Navy Takes Command Of Major Multinational Task Force In Gulf For First Time

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7th December 2009, 07:38pm - Views: 698





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DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE



Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT

Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545



MSPA 420/09

Monday, 7 December 2009


NAVY TAKES COMMAND OF MAJOR MULTINATIONAL TASK FORCE

IN GULF FOR FIRST TIME

A team of 25 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors will depart this week for the

Middle East to form the command group of a Coalition Naval Task Force engaged in

maritime security operations throughout the region.


Combined Task Force 150 conducts counter terrorism and maritime security

operations in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Gulf of Oman. 


As Commander of the Task Force, Commodore Richard Menhinick will have tactical

control of Coalition ships and aircraft from many nations, including the United States,

the United Kingdom, Singapore, Iraq, Pakistan, Germany and Australia’s HMAS

Stuart.


Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans says it is the first time an

Australian Officer has been assigned to this coalition command position – one of the

most senior naval appointments in the Middle East Area of Operations.


“Commodore Menhinick and his team will be responsible for a combined crew of up

to 1600 personnel; it is a very important role and a great endorsement for the

professionalism of the Royal Australian Navy,” Lieutenant General Evans said.


“I would like to especially thank the families and friends of these personnel for their

ongoing support and wish those deploying continued success and safety.”


Commodore Menhinick says he is confident his team is prepared for their mission. 


“I am fortunate and privileged to lead such a capable and experienced team. We will

meet all challenges directly and professionally and build upon the outstanding

reputation of the Australian Defence Force in the international community,”

Commodore Menhinick said.


“Our mission will be to sustain maritime security in the region, which includes

deterring and countering terrorist movements at sea, to keep the seas open and safe for

international shipping.”


“It is with mixed emotions we say goodbye to our families and friends, thanking them

for their understanding and support, while looking forward to being in such an

important leadership role,” Commodore Menhinick said.


Media contact:

Defence Media Liaison: 




02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664






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