By Abbas Nazil
Australia has assumed a pivotal role in bolstering maritime security in the Middle East, taking command of Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153) on October 1st as Houthi attacks on shipping intensify in the Red Sea.
This marks the first time Australia has led the task force, established in April 2022 to enhance maritime security and capacity-building in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.
The 14-member Australian contingent, drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, joins a multinational force of 31 personnel operating from the US Naval Support Activity in Bahrain.
Together, they plan and execute security missions across one of the world’s most strategically contested maritime regions.
Australia’s leadership of CTF 153 falls under Operation Manitou, a long-standing Australian Defence Force (ADF) mission focused on ensuring peace, security, and international trade stability in the Middle East.
This effort builds on decades of Australian involvement in maritime security operations, including previous command of Combined Task Force 150, another unit under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), which now consists of 46 member nations.
The increased focus on CTF 153 comes as a response to growing threats from Houthi militants, whose actions since November 2023 have jeopardized international trade and maritime safety.
Notably, Australia’s command coincides with heightened tensions following the Houthi attack on the MV Galaxy Leader on November 19, which underscored the urgency of a coordinated multinational response.
Captain Jorge McKee, Commander of CTF 153, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the mission.
Australians are working alongside nearly a dozen other nations, including Finland and Poland, which joined CMF after the recent attacks.
Together, the task force employs warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to counter illicit activities and ensure the safety of civilian mariners.
Operational planning is conducted in Bahrain, where Australian and Finnish officers coordinate missions from the watch floor. These efforts involve the integration of cutting-edge technology, such as sail drones similar to Australia’s Bluebottles, to enhance surveillance and direct warships to vessels of interest.
According to Captain McKee, the strength of CTF 153 lies not in the actions of individual nations but in the power of international partnerships.
The task force has excelled in coordinating with multinational agencies and conducting essential security operations despite the persistent Houthi threat.
Their primary focus is on identifying and interdicting illicit activities on the high seas and preventing the movement of contraband.
Beyond operational missions, the task force actively supports regional capacity-building through training programs.
These include maritime law workshops, boarding operations training, and pollution control initiatives, all designed to strengthen the capabilities of local partners.
The diverse composition of the task force has been a significant asset, bringing together varied ideas and experiences that enhance mission success.
Australian Army and Air Force personnel, despite their land-based expertise, have adapted swiftly to the maritime-focused operations, demonstrating the versatility and problem-solving skills that the ADF cultivates in its members.
Captain McKee expressed pride in the integrated team’s contributions, describing their work as essential to maintaining the global rules that secure Australia’s prosperity.
He emphasized the historical significance of the mission, noting that the region is experiencing the most combat at sea since the end of World War II.
Separate from its role in CTF 153, Australia continues its support for Operation Hydranth, an initiative aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities in Yemen.
The leadership role in CTF 153 reinforces Australia’s commitment to international maritime security and highlights its ability to collaborate effectively with global partners to address complex threats.
By integrating advanced technology, multinational expertise, and robust training programs, Australia and its allies are working to ensure the safety of vital maritime routes and uphold international stability in a volatile region.
Source: Australian Government Defence