Commander of Combined Task Force 150 visits Kenya, Tanzania and the Seychelles

Commander of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150) Commodore Charles McHardie visited Kenya, Tanzania and the Seychelles recently with the aim of enhancing regional cooperation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operational area.

The visits focused on improving maritime security by developing an increased understanding of the region’s maritime capabilities and creating opportunities to build maritime capacity through increased cooperation.

Commodore McHardie met with political and military leaders from the three countries to thank them for their continued efforts in improving the region’s security.

“I am most appreciative to have had the opportunity to discuss how we can progress maritime security issues with regional nations,” Commodore McHardie said.

“Our common goal of security and stability can only be achieved by continued cooperation and information sharing between our forces.

“CTF150 now has a better understanding of shared maritime security issues within the region in which it operates.”

Commodore McHardie’s visit to Kenya included an official call with the Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Ngewa Mukala.

“I am extremely grateful to Major General Mukala for giving up a generous amount of time for a candid conversation about the maritime security situation in the region,” Commodore McHardie said.

The Commander travelled to Tanzania and met the Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Said Omar.

Admiral Omar showed vigorous support of the CMF mission and indicated that the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force had a similar mandate.

In the Seychelles, Commodore McHardie met with Vice President Danny Faure and representatives of the Seychelles’ cabinet to discuss their significant contribution to improving maritime security in the region.

“While the Seychelles is new to the CMF partnership, their commitment to regional maritime security is well established,” Commodore McHardie said.

Commodore McHardie is the Australian Commander for CTF150 based in Bahrain. CTF150 is one of three task forces operated by CMF involving 27 nations in a naval partnership.

The CMF mission is to promote security, stability and prosperity across the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The area encompasses some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.