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Commander Task Force News

23 May 2023

Strategically Located, Guam's Defense Posture is Growing

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) departs Apra Harbor, Guam, Oct. 5. Springfield is one of five submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15. SUBRON 15 is responsible for providing training, material, and personnel readiness support to five forward-deployed Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Eric Uhden)

With the rise of China and her global ambitions, the military importance of Guam in the Indo-Pacific theater has become apparent. The force levels on the island had drawn down from a peak of about 26,000 at the height of the Vietnam War to a tenth of that—just 2,500 people in the early 2000s. Today, that's changing. Guam's defense posture is growing.Guam's proximity to major population centers in East Asia underscores its strategic importance. The island is just 1,400 miles from Tokyo, Manilla or Port Moresby. All of the armed services have a presence on Guam.

27 Sep 2022

US Coast Guard Decommissions Bahrain-based USCGC Baranof

Bahrain USCGC Baranof (WPB 1318) moored pierside in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 26, 2022, prior to its decommissioning. (Photo: Noah Martin / U.S. Army)

The USCGC Baranof (WPB 1318) was decommissioned during a ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Monday.“USCGC Baranof’s exemplary service to our nation is a testament to both the Island-class platform and the crews that have manned Baranof over the past 34 years,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, who presided over the ceremony. “Whether it was conducting law enforcement and search and rescue in the Caribbean, or deploying to the present-day homeport of Bahrain to support U.S.

20 Jun 2022

USCG Patrol Forces Southwest Asia Holds Change of Command

Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, presents an award for service to Capt. Benjamin Berg, commander, Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 16, 2022, during a change of command ceremony. As the commander of the most extensive Coast Guard base outside of the United States, Berg served as the senior U.S. Coast Guard representative in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, providing support to maritime security operations

Capt. Eric A. Helgen relieved Capt. Benjamin D. Berg as commander, Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Thursday, June 16.As the commander of the most extensive Coast Guard base outside of the United States, Berg served as the senior U.S. Coast Guard representative in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, providing support to maritime security operations in the north, central, and south Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

18 Jun 2021

US Coast Guard Decommissions Two Patrol Boats

USCGC Aquidneck (Photo: Jason Zalasky / U.S. Coast Guard)

After more than 30 years of active service, U.S. Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats USCGC Aquidneck (WPB 1309) and USCGC Adak (WPB 1333) were decommissioned in a ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Tuesday.Vice Adm. Steven Poulin, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, was in attendance to honor the years of service Aquidneck, Adak, and their crews, provided to the Coast Guard.“Thank you to every single crew member who has ever served aboard Aquidneck and Adak, from the plank owners to the final crew and all the crews in between,” Poulin said.

01 May 2020

US, UK Navies Conduct Antisubmarine Drills in the Arctic

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) makes her approach alongside USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) and USS Porter (DDG 78) for a connected replenishment (CONREP) to receive fuel and stores, April 28, 2020. CNE-CNA/C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with Allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) conducted a bilateral naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise with the U.K., above the Arctic Circle, May 1, 2020.Four ships from two nations, a U.S. submarine, and a U.S. P8-A worked together, in the Norwegian Sea, to conduct training in the challenging conditions in the Arctic.For the exercise, Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Porter (DDG 78), and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), were joined by the Royal Navy's HMS Kent (F 78). Additionally, a U.S.

15 Aug 2019

US, Malaysia Start Maritime Training Drill

Photo: United States Navy

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) began Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2019 marked by an opening ceremony at Lumut Naval Base, Aug. 14.MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability.The Pacific Area commander for the U.S. Coast Guard, Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, said that working alongside the U.S. Navy and international partners in this exercise is an important part of their mission in the Indo-Pacific.

11 Jan 2019

Surface Navy Association to Hold Annual Symposium

Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall, director, Surface Warfare, addresses attendees of the Surface Navy Association's 30th National Symposium in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Timothy Hale)

The Surface Navy Association will hold its 31st National Symposium January 15-17, 2019 at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.The symposium will feature senior Navy leaders delivering keynote remarks, focused on the theme of “Ready, Agile, Focused: Own the Fight!”Featured speakers include Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran; Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, USN; Director, Surface Warfare (N96) Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall; and Director, Expeditionary Warfare (N95) Maj. Gen.

31 Aug 2018

Ronald Reagan Strike Group, JMSDF Participate in Bilateral Training

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Escort Flotilla 4 Battle Group, participated in bilateral training Aug. 31 while underway in the South China Sea.During the training, units from the two maritime forces sailed in formation, participated in replenishment-at-sea training, exchanged Naval Liaison Officers and practiced maneuvering procedures.Additionally, Rear Adm. Karl O. Thomas, Commander, Task Force 70, and CTF 70 personnel visited JS Kaga to speak with JMSDF Rear Adm. Tatsuya Fukuda, Commander, Escort Flotilla 4, about JMSDF and U.S. Navy interoperability and maritime unit cohesion."The teamwork and…

16 Apr 2018

USNS Mercy Arrives in Malaysia

U.S. and partner nation personnel participating in Pacific Partnership 2018 aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), arrived in Port Kelang, Malaysia, April 16. The Pacific Partnership mission in Malaysia will feature medical exchanges, civil engineering projects, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness seminars, and community outreach engagements in the greater Kuala Lumpur area. The secondary mission platform for Pacific Partnership, the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) will arrive in Tawau, Malaysia April 21 for a series of civil engineering, medical and outreach engagements with the local community and Royal Malaysian Armed Forces.

19 Jan 2018

USNS Brunswick Departs Malaysia

The expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF-6) concluded a port visit to Kuching, Malaysia, Jan. 17. The crew took advantage of the opportunity to experience Malaysia's rich culture following a port visit to Lumut, Malaysia. "It is important for our Sailors to interact with local communities throughout the region," said Capt. Lex Walker, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. "The experiences they share with partner nations allows the U.S. The Royal Malaysian and U.S. Navy continue to work closely together through increasingly sophisticated exercises including the annual bilateral Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia and the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise. "For over two decades, the U.S.

05 Nov 2017

USS Coronado Departs Singapore

The littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) departed Singapore Nov. 4 after completing a 14-month rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. During the deployment, the ship and crew operated with navies of 16 partner nations, participated in 11 multilateral and bilateral exercises, and made 10 strategic port visits across the region. "The rotational deployment of USS Coronado demonstrated the relevance of LCS as a platform tailor made for the dynamic and congested sea lanes, straits and archipelagos of South and Southeast Asia, providing flexible options and tactical advantages," said Rear Adm Don Gabrielson, Commander, Task Force 73. "We made tremendous strides in a challenging, forward deployed environment and the team is already applying lessons learned to future deployments in 2018.

22 Oct 2017

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Visits South Korea

Task Force 70 Public Affairs (NNS) - The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group arrived in Busan for a port visit, Oct. 21. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) with embarked staff of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 staff and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stethem (DDG 63) and USS Chafee (DDG 90) pulled into Busan after participating in Maritime Counter Special Operations Force Exercise (MCSOFEX) 2017. The focus of the bilateral training exercise was to increase the readiness of U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) forces and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula. Shuttle tankers differ from “standard” crude oil tankers.

18 Jul 2017

UNITAS 2017 Naval Exercise Begins In Peru

Naval maritime forces from 19 countries are gathering in Lima, Peru, to kick off the 58th iteration of the annual multilateral exercise UNITAS. The meeting will conclude on July 26. This year's exercise will be hosted by Peru and commanded by Peruvian navy Rear Adm. Alberto Alcala. Participating countries include the United States, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Mexico, Spain, Canada, and the United Kingdom. While participating in UNITAS 2017, U.S. forces will be under the operational control of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 138/U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) Rear Adm. Sean Buck.

05 Jul 2017

US Navy Maritime Drill with Vietnam

The U.S. Navy began the 8th Annual Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with the Vietnam People's Navy, July 5, with the arrival of USS Coronado (LCS 4) and USNS Salvor (T-ARS-52) at Cam Ranh International Port. This five-day collaboration will focus on events and skills exchanges in diving and salvage and undersea medicine. A brief at-sea phase will allow ships from both navies to practice the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), ship handling, and medical evacuations. Subject matter expert exchanges ashore will focus on shipboard damage control, shipboard medicine, and law. NEA will also feature formal office calls, band concerts, community relations events, and team sports.

20 Jun 2017

The U.S and Philippine Navies Hold Maritime Drill

The U.S. and Philippine navies will participate in the Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama June 19-25 in the vicinity of Cebu. Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama is designed to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities, while strengthening the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines. The exercise will focus on mutual security concerns that affect the Philippines including piracy and sea smuggling, maritime domain awareness and patrol, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. "The training we will perform over the next week will provide excellent opportunities to deepen our long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73.

12 May 2017

US, Singapore, Thai Navies Complete CARAT

Ships from the Republic of Singapore navy, Royal Thai navy and U.S. Navy completed a three-day multilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in the South China Sea May 12. The three-day exercise included a broad spectrum of naval competencies and maritime security training aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability amongst the three navies. The navies are long-time maritime partners under the CARAT series, which began in 1995 with Thailand and Singapore as original participants in the exercise series. The multilateral engagement follows initiative to make some phases of the CARAT exercise series multilateral.

13 Apr 2017

Navy's Top Officer Visits Naval Station Rota

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven Giordano visited Naval Station Rota, March 27 and 28. During their time in Rota, Richardson and Giordono visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ross (DDG 71), ate lunch with the 2016 Sailors of the Year, viewed a display of Commander, Task Force 68 expeditionary equipment and held an "all-hands call" with installation Sailors, civilians and family members. While meeting Sailors around the installation, Richardson said it was clear Naval Station Rota Sailors are mission-focused and very well led. "I am incredibly proud and humbled to be your chief of naval operations," said Richardson.

10 Mar 2017

US Navy, JMSDF Complete MultiSail 17

Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) completed the annual bilateral training exercise MultiSail 17, March 10. The six-day exercise consisted of surface action group maneuvers, anti-submarine training, and various other events which tested warfighting capabilities of each participant. The MultiSail 17 participants included forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), and USS Mustin (DDG 89); JMSDF surface units JS Ikazuchi (DD 107) and JS Hatakaze (DD 171); and helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51. Capt. Jeffrey A.

01 Mar 2017

12th Pacific Partnership Mission On to Strengthen Indo-Asia-Pacific Ties

The U.S. Navy is joining allied and partner nation forces for the 12th Pacific Partnership mission, scheduled to begin March 1. This annual maritime operation will help improve disaster response preparedness and capacity, while enhancing partnerships with participating nations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. This year's mission will be led by the deputy commander and staff from Coastal Riverine Group 1, embarked aboard expeditionary fast transport USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4), and will include more than 200 supporting military and civilian personnel from the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

27 May 2016

US Hospital Ship Aids South Korean Sailor

An MH-60S assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 performs a medical evacuation of a sailor from Republic of Korea Submarine SSK Lee Eok Gi to hospital ship USNS Mercy (U.S. Navy photo by Elizabeth Merriam)

A U.S. hospital ship conducted a medical evacuation, or “medevac”, May 27 to assist an ailing Republic of Korea sailor aboard a Republic of Korea Navy (ROK-N) submarine. At approximately 10:30 a.m. May 26, the Military Sealift Command operated USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) received orders from Commander Task Force (CTF) 73 to render medical assistance to ROK-N submarine SSK Lee Eok Gi (SS 071) in the mid-Pacific. Mercy, which was approximately 18 hours away, altered its track to meet the submarine.

29 Apr 2016

This Day In Naval History: April 29

ex-USS Connolly (DD 979) is sunk during an exercise (U.S. Navy Photo by Chris Brown)

1814 - American sloop USS Peacock and HMS Epervier engage in battle. Peacock takes two 32-pound shots in her fore-yard with the first exchange, but her return broadside smashes most of Eperviers rigging and guns. After 45 minutes, Epervier is captured. The battle is hailed as a tribute of American gunnery as Epervier has 45 shot holes in her port side. 1944 - Task Force 58 begins a two-day attack on Japanese shipping, oil and ammunition dumps, aircraft facilities, and other installations at Truk following the support of the Hollandia landings in the Pacific.

27 Mar 2016

2015 USFFC Fleet Sea, Shore Sailors of the Year

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Phil Davidson announced the 2015 USFFC Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year during a ceremony hosted by the Hampton Roads Navy League at the Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, March 24. Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Tinisha Franklin, a native of Brooklyn, New York, stationed aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was announced as the 2015 Sea Sailor of the Year and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class (AW/SW) Brian McGarrigle, a native of Clearwater, Florida, stationed at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40 (HSM-40) as the Shore Sailor of the Year. "For the Shore Sailors of the Year standing behind me…

25 Mar 2016

Commander, Task Force 64 Established

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa established Commander, Task Force 64, a command focused on Ballistic Missile Defense in Europe, in ceremony held in Naples Italy. Commodore Jeffrey Wolstenholme assumed command of the newly established Commander, Task Force 64 (CTF 64) during a ceremony held on U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples, Capodichino, in Naples, Italy March 24, 2016. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command established CTF 64 to create a command focused on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) in Europe. Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. James Foggo III stated, “By establishing this task force, U.S. Sixth Fleet is aligning our organization to better address the changing threats in Europe. [Capt. Wolstenholme] will be formally identified as the U.S.