Publication:Navy Annual 2005/Commander Task Force 58 - Australian Lead in the Northern Persian Gulf
BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER KIRK HAYDEN, RAN
In early 2005, the Coalition Forces Maritime Component Commander (VADM Dave Nichols USN) from the US Naval Central Command, approached the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with a request to provide a command team for operations in the Northern Persian Gulf. This request was a great honour for the RAN and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as a whole, as it demonstrated the high regard that the United States and coalition partners have for the professionalism of the men and women of the RAN.
The request was approved by the Australian Government in February 2005, with CDRE Steve Gilmore, CSC RAN subsequently appointed as Commander Task Force 58 (CTF 58). Fourteen officers and sailors representing a broad range of specialist skills including operations, communications, logistics, intelligence and maritime law were drawn principally from Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (Maritime) and posted to make up the command team with CAPT Stuart Mayer RAN appointed to the Deputy CTF position. The RAN has had an ongoing commitment to coalition operations and a regular presence in the Northern Persian Gulf, since the first Gulf War in 1991. The vital post war involvement by a number of RAN units was essentially in support of coalition Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in order to enforce United Nations sanctions against what is now the former regime of Saddam Hussein. This role changed to combat operations during the second Gulf War (when HMAS Anzac fired the first shots 'in anger' since the Vietnam War) and subsequently, after the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime, transformed to activity focussed on maritime security and stability. Many Navy ships have contributed to the MIO role with great professionalism and success over the years. Several Navy officers and their respective staffs have served with distinction in command of MIO in the Gulf between 2001 - 2004.
The mission of CTF 58 is however considerably broader and encompasses the conduct of all coalition Maritime Security Operations (MSO) across the Northern Persian Gulf. These operations aim to set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and include a range of specific tasks. They include the protection of key infrastructure, interception operations (that seek to pressurise the environment and thereby detect, deter and deny terrorists use of the sea), anti-piracy operations, theatre security cooperation and escort of military sealift command shipping.
During the RAN period of command, Task Force 58 was variously made up of warships from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Iraq. These ships included a guided missile cruiser, frigates (including HMAS Darwin and then Newcastle), patrol boats, coast guard cutters and a United States Navy (USN) Special Boat Team. CDRE Gilmore exercised command from a United States Navy guided missile cruiser with USS Antietam performing the role of Flagship during April and May and sister ship USS Normandy from June until August. At any one time, there were up to 1700 sailors and marines under the command of CTF 58.
The most significant responsibility, and one which was constantly on the minds of the entire Command team, was the protection of the vital Iraqi oil platforms. These platforms are responsible for 95 percent of Iraq's oil production and generate approximately 80 percent of Iraq's Gross Domestic Product. Their importance to the people of Iraq and the rebuilding of their economic infrastructure cannot be overstated. The platforms have previously been an insurgent target as highlighted by the attack in April last year which tragically resulted in the deaths of three US servicemen and in which HMAS Stuart subsequently played a commendable role. Significant efforts were made to further develop the security of these platforms and many initiatives were introduced to enhance their protection during the tenure of the Australian CTF 58.
Security of the legitimate maritime community (merchant vessels and the local fishing fleet) operating in the Northern Persian Gulf presented a challenge to Task Force 58. Considerable traffic density and the ever present threat from insurgents, created a circumstance that demanded well-planned and skilfully executed visit and boarding operations. The calibre and capability of boarding teams provided by each participating nation enabled such activity to be successfully conducted with over 680 boardings completed by Task Force units during the deployment.
CTF 58 staff took the lead in establishing the Iraqi Transition Working Group which, for the first time, brought together all the key players responsible for the training, development and operational employment of the Iraqi Navy into a single formal body that directs and manages the transition process. A particularly significant outcome from the Australian staff was the development and promulgation of the Iraqi Transition Roadmap (IQTR). This crucial document was constructed in close consultation with the Iraqi Navy Operations Headquarters and the UK led Assistance and Support Team that were responsible for training at the Iraqi shore base in Umm Qasar. The IQTR is a comprehensive plan for the preparation, training and certification of the Iraqi Navy, including the Marines.
The opportunity to provide Australian leadership of such a significant coalition Task Force, engaged in vital operations in a dynamic and most challenging environment, has been a career highlight for the 15 RAN personnel. It has also been of considerable significance to the Navy, reflecting the enviable reputation which the Royal Australian Navy has as a world class Navy that is able to fight and win at sea.
