NAVCENT Commander Discusses Shared Commitment to Regional Maritime Security with United Arab Emirates July 10, 2021 — Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) defense leaders to discuss the UAE’s continued commitment to improving regional maritime security as a member of CMF and the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) during a visit to Abu Dhabi, July 6-7. MORE

NAVCENT Commander Joins Egyptian President in Welcoming New Egyptian Naval Base July 5, 2021 — Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), attended the opening of the newest Egyptian Naval Force base, in the port of Gargoub, on the Mediterranean Sea, July 3. MORE

Task Force 53 Holds Change of Command July 1, 2021 — Task Force (TF) 53 held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 1. Capt. Michael Toth relieved Capt. Michael B. O’Driscoll as commander of TF 53 in the ceremony, presided over by Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. MORE

NAVCENT Commander Discusses Maritime Security with Yemen Vice President, GCC Secretary General, and Saudi Arabian Military Leaders July 1, 2021 — Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 30 - July 1, and discussed maritime security during separate meetings with regional leaders. MORE

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Enters 5th Fleet June 25, 2021 — The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), flagship of the Ronald Reagan carrier strike group (CSG), along with guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) and guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, June 25. MORE

Kuwait and U.S. Naval Forces Complete Exercise Eager Defender 21 June 25, 2021 — The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in bilateral maritime exercise Eager Defender 21 in Kuwait and the North Arabian Gulf, June 4-14. MORE

NAVCENT Commander Meets with Egyptian Naval Leaders, Speaks of Bright Future with Egyptian Naval Midshipmen June 23, 2021 — Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) visited Egypt June 19-21, to meet with the Egyptian Chief of Navy and speak to Cadets at the Egyptian Naval Academy. MORE

U.S. Naval Forces Rescue Mariners from Stranded Ship in Gulf of Aden June 18, 2021 — A U.S. Naval ship assigned to U.S. 5th Fleet provided emergency assistance to a motor vessel in distress in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden, June 16. The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) identified a vessel flying the international distress flag and proceeded toward them to render assistance. MORE

PATFORSWA Holds Change of Command June 17, 2021 — Capt. Benjamin D. Berg relieved Capt. Willie Carmichael as Commander, Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 16. MORE

U.S. Coast Guard Decommissions Bahrain-Based Cutters USCGC Aquidneck, USCGC Adak June 17, 2021 — After more than 30 years of active service, Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats USCGC Aquidneck (WPB 1309) and USCGC Adak (WPB 1333) were decommissioned from service in a ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, June 15. MORE