US, UK and French Combine Forces in US Task Force 50
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Steinberg, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
| December 30, 2016
MANAMA, Bahrain - The French anti-air frigate FS Forbin
joined U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's (NAVCENT) Task Force (CTF) 50 on
Dec. 27.
The integration of FS Forbin marks the first time a French
unit has integrated with the task force while being led by the Royal Navy. The
French previously led CTF 50 last December, commanding it from the
nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle.
"Forbin is committed to working together with the U.S.
and Royal Navy," said Capt. Christophe Cluzel, commander of Forbin.
"France continues to value the partnerships with our allies in order to
protect the maritime domain."
Forbin is joining U.S. ships USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Mahan
(DDG 72), and U.K. ships HMS Ocean (L 12) and HMS Daring (D 32). The U.S.,
French and Royal Navy are working together in support of maritime security
operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area
of operations.
CTF 50 is currently led by Commodore Andrew Burns, commander
of the Amphibious Task Group, embarked on the U.K.'s large-deck amphibious
assault ship HMS Ocean.
"I am delighted that FS Forbin will be operating as
part of CTF 50 and looking forward to the contribution she will make to ongoing
U.S., U.K. and French maritime security operations in the Gulf," said
Burns. "Her integration will reinforce our already strong bonds and advance
the progress in interoperability made to date."
CTF 50 will lead a multilateral exercise early next year,
Unified Trident, encompassing other NAVCENT CTFs as well as French and Royal
Navy assets. The exercise is intended to enhance mutual capabilities, improve
tactical proficiency and strengthen partnerships in ensuring the free flow of
commerce and freedom of navigation.
NAVCENT is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square
miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf
of Aden and the Red Sea. NAVCENT's mission is to conduct maritime security
operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and strengthen partner
nation's maritime capabilities in order to promote security and stability in
the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.