25 October 2024
The ADF assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 153, taking the weight from the Italian Navy during a ceremony at Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain in October.
This was a first for the ADF, reinforcing Australia’s 20-year membership of the CMF, which has grown into a 46-nation maritime partnership since its establishment in 2002.
CTF 153 is one of the five task forces operated by CMF and focuses on maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden.
Australia’s CTF 153 contingent is deployed under Operation Manitou and includes personnel from all three services in a range of ranks and specialisations.
Royal Australian Air Force Flying Officer Marat Roche is a battle watch captain within CTF 153 on his first operational deployment.
“Back home I was in command of a Rifle Flight of 25 personnel and in charge of coordinating intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications for 2 Security Forces Squadron, conducting air base defence,” Flying Officer Roche said.
“Here in Bahrain I will coordinate warships and aircraft within the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, including responses to attacks on commercial shipping vessels, and the interception of illicit weapons and narcotics.
“This is a very different environment, but the core skills are the same, and I am getting great insight into how we operate as a joint force.
“I’m also looking forward to serving with the members of our team who come from partner nations and to understand how they operate and build friendships with people from around the world. I haven’t had the chance to serve overseas, so I am really proud to be here on this important mission.”
Captain Jorge McKee took command of CTF 153 just hours after two merchant ships were attacked with missiles and drone boats.
“Even though Australia is focused on our immediate region, we are committed to working with partners to uphold the global rules-based order,” Captain McKee said.
“We depend on those rules because Australia is an island that is entirely dependent on maritime trade. The rules that keep the seas safe and trade flowing are being broken, so as a medium-sized nation we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners to uphold those rules. That’s why I have a team of highly skilled Australians working side by side with very capable officers and sailors from 11 partner nations.
“We know this region, and we are committed to working with partners on shared security challenges.”
