U.S. Navy Takes the Reins of CTF 158 from Royal Australian Navy

Photo By Lt. Karen Eifert | At Sea (Nov. 12, 2006) - U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen bids Royal Australian Commodore Peter Lockwood farewell after turning over the Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 mission, Nov. 12. Lockwood had commanded the task force since June 23. CTF 158 is specifically responsible for ensuring the security of Iraq's Khawr Al Amaya and Al Basra oil terminals.  

11.12.2006

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Lt. Karen E. Eifert
CTF 59 Public Affairs Officer

OCEAN 6, At Sea – Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 for the second time this year when he relieved Royal Australian Navy Commodore Peter Lockwood, Nov. 12, aboard Ocean 6, the first-ever floating command barge anchored in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG).

Jensen previously commanded CTF 158 prior to relinquishing command to the Royal Australian navy, June 23. Since then, Jensen and CTF 59 took part in contingency operations, including the assisted departure of nearly 15,000 American citizens from Beirut in July and bilateral exercises with foreign militaries.

Jensen said he looks forward to operating in the Northern Gulf region again.
"We're coming out here determined and focused because we know we need to be ready for anything that may come our way," said Jensen. "We have an incredibly [motivated] team that's ready to continue the watch."

CTF 158 is specifically responsible for conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the NAG, which help protect Iraq's Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) and Al Basra Oil Terminal(ABOT).

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the NAG and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

Multi-national forces, which include naval assets from the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, assist Iraq in providing year-round, 24-hour protection to the oil terminals. The U.S. and coalition forces have done so for the past three years.

"Every ship that comes up here can see what needs to be done," said Lockwood. "The mission stares them in the face, and they know what they have to do."

• Date Taken: 11.12.2006
• Date Posted: 11.15.2006 09:49
• Story ID: 8281