Category: US Naval Central Command

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.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 55/Destroyer Squadron 50, responsible for surface forces across the Middle East region, welcomed a new commander during a ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 3.

Capt. Patrick Murphy relieved Capt. Dave Coles as commander of the Middle East region’s forward-deployed destroyer squadron.

Coles, a San Francisco Bay Area native, assumed command of the DESRON in November.

Under Coles’ leadership, DESRON 50 provided direct support to Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 150, directing multiple maritime interdictions of vessels, seizing an estimated $128 million in illicit narcotics, denying terrorist organizations the income they need to carry out their malign activities.

He also integrated aerial and surface assets to expand maritime capabilities, coordinating the efforts of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, Air Forces Central Command, and coalition partners to provide a robust presence in the Red Sea region. These efforts resulting in 50 incident-free Bab al-Mandeb transits.

Coles also built maintenance capacity in a highly dynamic environment when he enabled the U.S. Coast Guard’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia to execute maintenance on all five of their fast-response cutters in a forward logistics location. This kept the FRC fleet 100 percent ready for tasking.

“[Commodore Coles], thank you for leading from the front,” said Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and the ceremony’s presiding officer, during his remarks. “Thank you for building trust and strengthening critical partnerships throughout the region. But most of all, thank you for your passion and relentless devotion to duty which serves as an inspiration up and down the chain of command.”

In his remarks, Coles thanked the men and women of the squadron for their dedication to keeping the surface force in the Middle East ready.

“What a privilege to work alongside the ‘Desert Sailors’ of DESRON 50,” Coles said. “Our insatiable appetite for every inch of competitive combat advantage that we can generate is our North Star. Material readiness, Sailor readiness, team readiness guide us toward the ultimate aim of victory at sea if and when we are challenged. I appreciate the staff’s relentless pursuit of these goals.”

Murphy, of Lexington, Massachusetts, assumed command after serving as the deputy commodore since October. A 1999 graduate of The Citadel, he commanded the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96).

“It’s a true pleasure to come to work every day and to take care of our Sailors and ships,” Murphy told the DESRON staff in his remarks. “It’s the people that makes this job so rewarding.”

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 —

Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 marked one year as the partnership’s multinational maritime training task force, May 22.

CTF 154 provides multinational maritime training across the Middle East, centered on five core areas: maritime awareness, law of the sea, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. CTF 154 customizes training to meet partner needs, enabling more nations to participate in training evolutions, even without ships or aircraft.

Since standing up last year, CTF 154 has completed nearly 30 training exercises across five operations: Compass Rose I and II in Bahrain; Southern Readiness in the Seychelles, and Northern Readiness I and II in Jordan. These events connected more than 135 subject matter experts with over 400 participants from 23 countries.

“Working and training collectively allows us to operate more effectively,” said Vice Adm. George Wikoff, CMF commander. “With CTF 154 we’re boosting regional maritime security by providing the ‘go-to’ training that partners and members need to keep the advantage in a dynamic environment.”

The task force conducted their inaugural event, Compass Rose, in Bahrain May 22-25, 2023. The training included more than 50 participants from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and United States and focused on first aid and vessel boarding procedures. The second Compass Rose exercise also occurred in Bahrain that December, with training on visit, board, search and seizure procedures, vessel security, and watch officer fundamentals.

In July, CTF 154 traveled to the Seychelles for Exercise Southern Readiness. The exercise involved vessel boarding, search-and-rescue operation techniques, maritime law and navigation. This was undertaken by field experts from Canada, Australia, France, United Kingdom, India, Italy and the United States of America, including experts from Seychelles Coast Guard and the locally based office of the United Nations on Drugs and Crimes.

CTF 154 conducted operation Northern Readiness at the Royal Jordanian Naval Base in Aqaba, Jordan, in October. More than 30 CMF facilitators from eight nations led training courses on maritime awareness, law of the sea, VBSS, search and rescue, medical evacuations, seamanship development, public affairs, and leadership development.

In February, the Task Force held its largest scale event to date, Operation Northern Readiness II. Approximately 150 participants, facilitators, and observers took part, including representatives from CMF, European Union Naval Force Operation, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

“Being the commander of Combined Task Force 154 is an honor for the Royal Jordanian Navy and for myself,” said Capt. Ayman Salem Alnaimat, who became CTF 154’s second commander in November. “As we celebrate a year of impressive accomplishments, I believe the task force has more to achieve. All CMF members and our regional maritime partners support our efforts, which promote interoperability, capacity, capability and cooperation.”

CMF is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 43 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea, which promotes security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150 that focuses on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean; CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 153 in the Red Sea.

Source: United States Naval Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain —

Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Lebanon and Albania on May 9 as the 44th and 45th members of the world’s largest maritime security partnership.

CMF is the largest naval partnership in the world, made up of a headquarters staff based in Bahrain and five combined task forces focused on maritime security, maritime security training and regional anti-piracy efforts.

“It is a pleasure to welcome both Lebanon and Albania to the Combined Maritime Forces,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, the CMF commander. “The expansion of CMF brings with it skills and expertise from more nations than ever, and I look forward to being ‘ready together’ as we continue to set the global standard.”

The combined task forces include:
– CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
– CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts.
– CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf.
– CTF 153, responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden.
– CTF 154, established in May 2023 to enhance maritime security training throughout the region.

The combined task forces’ collective areas of responsibility cover 3.2 million square miles of water, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.