New Commander Opens IMSC Command Center November 7, 2019 — International partners gathered to celebrate the opening of Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel’s new command center at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain Nov. 7. MORE

NCAGS Provides Critical Support to Maritime Security November 2, 2019 — The U.S. Navy has surged critical support to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command to provide expanded interface between military and merchant shipping as part of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC). MORE

U.S. Marines Embark Merchant Vessel to Provide Security During Strait of Hormuz Transit October 30, 2019 — Marines and Sailors deployed with Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, Central Command (FASTCENT) Company, assigned to Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5th MEB), embarked on a Military Sealift Command time chartered vessel in the Arabian Gulf to provide security during a Strait of Hormuz transit Oct. 21, 2019. MORE

Head of Merchant Marine Academy visits U.S. 5th Fleet October 28, 2019 — Rear Adm. Jack Buono, superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain and the Naval Coordination and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) facilities, Oct. 23. During his tour of NCAGS Buono met with Sailors, merchant mariners and Coast Guardsmen and talked about the importance of keeping a working relationship with merchant vessels. MORE

IMX 19 Commences in U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations October 20, 2019 — International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19), a multinational exercise featuring assets and personnel from more than 50 partner nations and seven international organizations, begins Oct. 21. IMX 19 demonstrates the international community’s resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The exercise will span from the Suez Canal south to the Bab-al-Mandeb, through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Northern Arabian Gulf. The exercise consists of four phases: staff training, table-top and classroom exercises, fleet training exercise (FTX), and force redeployment. MORE

NAVCENT Commander Meets with Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces October 1, 2019 — Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, travelled to Riyadh to meet with Vice Admiral Fahad al Ghofaily, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), and U.S. Ambassador John Abizaid, Sept. 29, 2019. MORE

US, Bahrain Participate in Neon Defender 19 September 25, 2019 — U.S. and Bahrain armed forces participated in exercise Neon Defender 19 in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 15-19. MORE

Commander of Naval Surface Forces Visits Bahrain September 23, 2019 — Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Sept. 19. Brown toured coastal patrol ship USS Whirlwind (PC 11) and mine countermeasures ship USS Devastator (MCM 6), as well as held an all-hands call with surface warfare officers during his visit. MORE

International Maritime Security Construct Main Planning Conference concludes aboard RFA Cardigan Bay September 17, 2019 — Representatives from member states of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), along with representatives from 25 additional countries, gathered on September 16 for a Main Planning Conference aboard RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009). MORE

Historic Visit of the United States Navy’s USS Ramage September 15, 2019 — USS Ramage (DDG-61), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, visited Beirut, Lebanon Sept. 14. The USS Ramage is named for Vice Admiral Lawson P. Ramage, a notable submarine commander and Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. MORE