Category: US Naval Central Command

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

The commanding officer of USS John S. McCain was relieved Aug. 30 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command the guided-missile destroyer.

The commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, relieved Cmdr. Cameron Yaste of duties as John S. McCain’s commanding officer.  Capt. Allison Christy, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, has temporarily assumed command of the destroyer.

John S. McCain is currently on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. It arrived in the Middle East in April after departing its homeport of Everett, Washington in March. There is no impact to the ship’s mission or schedule due to the relief.  

The Navy holds commanding officers to the highest standards and holds them accountable when those standards are not met. Naval leaders are entrusted with significant responsibilities to their Sailors and their ships. 

Yaste reported to assume the role as John S. McCain’s commanding officer in October 2023. He has now been temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Northwest.

The U.S. 5th fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations recently awarded U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Directorate of Logistics and Infrastructure the 2023 Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics and Sustainment Team of the Year.

“This award is only possible because of the amazing Sailors who continue to advance operational logistics and supply chain support for all our naval forces and assets in the 5th Fleet,” said Capt. Marcus Jones, Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics at NAVCENT.

The Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence recognizes both military and civilian logisticians who epitomize excellence in the realm of logistics and sustainment planning, representing the top individuals for global naval logistics. The awardees exemplify the importance of logistics to achieving the Navy’s mission and advancing a competitive edge over adversaries.

“This award is distinctly a humbling acknowledgement of the value that the U.S. Navy places on logistics and the profound impact of the work the NAVCENT N4 team has done in support of combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility,” said Cmdr. Colin Engels, NAVCENT Logistics Readiness Center Chief. “I have a tremendous amount of pride in our team.”

The NAVCENT team demonstrated exceptional leadership, unparalleled flexibility and tremendous logistics proficiency synchronizing logistics requirements for 15 task forces, 10 subordinate units, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, and USS Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group by rapidly developing a full transportation plan and establishing crucial supply nodes across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

“The work we put in over the last year had immediate real-world impacts in a combat environment and the team repeatedly demonstrated their ability to quickly think outside the box to solve a myriad of complex logistics challenges,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Murphy, NAVCENT Force Fuels Officer. “Receiving the Stan Arthur award reinforces the camaraderie of our group and affirms that we are logisticians of the highest caliber.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force (TF) 59 welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 30.

Capt. John Barrientos relieved Capt. Colin Corridan, who assumed command of TF 59 in March 2023.

The task force specializes in the integration of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence with maritime operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Under Corridan’s leadership, TF 59 personnel participated in over 30 exercises and operations including the U.S. Navy’s first unmanned transit of the Strait of Hormuz and the transition of an unmanned aerial vehicle from a commercial application to supporting military operations. 

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, noted Corridan’s performance as the task force commander as he advances the operational integration of unmanned systems paired with A.I. platforms.

“Your tour here has been nothing short of exceptional,” said Wikoff. “Although much experimentation had been done, you were the catalyst for moving us from concepts and ideas to real-time relevant solutions for operational problems — the connective tissue between industry, Navy leadership, technology and multiple regional partners.”

While commanding TF 59, Corridan commissioned a new task group focused on unmanned operations in January 2024.  The task group, known as Task Group 59.1, focuses on the operational deployment of unmanned systems teamed with manned operators to bolster maritime security across the Middle East region. The task group ensures the seamless integration of new technology introduced to operators while in theater.

Corridan praised the efforts of the men and women he served alongside.

“This is a tight knit group individuals from various nations and it was incredible to see the beauty of the team operating together in a quick and timely fashion from the past couple of months,” Corridan said. “The talent that came in and their different experiences, diverse backgrounds and abilities really lent to making this team really strong.”

With his tour complete, Corridan will next report to the Disruptive Capabilities Office in Washington, D.C.

Barrientos assumes command of TF 59 following a Chief Naval Operations fellowship to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. This will be his third tour in the U.S. 5th Fleet region.

“We’re integrating cutting edge technology to enhance maritime domain awareness, deter malign actors and foster new partnerships. The 5th Fleet area of operations remains an ideal location for this endeavor given the region’s unique geography, climate and strategic importance,” said Capt. John Barrientos, incoming commander of TF 59. “I’m eager to see what the future holds and how we shape it together. Thank you for your hard work thus far and for the efforts you’re going to be putting forward as we move forward together in support of our nation.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

The Secretary of the Navy recently awarded the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) to several units assigned to or operating within U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

The award recognized the commands for their outstanding performance during the period from October 19, 2023 to May 30, 2024.

Commands include:

Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT); Commander, Task Force (CTF) 53; CTF 54 Bahrain Team; CTF 54 Japan Team; CTF 55 / Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50; CTF 56, Task Group (TG) 56.1 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), TG 56.9 Intelligence Exploitation Team (IET), TG 56.3 Expeditionary Reload Team (ERT); CTF 57; Task Force (TF) 3; Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 21; Commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 7; COMSUBGRU 7 NCCS; Anti-Submarine Warfare Forces; TF 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade; Amphibious Ready Group (COMPHIBRON) 8; 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable); Antiterrorism Security Team Company-Central Command (FASTCENT); 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (BLT 1/6); Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162; Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21; Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8; Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2; Beachmaster Unit 2; Assault Craft Unit 2; Assault Craft Unit 4; USS Laboon (DDG 58); USS Mason (DDG 87); USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Blue Crew); USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116); USS Bataan (LHD 5); USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3); USS Stethem (DDG 63); USS McFaul (DDG 74); USS Gravely (DDG 107); USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3); USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6); USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196); USNS Supply (T-AOE-6); Detachment, Deployable Joint Command and Control (DJC2) Rotation 23.2; DJC2 Rotation 24.1; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (CRC) 40; Tactical Operations Control Squadron (TOCRON) 10; Patrol Squadron (VP) 5; VP 9; VP 10; VP 40; Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.

Established by the Secretary of the Navy on Dec. 18, 1944, and awarded by the secretary with the approval of the President, a unit commendation is conferred on any ship, aircraft, detachment or other unit of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps that distinguished itself for extremely meritorious service in support of military operations, which were outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATION —

On July 21, 2024, the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 temporarily assumed command of USS Cole (DDG 64) after the ship’s commanding officer was transferred for medical reasons.

Capt. Ryan Leary, DESRON 23’s deputy commodore, temporarily assumed command of Cole after Cmdr. Tim Clark transferred to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for medical reasons. Cole remains on mission in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations where it is currently on a scheduled deployment.

The U.S. 5th fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

U. S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) hosted the inaugural Multinational Combat Casualty Care Engagement (CCCE) conference, July 1–3.

Seeking to strengthen relationships among senior regional medical leaders, the conference attendees discussed a range of topics, including preparing medical teams for combat missions; managing common injuries in the field; utilizing telemedicine in a field setting; supporting a multinational fighting force; and providing ancillary support in combat.

More than 100 personnel from 12 countries participated.

“I’m grateful to all the 12 partner nations who come out and join us from around the globe, all in a unified commitment to do the best that we can within military medicine to improve survivability and provide care both from a physical and a mental standpoint during times of crisis and even during times of peace,” said Capt. Jorge Brito, NAVCENT force surgeon and U.S. Fifth fleet surgeon.

Brito added that the universal language of medical care, which transcends every language barrier, aims for the same goal: to save lives and advance medicine on a global scale.

“The ability to present everyone’s best practices and lessons learned from medical care, whether it be trauma care for forces, U.S. forces, and partners allow us to achieve the understanding of cooperation and collaboration,” said Lt. Freddie Mawanay, the event’s coordinator. “The ability to understand someone else’s medical capabilities allows us to have that self-service support for any patient that presents in front of us,” said Mawanay.

NAVCENT/C5F is the maritime component commander of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, which encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises more than 20 countries and includes three critical choke points: the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Reid concluded his two years of faithful and dedicated leadership by handing over command of Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot. The change of command ceremony, held aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain on July 11, 2024, marked the official transfer of authorities and responsibilities to the new commanding general.

Under Reid’s leadership, TF 51/5 forces were actively engaged in a variety of operations, activities, and initiatives that spanned the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. These included Joint Task Force-Crisis Response World Cup 22, International Maritime Exercise 23, iterations of the Intrepid Maven exercise series, and multiple Multilateral Maritime Engagements. These OAIs delivered lethal combat power against U.S. enemies, reassured American allies and partners, and deterred potential adversaries. Operations included contingency and crisis response planning efforts, multilateral theater security cooperation exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, key leader engagements, and amphibious sustainment exercises designed to sharpen warfighting proficiency.

“Working alongside exceptional individuals from various nations and branches of the United States military has been a privilege beyond belief,” expressed Reid. “Throughout my time at 51/5 we’ve faced numerous challenges with unwavering resolve and unmatched professionalism.”

Reid shared a quote from Jim Lovell, American retired astronaut, naval aviator, test pilot and mechanical engineer. “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.”

“This resonates deeply with our personnel at 51/5… we have constantly made things happen despite the challenges,” said Reid.

Before assuming command of Task Force 51/5, Lightfoot served as the director of Capabilities Development Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration. With extensive qualifications as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, he has flown over 3700 flight hours across diverse fleet aircraft, including 900 hours in support of combat operations and 800 hours using night vision devices. His distinguished career includes authorization to wear the Presidential Service Badge and multiple personal decorations. Upon assuming command, Lightfoot addressed the Marines and sailors entrusted under him, and encouraged them to embrace the highest standards of excellence as his predecessor had done.

“Brigadier General Reid set the bar high,” said Lightfoot. “And in a very short period of time I’ve been able to see that we have a varsity team here. We will succeed together. Mission first, people always.”

Task Force 51/5 is an integrated Navy and Marine Corps amphibious force, serving as a Joint Task Force-Capable Headquarters. It plays a vital role in responding to crises and contingencies, coordinating and executing operations, conducting theater security cooperation, and advancing emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in support of U.S. Central Command, Fifth Fleet, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force (TF) 56 welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 8.

Capt. Brian Reitter relieved Capt. Oliver Herion, who assumed command of TF 56 in April 2023.

The task force provides oversight for all expeditionary combat forces specializing in explosive ordnance disposal, naval coastal warfare, naval construction, expeditionary intelligence and expeditionary logistics support. Under Herion’s leadership, TF 56 personnel participated in more than 10 joint and combined training exercises with regional partners, including Resolute Union 23, Infinite Defender 24, and Eager Lion 24, which expanded and enhanced relationships with regional partners in Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, noted how Herion not only excelled in exercises, but ensured his task force was ready for real-world events. In April 2023, during a deteriorating security crisis in Sudan, he established a task element to support the military-assisted departure of American citizens and designated personnel fleeing violence from warring factions. This task element helped move more than 530 American citizens and personnel from more than 17 nations to safety.

“Commodore Herion, you’ve set the bar high for all those who come after you,” said Wikoff. “You stood the watch in active war zones, in forward areas, and in times of uncertainty. There are people all over the world literally alive today because of your efforts in those locations.”

While commanding TF 56, Herion also stood up Combined Maritime Force’s Combined Task Force 154, focused on maritime security enhancement training. He relinquished command of CTF 154 last November. 

In his remarks, Herion gave all the credit to the men and women he served alongside.

“You operated safely and effectively across a wide spectrum of conflict,” Herion said. “Whether that work is administrative, tactical or technical, every Sailor and soldier has an important role. Your capabilities ensure our collective sum is greater than our individual parts.”

His tour complete, Herion retires from the U.S. Navy after 41 years of service.

A career EOD officer, Reitter assumes command of TF 56 following a tour as Deputy Commander of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two based in Little Creek, Virginia.

“Task Force 56 teammates, you are true professionals and I am consistently impressed by the work you do on daily basis,” said Capt. Brian Reitter, incoming commander of TF 56. “Thank you for your flexibility, resilience and grit shown throughout the turnover process.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

RED SEA —

Sailors assigned to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) airlifted the crew of a merchant vessel attacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, June 15.

The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea, June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing.

A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from Tutor to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 transported the group to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). After being medically checked on IKE, the mariners were flown ashore for follow-on care.

“It’s humbling to watch the Strike Group provide assistance and rescue the crew of M/V Tutor,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “We are always prepared to help; it is the right thing to do.”

“Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always,” said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Sea’s commanding officer.

On June 13, HSM-74 aircraft from Philippine Sea medically evacuated a severely injured civilian mariner from M/V Verbena to a nearby partner force ship for medical attention. Palau-flagged, Ukrainian-owned Verbena was sailing in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by two anti-ship cruise missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

RED SEA —

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS – Sailors assigned to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) rescued a civilian mariner who was reported overboard from a motor vessel, May 30.

The civilian vessel issued a man-overboard distress call. Responding to the call, an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 74, deployed on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) immediately began search and rescue (SAR) efforts.

The aircrew located the person, lifted them via basket, and transported them to IKE. The civilian mariner was medically evaluated and treated aboard ship. The mariner was flown off ship for follow-on care ashore.

“Rendering assistance to distressed mariners is a mission that the entire carrier strike group takes very seriously, and it is just the right thing to do,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “As proof of their training, the aircrew responded swiftly and professionally. We are always prepared.”

IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.