAWR AL AMAYA OIL TERMINAL, Iraq – The Iraqi Navy assumed control of the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) during a ceremony held today aboard the terminal in the North Arabian Gulf.
Coalition Forces Conduct Exercise Arabian Gauntlet
MANAMA, Bahrain – Coalition naval forces from the U.S., UK, Australia, France, Pakistan, Bahrain and seven regional nations completed a nine-day exercise today in the Arabian Gulf, which focused on air, surface and maritime security training.
Australia Completes First Command of Combined Task Force 152
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kurt Tidd relieved Royal Australian Navy Commodore Bruce Kafer as Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 during a change of command ceremony held at the Combined Maritime Forces headquarters April 27.
USS New Orleans Enters Dry Dock
MANAMA, Bahrain – USS New Orleans (LPD 18) entered a dry dock in Bahrain yesterday to continue repair work on the ship’s hull. The Navy signed a firm fixed price contract with Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard “ASRY” Shipyards in Manama, Bahrain to repair New Orleans.
Singapore Navy Joins CTF 151
MANAMA, Bahrain – A Singaporean counterpiracy task group joined Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 this week and began conducting operations alongside other Coalition naval forces off the coast of Somalia.
US Navy, Army, and Coast Guard Answer Call to Bring Power to Coastal Island
WARBAH ISLAND, Kuwait – More than a dozen U.S. Navy Sailors, Army medics and Coast Guard Port Security personnel recently worked together to transport and replace a broken backup generator via helicopter from Behaith Marine Location to Warbah Island, Kuwait, April 11.
CMF and NATO Ships Help Thwart Two Pirate Attacks
MANAMA, Bahrain - The British military support ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Wave Knight (A389) working in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), thwarted two pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, April 18, which resulted in the release of 13 hostages and disrupted the activities of 14 Somali pirates.
Regional Nations, Industry Leaders Attend Communications Conference
MANAMA, Bahrain - Top U.S. military, government, civilian and information technology industry leaders in the communications field as well as representatives from seven regional nations including Bahrain, attend the first ever Gulf Region Communications Conference April 12–14, at the Diplomat Radisson Hotel in Manama, Bahrain.
USS Hartford (SSN 768) Commanding Officer Relieved
MANAMA, Bahrain – Rear Adm. Michael J. Connor, commander, Task Force 54 (CTF 54) and commander, Submarine Group 7, relieved the commanding officer of USS Hartford (SSN 768), Cmdr. Ryan Brookhart.
Maersk-Alabama Captain Rescued
MANAMA, Bahrain - At approximately 7:19 p.m (12:19 p.m. EDT) U.S. naval forces rescued Capt. Richard Phillips, the master of Motor Vessel Maersk-Alabama.
France Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 150
MANAMA, Bahrain – French Navy Rear Adm. Alain Hinden assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from German Navy Rear Adm. Rainer Brinkmann during a Change-of-Command ceremony held April 9, in Djibouti.
Combined Maritime Forces Issues New Alert to Mariners
MANAMA, Bahrain – Following a series of attacks off the eastern coast of Somalia, the Combined Maritime Forces issued an updated Special Maritime Advisory message.
Admiral Howard Takes Command of ESG-2 and CTF 151
USS BOXER, At Sea – Rear Adm. Michelle Howard assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 during a ceremony held on board USS Boxer (LHD 4) today and relieved Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, ESG 2’s commander since November 2007.
ROK Navy Task Group Chung-Hae Arrives in Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Republic of Korea (ROK) Task Group Chung-Hae and its flagship ROKS Munmu the Great (DDG 976) arrived in Bahrain today to make a port visit before joining Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in the Gulf of Aden conducting counter-piracy operations.
13th MEU Participates in Eastern Maverick
QATAR LAND FORCES TRAINING AREA, Qatar – Elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), began conducting Exercise Eastern Maverick 2009, alongside Qatari military forces on March 28, a bilateral training exercise designed to build and improve cooperation between both military forces.
Marines and Sailors Volunteer at Children’s Center
MANAMA, Bahrain – Marines and Sailors assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) spent the day playing with children from the Alia School for Early Intervention in Bahrain March, 24.
Boxer Supports International Counter-Piracy Effort in Gulf of Aden
USS BOXER, At Sea – In a show of international sea power in the Gulf of Aden, seven nations representing three task forces coordinated efforts to pursue a skiff after the pirates on board opened fire on a German oiler, the Federal German Ship (FGS) Spessart, March 29.
Assessment of USS Hartford and USS New Orleans
MANAMA, Bahrain – The U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship that collided in the Strait of Hormuz March 20, have been undergoing extensive engineering and damage assessments since pulling into Bahrain March 21.
USS Chinook Makes First Overnight U.S. Ship Visit to Iraq
UMM QASR, Iraq – USS Chinook (PC 9) departed Umm Qasr, Iraq, today, marking the first overnight port visit to Iraq by a U.S. ship.
US, Bahraini Leaders Break Ground on Perimeter Wall at Bahrain School
MANAMA, Bahrain – Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the son of the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, broke ground on a perimeter wall March 23, for the Department of Defense Bahrain School.
USS Hartford and USS New Orleans Arrive In Port Bahrain
MANAMA, Bahrain – The U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship that collided in the Strait of Hormuz March 20, arrived in port Bahrain today.
Eisenhower Launches First Sorties in Support of OEF
USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea – The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom today, and assumed duties as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50.
Suspected Pirates Apprehended and Released in the Gulf of Aden
USS Boxer, At Sea – The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) apprehended six suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden yesterday after responding to a distress call from two nearby merchant vessels.
Two U.S. Navy Vessels Collide in the Strait of Hormuz
MANAMA, Bahrain – A U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship collided in the Strait of Hormuz early Friday morning, March 20, 2009.
13th MEU Conducts Exercise Sea Soldier
USS BOXER, At Sea. - Elements from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted bilateral training with regional partners March 5-17, to strengthen relationships and improve interoperability.
CTF 53 Volunteers at Local Bahrain School
MANAMA, Bahrain – Commander Task Force (CTF) 53 took time out of its busy schedule March 12 to volunteer at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya, Bahrain for several hours.
CTF 151 Warships Deter Pirate Attack in Gulf of Aden
GULF OF ADEN – The Danish warship HDMS Absalon (L 16) and Turkish frigate TCG Giresun (F-491) came to the rescue of a Vietnamese cargo ship and successfully deterred a pirate attack approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukalla, Yemen, March 14.
CTF 151 Visits with Turkey’s Chief of Navy, Highlights Cooperation
GULF OF ADEN – Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, visited Turkish Chief of Navy, Adm. Metin Atac, March 11 aboard the Turkish frigate TCG Giresun (F-491).
USS Boxer Fire Injures Two Sailors
USS BOXER, At Sea - A fire broke out on the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) at approximately 4:15 p.m. yesterday while refueling an AH-1W Super Cobra in the Gulf of Aden.
USS Boxer Becomes Flagship for CTF 151
USS BOXER, At sea – USS Boxer (LHD 4), home ported in San Diego, Calif., assumed the role as flagship for Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151), March 8, after arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment.
U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Ships Participate in Exercise Aman 2009
MANAMA, Bahrain – USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719) departed Karachi, Pakistan, today after a four-day port visit to participate in the international naval exercise Aman 2009, marking the first time a U.S. Ship has pulled into Pakistan since May 2008.
NMCB 11 Seabees Raise Quality of Life for Coalition Forces
NORTH ARABIAN GULF - Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 are currently performing upgrade and renovation projects aboard Iraq’s Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT).
IA Sailors Getting Better Support – New Task Force at NAVCENT
MANAMA, Bahrain – To highlight the outstanding contributions of Navy Individual Augmentees serving as “boots on ground” in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rear Adm. T.C. Cropper, Commander, Task Force Individual Augmentee (CTF-IA), visited Sailors in Afghanistan, Feb. 24.
ESG 2 Demonstrates Flexibility, Highlights Expeditionary Nature
USS MONTEREY, At Sea – Following months of intensive planning and exercise evolutions, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 assumed command of Task Forces 51 and 59 as well as the newly-formed Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in early January.
San Antonio Visits Egypt to Celebrate Great White Fleet 100th Anniversary
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet while in port Alexandria, Egypt, Feb. 23-24.
Somali Nationals Released to Puntland
OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA – At approximately 5:30 p.m. today, nine Somali nationals, suspected of piracy, were turned over to the Puntland Coast Guard from the U.S. Navy for purposes of their release.
Turkey Joins Counterpiracy Mission in the Gulf of Aden
USS MONTEREY, At Sea -- The Turkish frigate TCG Giresun (F-491) joined Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 yesterday and began conducting counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden alongside other Coalition naval forces.
Admiral Gortney Addresses Pakistan Navy War College
LAHORE, Pakistan – At the invitation of Pakistan’s Navy, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command spoke to officers at Pakistan’s Naval War College in Lahore, Feb. 24.
Pirate Attack Thwarted in the Gulf of Aden
USS MONTEREY, At Sea – The Danish flexible support ship HDMS Absalon (L 16) successfully deterred an attempted pirate attack on the Chinese M/V Yandanghai at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Combined Task Force 152 Conducts Exercise Stake Net
ARABIAN GULF – Ships and patrol craft from Australia, the United States and regional Gulf nations conducted a five-day exercise aimed at improving the abilities of Coalition maritime forces to protect vital offshore infrastructure in the Arabian Gulf.
Maritime Security Strengthens as Nations Join Counterpiracy Efforts
USS VELLA GULF, At Sea – Turkey and Singapore recently committed forces to join Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a naval Coalition dedicated to conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. They will join other nations including the U.S., U.K. and Denmark, which have conducted operations as part of the task force.
More Suspected Pirates Apprehended in the Gulf of Aden
USS VELLA GULF, At Sea – The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) intercepted and apprehended nine suspected pirates today in the Gulf of Aden after responding to a distress call from a nearby merchant vessel.
Suspected Pirates Apprehended in the Gulf of Aden
USS VELLA GULF, At Sea – The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) apprehended seven suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden today after responding to a distress call from a nearby merchant vessel. The event marks the first time CTF-151 has apprehended suspected pirates.
CMF Hosts Coalition Boarding Conference
MANAMA, Bahrain – More than 70 naval representatives from 22 Coalition countries attended the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) boarding conference at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters Feb. 10 and 11.
USS Vella Gulf Assists Distressed Dhow
USS VELLA GULF, At Sea – The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) assisted a fishing vessel in distress, Feb. 8, while conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Missing Sailor Identified
MANAMA, BAHRAIN - Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command identified the Sailor lost at sea in the Gulf of Aden as Engineman First Class Theophilus Kwaku Ansong, 34, of Bristow, Va.
U.S. Navy Provides Humanitarian Assistance to Faina
MANAMA, Bahrain – Following Motor Vessel Faina’s release by Somali pirates yesterday, the U.S. Navy is providing humanitarian assistance support to the merchant vessel and its crew.
Vella Gulf Assumes Duties as Counterpiracy Task Force Flagship
USS VELLA GULF At Sea (NNS) -- On Feb. 4, USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) became the flagship of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.
Motor Vessel Faina Released – Pirates Leave the Ship
MANAMA, Bahrain – Earlier this evening Somali pirates released Motor Vessel Faina, which had been held for more four months off the coast of Somalia near Hobyo.
NAVCENT Concludes Maritime Symposium
MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) concluded a three-day Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS) Feb. 5, which brought together many industry professionals, security consultants and maritime corporations with regional and Coalition partners.
USS San Antonio Sailor Missing
MANAMA, Bahrain -- At approximately 8:00 a.m. local time Feb. 4, an 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from USS San Antonio (LPD 17) flipped while it was being lowered into the water.
NAVCENT Begins Maritime Symposium
MANAMA, Bahrain – The three-day Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS), sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) began Feb. 3, and brought together many industry professionals, security consultants and naval partners from the region and beyond.
Surface Navy Association Members Visit USS Chinook
MANAMA, Bahrain – USS Chinook (PC 9) conducted a tour for the Surface Navy Association (SNA) Bahrain Chapter, Jan. 21, discussing the ship’s weapons capabilities, speed and endurance, as well as normal operations while the ship is deployed.
CTF 53 Learns a New Trick
MANAMA, Bahrain – Commander Task Force (CTF) 53 Sailors took time out of their busy schedule to volunteer at the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) three times in the past five weeks, most recently Jan. 23.
Carter Hall Conducts Successful Noncombatant Evacuation Operation Exercise
USS CARTER HALL, At Sea – The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) conducted a noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise Jan. 19.
Mahan Implements Maritime Strategy During Counterpiracy Ops
USS MAHAN At sea - As part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) is cooperating with approximately 14 nations also operating in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.
CTF-56 Serves Multiple Roles in 5th Fleet
MANAMA, Bahrain – In the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations the men and women of Commander Task Force (CTF) 56 play a vital role in the region by providing operational oversight for all naval expeditionary combat forces.
Carter Hall Conducts Live-Fire Exercises with Foreign Navy Forces
USS CARTER HALL, At Sea -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) conducted a live-fire exercise with Coalition vessels in the Arabian Gulf Jan. 12.
Ramage VBSS Team Conducts 100th Approach & Assist Visit
USS RAMAGE, At Sea – Jan. 13, Sailors from the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) conducted their 100th approach and assist visit (AAV) since arriving to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).
Navy, Coast Guard Boarding Teams Train Together to Combat Piracy
USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea – On board USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Navy and Coast Guard boarding teams which are part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational counterpiracy task force, train to ensure safe and successful operations in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Logistics Lauded As Lynchpin For Units Conducting Counterpiracy Ops
USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea – The Navy's logistics and re-supply procedures help provide joint or combined force commanders flexible and agile maritime forces that can sustain afloat-based operations and a forward presence around the globe, including in the Gulf of Aden where Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 is conducting counterpiracy operations.
Combined Task Force 152 Changes Hands
MANAMA, Bahrain – Royal Australian Navy Commodore Bruce Kafer relieved Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe as commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 in a ceremony at the Combined Maritime Forces Headquarters Jan. 16, 2009 in Bahrain.
Commander Task Force 52 Established
MANAMA, Bahrain – Today, the U.S. 5th Fleet established Commander Task Force (CTF) 52, which will be responsible for all mine countermeasure operations.
San Antonio Key To Counterpiracy Mission
USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea - Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD-17), the flagship for Combined Task Force 151, is serving as an afloat forward staging base(AFSB) during its current counterpiracy mission.
European Union, U.S. Commanders Share Insights on Maritime Security Operations
USS SAN ANTONIO, At sea - A European Union commander met with the commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) Jan. 16 to exchange lessons learned, insights and perspectives on maritime security operations.
Coalition Forces Work to Deter Piracy in Gulf of Aden
USS SAN ANTONIO, At sea - Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 is working closely with international navies in the Gulf of Aden to conduct counterpiracy operations and ensure a lawful maritime order in the region.
Germany Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 150
MANAMA, Bahrain – German Navy Commodore Rainer Brinkmann assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from Danish Royal Navy Commodore Per Bigum Christensen during a Change-of-Command ceremony held Jan. 13 in Manama, Bahrain.
Super Tanker Likely to be Released by Pirates
MANAMA, Bahrain – It appears Somali pirates have received payment for the very large crude tanker Sirius Star. The Liberian-flagged tanker, owned by the Saudi Arabian based Saudi Aramco, and operated by Vela International was attacked more than 450 nautical miles off the African coast in November. The crew of 25 Croatian, British, Philippine, Polish, and Saudi Arabian merchant mariners have been held hostage since the attack.
New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established
MANAMA, Bahrain – The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) has established Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) specifically for counter-piracy operations.