“Yemen key to CMF future success”

Following Yemen’s official acceptance of membership to the CMF in December 2013, the Commander and Deputy Commander of CMF welcomed senior naval representatives from Yemen to CMF’s headquarters in Bahrain, on the occasion of their inaugural visit.

“Yemen key to CMF future success”: CMF Commanders welcome representatives from 30th member to HQ

Following Yemen’s official acceptance of membership to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in December 2013, the Commander and Deputy Commander of CMF welcomed senior naval representatives from Yemen to CMF’s headquarters in Bahrain, on the occasion of their inaugural visit.

Vice Admiral John W. Miller, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces said: “The skill and regional experience of the Yemen maritime forces – consisting of the Coast Guard, Naval Forces and Costal Defence – adds a significant and valuable resource to CMF and we are very pleased they have chosen to become formal members of CMF.

“We see this as a key element to CMF’s future success in the region.”

Major General Abdullah Salem Abdullah, Commander of the Naval Forces & Coastal Defence and Brigadier General Tawfik Al-Keiz, Deputy Chairman, Yemen Coast Guard received briefings on current operations by each of CMF’s three task forces – CTFs 150, 151 and 152 – and met headquarters staff and many of the Senior National Representatives from many of CMF’s 29 other member nations.

The visit served to further strengthen and enhance the relationship between CMF and its newest member Yemen, which has existed informally for a number of years.

Commodore Keith Blount OBE Royal Navy, United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces said: “Yemen has worked alongside CMF forces to mutual benefit in the past. We share common goals of combatting piracy and terrorism in the region. Yemen, as CMF’s 30th member, will provide additional opportunities to improve understanding and enhance joint working with other CMF forces.”

Brigadier General Tawfik Al-Keiz said: “While we have worked alongside each other since 2007, this occasion marks the beginning of deeper cooperation and greater joint working between our organisations and the other nations that contribute to CMF.”

Source: Combined Maritime Forces.