(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Senior commanders from the coalition Combined Maritime Force (CMF) met Omani naval and Coast Guard officials in Muscat recently during a visit to discuss maritime security issues.
According to a CMF statement, Oman and CMF share 'a mutual interest in promoting security at sea for mariners with legitimate business and in denying access to those who seek to engage in acts of piracy, armed robbery or illegally engage in transport of narcotics, weapons or personnel.'
Officers from both Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) and Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151), working under the umbrella of CMF, were present at the meetings.
Commodore Daryl Bates, commander of CTF 150 said that Oman is geographically important in a 'dynamic' part of the world. ''Oman is justifiably proud of its rich maritime history, and with that comes a desire to ensure that the surrounding sea lanes remain safe, and free from illegal activity.''
He added, ''This visit to Muscat provided a great opportunity to exchange information on maritime security operations. It has enhanced our understanding of regional dynamics, and allowed us to share ideas on combating criminal activity in future. The involvement of regional states is key to the work of CMF, and the preservation of a lawful and stable maritime environment.''
CTF 150's command element is currently staffed by a team of 25 personnel from the Royal Australian Navy.
Its mission is to maintain maritime security and deter or defeat attempts by international terrorist organisations to use the open seas as a venue for an attack or transportation.
CTF 151 is commanded by Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, Royal Danish Navy, with personnel drawn from Denmark, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Its mission is to disrupt piracy and armed robbery at sea and engage with international partners to build capabilities in order to protect global maritime commerce.
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