Royal Australian Navy takes lead role in Middle East

2 October 2007

A Royal Australian Naval officer has assumed command of one of the most senior Coalition navy positions in the Gulf.

CDRE Allan du Toit is in charge of several Coalition ships from the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq and Australia (including HMAS Anzac) and about 1000 personnel as Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158.

CDRE du Toit has taken over command from RADM Garry E Hall and is responsible for Maritime Security Operations (MSO) around the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals (ABOT and KAAO), in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1723.

CDRE du Toit said maritime security was important for Iraq's economy and protection against terrorism.

"Maritime Security Operations are aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. It is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism," said CDRE du Toit.

"The Coalition helps the Iraqis protect their sea-based infrastructure because these oil platforms account for about 90 per cent of the country's gross domestic product."

Additionally, under the training and leadership of CTF 158, Iraqi marines aboard ABOT and KAAOT train with the Coalition in order to eventually assume responsibility for security.

CDRE du Toit said the aim of MSO was to ensure self-determination for the Iraqi security forces and the people of Iraq.

CDRE du Toit previously served in the Northern Persian Gulf in 2002. During that deployment he commanded the RAN Task Group and also became the first non-US Navy Officer to command Multi-National Maritime Interception Forces enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq.

This is the third occasion that the RAN has been given the responsibility for this important command and is indicative of the coalition's high regard for the RAN's professionalism.

Further details of the ADF commitment to Iraq can be found at http://www.defence.gov.au/opcatalyst/default.htm