Combined Maritime Forces
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Commanded by Vice Adm. Mark Fox

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Royal Navy Commodore Simon Ancona is the Deputy Commander CMF
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Comprised of three principle task forces: CTF 150, CTF 151 and CTF 152.
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Includes approximately three dozen ships from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Canada, Denmark, Turkey, the U.S. and U.K., as well as other naval forces and personnel from several other nations.
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Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) patrol more than 2.5 million square miles of international waters to conduct both integrated and coordinated operations with a common purpose: to increase the security and prosperity of the region by working together for a better future. CMF is working to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, reduce illegal trafficking of people and drugs, and promote the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business.
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CMF counters violent extremism and terrorist networks in maritime areas of responsibility; works with regional and other partners to improve overall security and stability; helps strengthen regional nations’ maritime capabilities and, when requested, responds to environmental and humanitarian crises.
What are Maritime Security Operations(MSO)?
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Coalition and U.S. forces conduct MSO to help set the conditions for security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity.
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MSO complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
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CMF conducts MSO in international waters from the Strait of Hormuz to the Suez Canal, from Pakistan to Kenya.
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MSO includes a full range of activities from assisting mariners in distress to Interaction Patrols to Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations to engaging regional and coalition navies.
Accomplishments of MSO
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Coalition maritime forces and maritime forces from Iraq and Kuwait work together conducting MSO in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway.
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Iraqi Navy patrol boats are participating fully in MSO and sector defense of the Iraqi oil terminals in the North Arabian Gulf.
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Coalition Forces rescued 10 Iraqi marines in the Arabian Gulf after their vessel took on water, rescued stranded sailors off the coast of Oman and helped coordinate a medical evacuation of a Greek merchant vessel.
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Large quantities of illegally smuggled drugs, alcohol and other paraphernalia seized.