COMBINED MARITIME FORCES
Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) recently conducted a coordinated maritime operation in the Arabian Gulf. These types of operations are designed to track, counter and build an understanding of any illicit activity in the Gulf to ensure stability in the region.
The Kuwait-led CTF 152, based in Bahrain, used naval and air assets from the United States, United Kingdom and Kuwait to conduct the joint operation in support of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) mission to deter criminal and terrorist activity in the Gulf and maintain regional maritime security.
Kuwaiti Col. Mohammad Aleid, commander of CTF 152, said: “By working together on a regular basis, [we find that] CMF tactics, operations and procedures become increasingly familiar and clearly understood by all nations taking part. This cooperation and interoperability make CTF 152 a more effective and capable task force.”
CTF 152, part of the 30-nation CMF, conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf, engaging with Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the wider maritime community to build capacity and increase interoperability to prevent terrorists and nonstate actors from using the seas for illegal activities. The command of CTF 152 rotates among countries. Kuwait took charge in September 2015 from Saudi Arabia.