June 25, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #108-09
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.
During Rear Adm. Tidd’s tenure in command, CTF 152 conducted Maritime Security Operations (MSO) alongside 14 Coalition and regional partner navies and further enhanced these local ties by coordinating 13 Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) engagements with eight Gulf nations.
“The primary purpose of CTF 152 is to promote maritime security throughout the Arabian Gulf,” said Tidd. “It’s a long term mission that requires a marathon-type approach – not a series of high-fueled, but short-sighted sprints.”
CTF 152 demonstrated its long term commitment through the total integration of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) staff officers in the day-to-day operations of the task force, dramatically improving GCC navy and coast guard coordination for synchronized MSO.
“It has been a tremendous honor to work with such a wonderful group of professionals,” said Tidd. “As just one of thousands of U.S. Navy Sailors stationed here in the region, allow me to say that we are the lucky ones. Every time I come to this region, I leave being even more amazed and humbled by your hospitality, willingness to work as a team, and hard work to create open avenues for information exchange and collaboration.”
Commodore Lowe praised the leadership of Rear Adm. Tidd and the enthusiasm and commitment of the entire CMF staff.
“I am honored to take command of CTF 152 and look forward to being supported by what is truly a coalition staff,” said Lowe. “Our success will lie in our shared common goal, that of ensuring stability and security in the Arabian Gulf.”
Established in 2004, CTF 152 is an international task force that conducts MSO inside the Arabian Gulf and complements the security activities of Gulf Cooperation Council nations.
Through cooperative activities, CTF 152 engages with Gulf nations, working with them to enhance their ability to deter illegal activities and defeat destabilizing activities in the Arabian Gulf. CTF 152 operates in international waters with GCC nations and complements the security provided by GCC maritime forces in their own territorial waters.
MSO help develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt the illegal use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.
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