14 May 2004
MULTI-NATIONAL MARITIME OPERATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
At
sea, somewhere in the Gulf of Oman, ten warships supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom rendezvous to consider their next step in the ongoing operations in the
Arabian Sea. Seven of these ships are assigned to Task Force 150, under the Command
of Commodore Anthony Rix Royal Navy, and are tasked with patrolling an area in
excess of two million square miles. From the Red Sea to the Eastern Arabian Sea
and from the Somali Basin to the Straits of Hormuz – it all falls within the
responsibility of Commodore Rix. “The size of the operating area, is significant”,
says Commodore Rix, “but we have the ships, equipment and above all the determination
to provide an effective operation throughout the area.” And there should be no
doubt as to the importance of the theatre: it is one of the busiest shipping
areas in the world where every type of vessel, from vast Supertankers to small
Dhows, all conduct their business.
For almost two years twelve nations have provided warships to Task Force 150's operations. Currently under UK command traditional NATO allies, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and United States, are joined by non-European allies from New Zealand and Pakistan. Such a wide range of support has put a potent and diverse force of warships at the disposal of Commodore Rix. “I have a highly capable and truly multi-national Task Force,” he explains, “We are also heavily supported by units from Japan and, although these remain firmly under the control of their national HQ, they provide support which is invaluable”. Additionally the Task Force is supported by a myriad of other assets: Maritime Patrol aircraft as well as ship-borne helicopters which all contribute to the frigates and destroyers that form the core of Commodore Rix's force. “Like the ships, these assets come from many countries worldwide: units from Australia, Spain, France and United Kingdom work alongside those from the United States”. And the importance of these assets should not be under-estimated: shorebased Maritime Patrol Aircraft increase the effectiveness of our ships ten-fold. They provide a clear, up-to-date maritime picture covering hundreds of miles ensuring the ships of Task Force 150 are in the right place at the right time to intercept vessels of interest.
Despite
the rendezvous of seven Task Force ships, which provided an invaluable opportunity
for the Commanding Officers to discuss the ongoing Operation, coalition forces
were still active across the whole area. One thousand miles away (in the Gulf
Of Aden) HMS CUMBERLAND, a type 22 frigate, remained on patrol whilst even further
away units of the Charles De Gaulle Battlegroup patrolled the Red Sea. “We have
a vast number of units at our disposal”, explains Commodore Rix, “even while
coalition ships were involved in a regroup there were many others on patrol.
We never - nor will ever - reduce the pressure.”
Task Force 150 vessels are manned by about 2000 officers and sailors from ten different nations. Commodore Rix regularly visits the ships to meet the people under his command. “The impression I have gained from the 100s of people I've met – regardless of their nationality - is that they feel they are doing a worthwhile task in maintaining global security and are proud of their efforts. I am sure that they wouldn't swap this for anything less exciting or rewarding.”
Background
- The three Japanese ships present are not part of Task Force 150. The ships do however provide crucial logistical support to the Force.
- The Straits Of Hormuz is the world's second busiest international strait. A large percentage of the world's crude oil transits the Strait enroute to the West. While not directly responsible for the safety of maritime traffic, the presence of the Task Force will have an effect in reducing illegal activity which might threaten maritime trade.
- TF150 has been under the Command of the United Kingdom since January 2004 and will handover responsibility to the French on the 1 June 2004.
- The current British warship in theatre is HMS CUMBERLAND, a Type 22 frigate. This has relieved HMS ST ALBANS the previous UK contribution to TF150. In addition HMS GRAFTON is currently assigned to Task Force 152 in the Arabian Gulf and RFA BAYLEAF (a British military tanker) is supporting Task Force 150 operations.
- Countries that have provided assets to Task Force 150 are:
- • Australia
- • Canada
- • France
- • Germany
- • Italy
- • Pakistan
- • Spain
- • New Zealand
- • United Kingdom
- • United States
Due to other tasks/national duties not all countries listed are currently providing ships. Frequently some nations (Britain, France and the US) provide more than one asset at any one time. Additional nations, such as Japan, provide support but do not put their ships under Tactical Control of the Commander of Task Force 150.
This page was last reviewed 28 June, 2007 and is current.