Sri Lanka Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Multinational Maritime Training Task Force
Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain –The Sri Lankan Navy assumed command of a multinational maritime training task force during a change-of-command ceremony, Jan. 26.
Egyptian Navy Commodore Haytham Khalil turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 to Sri Lankan Navy Commodore KMH Bettage.
During Khalil’s tenure, CTF 154 established monthly Maritime Security Enhance Training sessions which focused on topics including, but not limited to, navigation and safety at sea, firefighting, public affairs, and pollution event crisis management. This is in addition to key partner engagements and working alongside other maritime organizations, such as the European Union Naval Force.
“Our collective efforts have strengthened maritime security and fostered cooperation,” said Khalil. “Your tireless work has yielded remarkable results, enhanced monthly training, and elevated our readiness and operation. I am honored to have led such a talented and cohesive team.”
CTF 154 conducts multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East, enabling more CMF partner-nations to participate in training opportunities
without ships or aircraft, particularly during courses that are facilitated ashore. It organizes training events around five core areas: maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. Each training opportunity is tailored to meet partner requests ranging from basic to advanced levels. CTF 154’s core staff consists of members from Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Türkiye, and the United States.
This will be the first time a CTF is commanded by Sri Lanka, which joined the CMF in Nov. 2023.
"I believe training and collaboration are essential to maritime commerce and security," Bettage said. "By fostering partnerships between nations and industries, we can address threats, optimize operations and protect vital trade routes together. These efforts strengthen the
global maritime industry and support economic growth."
CTF 154 was established May 2023, and is one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces. 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.
CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It 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.
Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 151
From NAVCENT Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain –The Pakistan navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces’ counter-piracy focused task force during a change-of-command ceremony, Jan. 22.
Türkiye navy Rear Adm. Rustu Sezer turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Pakistan navy Commodore Sohail Azmie.
Since assuming command in July, Sezer oversaw ships supporting the task force as they conducted multinational exercises to hone skills and promote transnational relationships. Ships also routinely conducted maritime patrols in the Gulf of Aden to directly suppress piracy outside territorial waters of coastal states, in coordination with the European Union Naval Force.
This was Türkiye’s seventh time in command of CTF 151.
Sezer thanked the many nations that take part in counter-piracy operations, particularly Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Pakistan, for their contributions.
"The main objective was not only deter, suppress and disturb piracy, but also maintain effective and meaningful coordination with the other counterpiracy task forces, regional partners and nations to ensure efficient use of assets and information sharing," Sezer said. "We have been in close cooperation and sharing information to increase the effectiveness of our counterpiracy operation."
Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces, thanked Sezer for continuing to move CTF 151 forward in supporting the task force and CMF mission.
"The challenge was clear: disrupt illicit activities, create a safer maritime domain and foster cooperation amongst the key stakeholders, and to that end, you've achieved all those objectives," Wikoff said of Sezer's tenure in command. "CTF 151 took significant step towards forwarding regional cooperation, reflecting the absolute requirement for us to combine effects to counter the maritime threats. Moving forward, we will maintain our
resolute focus on maritime security, and thanks to leaders like Commodores Sezer, we remain engaged and fully mission capable."
Calling him, "the right leader at the right time," Wikoff expressed confidence in Azmie's experience as a surface warfare officer. He also noted Pakistan's strong record of leading CMF task forces.
"As most of you know, it was a week ago that the Pakistan Navy relinquished command and Task Force 150, here we are today, welcoming another senior Pakistan Navy leader to command a CMF Task Force. Pakistan's dedication to regional security is exemplified by its willingness to demonstrate consistent leadership within the CMF," Wikoff said.
This will be Pakistan’s eleventh time in command of CTF 151.
"We believe there exists a maritime
cooperative continuum. At one end of it is the independent deployment of assets while remaining open to what Robert Kaplan says, is 'plug-and-play' maritime security architecture, and on the other end is the contribution towards multi-lateral constructs such as the CMF, where one aligns with the partners and allies for collective good," Azmie said. "Our focus would be to work together with the partner nations, other commands and maritime organizations for accomplishing CMF and CTF 151 missions."
CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit
Corridor.
CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from no-state actors; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.
CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It 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.
Destroyer Squadron 50 Assumes Operation Prosperity Guardian Mission
Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain – Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 handed over responsibility for Operation Prosperity Guardian, the presence and information-sharing mission to counter unlawful Houthi attacks on maritime shipping in the Red Sea region, to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50, Feb. 1.
DESRON 50, the surface warfare task force under U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, will continue OPG’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and Western Gulf of Aden.
“CMF’s CTF-153 has done a spectacular job leading OPG and I thank all of the members who committed to this important mission,” said Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of CMF. “There will be no change to the important role OPG contributes to regional maritime security.”
“DESRON 50 brings immediate continuity to the mission,” Wikoff said.
More than 20 nations participated in OPG, providing ships, personnel, and information support since the focused operation was
announced in December 2023. Wikoff said CMF personnel who participated in OPG, “performed their duties with exceptional professionalism.”
The Joint Maritime Information Center, established in February 2024 as part of OPG’s information sharing mission, will expand its role within the CMF as an authoritative information source for regional maritime reporting.
“Through dialogue and building close relationships with industry and with CMF, JMIC continues to provide real-time information to enable informed decisions, contributing to overall domain awareness,” said Capt. Lee Stuart, JMIC Director.
Combined Maritime Forces, a 46-nation naval partnership, is headquartered in Bahrain and is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership, committed to upholding the rules-based international order at sea. It 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.
By DOD News
During WWII, Four Chaplains Gave Their Lives in Act of Selfless Service
During the height of World War II, more than 900 service members, civilians and crew aboard the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester sailed through the North Atlantic for Greenland.
When the ship departed St. John's, Newfoundland, Jan. 29, 1943, everyone on board knew there was a risk of being torpedoed and possibly sunk by the German submarines patrolling the area.
On board the ship were four Army chaplains, all lieutenants, including George L. Fox, a Methodist minister; John P. Washington, a Catholic priest; Clark V. Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister; and Alexander D. Goode, a rabbi.
By the fifth day of the journey, on the evening of Feb. 2, it became apparent to the ship's captain and crew that they were being stalked by a German submarine. The Dorchester's captain put passengers on alert, warning them to sleep that evening in their clothes and to wear a life jacket.
The four chaplains had been planning an amateur talent show to amuse the men and take their
minds off the trip, but with new knowledge of the German submarine, coupled with bad weather, they scuttled the idea.
With the men unnerved by knowledge of the German sub, the chaplains instead held a party to keep the men occupied. Following the conclusion of that event, some of the chaplains visited with the men, and one even held Mass.
Shortly after midnight, on the morning of Feb. 3, the crew and passengers began to think their
concerns about the submarine had been unwarranted. But that was premature. The crew aboard the German submarine U-233 prepared to attack.
Just before 1 a.m., a German torpedo struck the Dorchester. Dozens were killed instantly, and the ship descended into chaos. Men rushed to the top deck to escape by lifeboat, but found many were unable to be used, either due to icing, or due to the extreme tilt of the ship — the result of taking on water from the torpedo. Some men simply jumped overboard to avoid going down with the ship.
As the ship sank into the
water, the four chaplains did their best to attend to the needs of frightened servicemen by calming them, tending to spiritual needs, helping the wounded and guiding them to safety.
Goode, for instance, gave his own gloves to another serviceman, telling the man he had an extra pair when he did not. The chaplains together also assisted in handing out life vests. When the supply was finally exhausted, they took off their own vests and gave those to the men who were still without.
All four chaplains eventually succumbed to the icy waters of the Atlantic. Of the more than 900 men on board the ship, 672 died.
All four chaplains have since been awarded Purple Hearts and Distinguished Service Crosses for their actions that day. Congress additionally created a "Four Chaplains' Medal," which was presented to their survivors in 1961.
Army Maj. Gen. Bill Green Jr., who serves today as the Army chief of chaplains, said while the four chaplains differed in their faiths, they were the same in their dedication to service.
"Despite their differences, the four chaplains were united in their desire to provide comfort, care and calm to their shipmates as everyone abandoned the ship," Green said. "They made the ultimate sacrifice when the supply of life jackets was exhausted, and they all removed their own to give them to others."
Chaplains, Green said, have been in every conflict the United States military has been involved in to provide for the spiritual needs of warfighters as they defend the U.S. and its interests.
"Chaplains have been a strong, steady and courageous presence in every major conflict beginning with the Revolutionary War, and today we continue building spiritual readiness so that our soldiers can endure in any future fight," Green said in a message to Army chaplains worldwide, asking them to remember the importance of their mission.
The Four Chaplains Day observance, Feb. 3, 2025, marks 82 years since Fox, Washington, Poling and Goode selflessly sacrificed themselves to save the lives of the servicemen they traveled with.
Task Force 51/5 Marines Master 3D Printing in Navy-led Program
Story by Task Force 51/5 Public Affairs
Türkiye navy Rear Adm. Rustu Sezer turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Pakistan navy Commodore Sohail Azmie.
Since assuming command in July, Sezer oversaw ships supporting the task force as they conducted multinational exercises to hone skills and promote transnational relationships. Ships also routinely conducted maritime patrols in the Gulf of Aden to directly suppress piracy outside territorial waters of coastal states, in coordination with the European Union Naval Force.
This was Türkiye’s seventh time in command of CTF 151.
Sezer thanked the many nations that take part in counter-piracy operations, particularly Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Pakistan, for their contributions.
"The main objective was not only deter, suppress and disturb piracy, but also maintain effective and meaningful coordination with the other counterpiracy task forces, regional partners and nations to ensure efficient use of assets and information sharing," Sezer said. "We have been in close cooperation and sharing information to increase the effectiveness of our counterpiracy operation."
Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces, thanked Sezer for continuing to move CTF 151 forward in supporting the task force and CMF mission.
"The challenge was clear: disrupt illicit activities, create a safer maritime domain and foster cooperation amongst the key stakeholders, and to that end, you've achieved all those objectives," Wikoff said of Sezer's tenure in command. "CTF 151 took significant step towards forwarding regional cooperation, reflecting the absolute requirement for us to combine effects to counter the maritime threats. Moving forward, we will maintain our resolute focus on maritime security, and thanks to leaders like Commodores Sezer, we remain engaged and fully mission capable."
Calling him, "the right leader at the right time," Wikoff expressed confidence in Azmie's experience as a surface warfare officer. He also noted Pakistan's strong record of leading CMF task forces.
"As most of you know, it was a week ago that the Pakistan Navy relinquished command and Task Force 150, here we are today, welcoming another senior Pakistan Navy leader to command a CMF Task Force. Pakistan's dedication to regional security is exemplified by its willingness to demonstrate consistent leadership within the CMF," Wikoff said.
This will be Pakistan’s eleventh time in command of CTF 151.
"We believe there exists a maritime cooperative continuum. At one end of it is the independent deployment of assets while remaining open to what Robert Kaplan says, is 'plug-and-play' maritime
security architecture, and on the other end is the contribution towards multi-lateral constructs such as the CMF, where one aligns with the partners and allies for collective good," Azmie said. "Our focus would be to work together with the partner nations, other commands and maritime organizations for accomplishing CMF and CTF 151 missions."
CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.
CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from no-state actors; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.
CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It 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.
Kickin’ it with Shaun – Team Game
By Shaun Gillespie, NSA Bahrain MWR Fitness Specialist
Let's set the scene.
At 35,000 feet above the ground, the air is very, very cold up here at -56.2F; not too far off the average for the Antarctic. The light goes green then the rear cargo doors open on the A400M with a deafening roar of wind and frigid cold you can feel on your face. The Jumpmaster gives everyone the thumbs up and one by one you and the specialist team of six men head out the rear, one by one. You are the last to jump out the plane, heading towards the earth at 120 mph. Ninety seconds pass and you count the canopies: one, two, three, four………Four!!!!!
Looking around, you find number five, whose parachute collapsed as it deployed; tangling him in a mess of paracord.
Hands at your sides, legs together, you dip your chin and intercept him. Right before you reach him, you open up your arms and legs to slow down enough not to hurt him as you grab him.
You know you have 30 seconds to cut him loose so he can deploy his reserve. You have been very well trained for just this scenario, having practiced it many times and using your knife expertly to cut away at the entanglement of cord.
After 30 seconds there is enough space for his reserve
to deploy. You motion a thumbs up which he returns right after you kick yourself away as both of you deploy your parachutes.
Landing on the ground and connecting with the rest of the team.
You receive a cursory nod of thanks as the team continues on their mission.
This is one of the reasons my classes are so successful. You just need to find one person to go to the gym with, one person to walk with, one person to cycle with or just one person to be active with to help improve your chances of reaching your fitness goals. Look out for each other out there. Team for the win. If you need me, come chat to me in class as listed below.
Do you need to decompress after a long day, maintain or increase fitness with a team to help keep you motivated and accountable? If so, my classes are a sure way to get you on track.
* Sun. @ 1600 Boxing (Human Performance Area aka NOFFS)
* Mon. @ 1600 Kickboxing (Aerobics Studio)
* Tues. @ 1600 Boxing (Human Performance Area aka NOFFS)
* Wed. @ 1600 Kickboxing (Aerobics Studio)
And if group sessions aren’t really your thing, I am available for one-on-one coaching as well.
Fill in a PT request form requesting Shaun at the P911 gym reception.
“Tu Certa Salutis Anchora“
Winter is coming. A phrase made common many years ago at the height of the “Game of Thrones” popularity. Right now, the U.S. endures frightfully frigid low temperatures and inches of freshly fallen snow covers the ground in many parts of the South. We might sympathize except right now is probably the best time of year to be in Bahrain. Winter is the most comfortable with the cool crisp air almost wishing we could snuggle up to a warm fireplace with slippers and hot chocolate. Walking outside without sweating away into a pool is a blessing. Let us fend off for as long as possible the oppressive heat and humidity. We all experience winter differently; it doesn’t change that winter is coming. It is a season of life that we all endure. Cold wind will pierce through all the layers we put on and our soul will shiver. Snow and ice storms loom large over every new day can feel all consuming. Chaplains know how cold and dreary this season of life can be. C.S. Lewis writes of a land "where it is always winter." We all find ourselves in such a land at times in our life. Whenever you might feel the warmth of life’s joy leaching out, and the path you were walking on lost in one of life’s blizzards, know it’s always possible to find new a new path even upon frozen lakes and fallen snow. Chaplains are always available to talk about new beginnings, most especially in the depths of winter of the soul. Winter is coming, indeed, but you don’t need to endure it alone.
Chaplains know in a single moment life can change decision. Everything from a simple introduction to a person you don't know, to responding to an online posting, to just saying hello to a passing stranger can forge a forever connection. Many of you have your own stories about simple connections that later build life-long relationships. We invite you to share them with us. We welcome your relationship stories and encourage you to ask how to make them stronger.
NSA CREDO is a great program that encourages strong relationships. Please connect with us in the chaplain’s office in BLDG 100 to learn about the different retreats we have coming up.
New Fallen Snow
Drab gray sky gives way to newly falling snow.
Winter’s soft light takes the reigns from the bitter winds of woe. The old, covered, forgotten, refreshed for heaven's sake. Hills and fields beckoning joy filled memories under the moonlight wake.
Surrendering to gravity soaring faster than a winter wren. Bearing witness to new love kindled from across the glen. Cold winds only cure is the chair next to the fire. Hot beverage, and gaze resting on whom most admire. Polar air melts away with their embrace. Memories well-made we can never replace.
BAHRAIN MENTAL HEALTH ROADMAP
One of Them Days (R) – 1h 37m
When best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa discover Alyssa's boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact. Cast | Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway
Nosferatu (R) – 2h 12m
A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. Cast | Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgard
The Fire Inside (PG-13) – 1h 49m
The story of Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields, a boxer from Flint, Michigan who trained to become the first woman in her country's history to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport. Cast | Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, Jazmin Headley
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (R) – 2h 24m
Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world's largest diamond exchange. Cast | Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmad
