CTF 158 Changes Hands

In this Oct. 4 file photo, USS Thach (FFG 43) conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf. Thach is part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158, which is specifically responsible for ensuring the security of Iraq's Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) and Al Basra oil terminals in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1790. CTF 158 operates jointly with Iraqi Navy sailors and marines, trained by members of the Navy Transition Team based in nearby Umm Qasr. Over three quarters of Iraq's GDP is generated from the oil that flows through these terminals. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Lenny M. Francioni.)

Dispatches from the Front:

NORTH ARABIAN GULF, Oct. 18, 2008 -- Royal Australian Navy Commodore Bruce Kafer relieved Rear Adm. Kendall Card as Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 during a ceremony held at the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), October 17.

The ceremony concluded the U.S. Navy’s successful three-month command of CTF 158, which typically rotates between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Well done to all of our Coalition partners: our friends from the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and Iraq,” said Card. “Through our combined work and presence here in the North Arabian Gulf, we have been successful in meeting the primary mission of defense of the oil platforms, along with producing considerable enhancements in the infrastructure and vastly moving forward the transition of the mission to the Iraq navy and marines.”

The primary mission of CTF-158 is to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) around KAAOT and the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1790 in the North Arabian Gulf.

The U.N. Security Council resolution charges the multinational force with the responsibility and authority to maintain security and stability in Iraq territorial waters and supports the Iraq government's request for security support.

Kafer says the job will be tough, but his team can handle the task.

“I appreciate that this mission is a significant challenge,” said Kafer. “However, I am fortunate and privileged to lead a capable and experienced team, so I am confident that we will meet all challenges directly and professionally.”

CTF 158 operates jointly with Iraqi navy sailors and marines, trained by members of the Navy Transition Team based in nearby Umm Qasr.

MSO help set the conditions for security, which promotes stability and prosperity in the North Arabian Gulf. These operations protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination. MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

(Report from a Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs news release.)

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