On June 25 and 26, 100 military leaders from 10 partner nations and several U.S. military branches met in Bahrain for the second round of multilateral maritime engagement led by Task Force 51/5. I was disappointed. Multilateral maritime engagement strengthens multilateral partnerships and maritime military cooperation across the region while supporting the U.S. Central Command security architecture.
“MME aims to bring partners together and strengthen the strong bonds that have already been formed.” Brigadier General Matthew S. Reed, 51st/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Task Force Commander
“One of the best ways to stay prepared for contingencies is to listen and collaborate with your partners,” Reed said. “It is important to understand their security challenges and learn how best to integrate with them in responding to crises and contingencies, especially those that occur in the amphibious domain.” he said. “All this supports our efforts to ensure stability and security in the region.”
Over the course of two days, conference participants held a series of briefings and breakout sessions on air, ground and sea operations, continuing the discussions previously held in January. Participants also toured HMS Cardigan Bay (L3009), a landing ship dock belonging to the Royal Navy. Participating countries include Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, France, and the United Kingdom. Participating U.S. military units included leaders within U.S. Navy Central Command and U.S. Army Central Command Task Force Spartan.
This is the second time Task Force 51/5 has led MME in Bahrain. Future iterations of MME are planned, but dates have not yet been finalized.
Task Force 51/5 is a Bahrain-based headquarters with integrated task force capabilities and responds to crises and contingencies. Coordinate, plan, and execute operations. Implement theater security cooperation. and advance new naval concepts at sea, at sea, and on land in support of U.S. 5th Fleet and Marine Corps Central Command theater objectives. Led by a Marine Corps Brigadier General, the command is comprised of a staff of Marine Corps and Navy experts. Task Force 51/5 regularly conducts theater security cooperation exercises with partner nations in coordination with U.S. Navy Central Command and U.S. Marine Corps Central Command on behalf of CENTCOM in pursuit of National Defense Strategy objectives. doing.