On 12 April, Egypt became the 34th member of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), in order to counter illicit non-state actors on the high seas, while promote security, stability and prosperity.
In light of the above, Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, command of U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. 5th Fleet and CMF, welcomed Egypt’s membership during his visit in Alexandria.
Today is a historic moment as Egypt enters into our enduring coalition. Egypt is an important partner in ensuring stability in the region, and we are honored to welcome Egypt’s partnership in our mission focused on making the region and world a safer place.
CMF’s area of operations encompasses some of the world’s most important shipping lanes with more than 3 million square miles of international waters, including the key chokepoints of the Suez Canal, Bab al Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
As explained, Egypt brings a wealth of operational experience in the region and maritime capabilities to CMF, and now provides coalition partners on both sides of the Red Sea, a waterway of significant strategic importance accounting for 10 percent of the world’s trade.
Thereofre, Egypt’s membership will further improve mutual awareness and ability to operate in the central and northern Red Sea.
For the record, CMF was established in 2002 and the importance of maritime partnership, cooperation and coordination remains just as viable, relevant and effective today as the strategic environment is always evolving.
In addition, CMF provides military assets to support the construct with partner nation rotations of Coalition Task Forces (CTFs) and staff to the CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
The three CTFs of CMF include CTF 150 with a focus on maritime security operations throughout the area, CTF 151 conducting counter piracy operations, and CTF 152 focuses on maritime security in the Arabian Gulf.
With Egypt’s entry into CMF, this cooperation and interoperability will only grow.
…as Paparo concluded.
