Remarks of Vice Admiral Kevin Cosgriff at the Change of Command Ceremony for CTF 152
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Welcome
Good morning. Honored to be here with our important Combined Maritime Forces shipmates, Ambassador Adam Ereli, His Excellency Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of the State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Major General Sheikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Chief of Staff, RADM Gortney, BGEN Monsoori, and friends.
I am grateful for the service and sustained contributions made by all our coalition partners around the clock, day-in and day-out, all year long.
This ceremony is significant - it emphasizes the importance that Coalition nations place in leaders, like these two men, to plan and execute assigned missions.
Today, we recognize RADM Gortney for his work in command of CTF 152 and formally welcome BGEN Monsoori to that position.
Maritime Security
Coalition forces are at the forefront of at-sea maritime security operations. We are committed to maintain security in the region because it supports global stability, and in turn regional economic vitality and prosperity.
In addition to actively denying violent extremists the use of the sea as a venue for terror or its facilitation, we work to help regional nations improve their own maritime capacity. The Bahrain Navy taking command of a task force is an example of a new capability built in part with Coalition help.
Our near term maritime security operations have a long term vision based upon deepening and successful partnership among 20 nations. And hopefully more navies and coast guards - especially regional ones - will join us in the future.
The Coalition and its three task forces are engaged in an important mission: to be a friend to fellow mariners and an enemy to extremists. There's Task Force 158 in the far Northern Gulf; Task Force 150 in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and North Arabian Sea; and Task Force 152 in the Central and Southern Gulf.
Farewell to US
I won't steal RADM Gortney's thunder in explaining TF 152's many accomplishments, but there is much for TF 152 to be proud of. Operating under various international maritime conventions, their persistence has been and will be a clear signal to those who might use the seas as corridors for extremist violence or disruptive illegal ends. And not the least by helping safeguard the maritime infrastructure that is the lifeblood of this region.
About three months ago, RADM Gortney assumed command of CTF 152 with a sophisticated regard to his duties and respect for the Coalition, shaped by his considerable experience in the region. He has been an icon of creativity.
RADM Gortney, you will be missed. I join all of your Coalition shipmates in extending to you our sincere well done. And since you are not leaving the region right away, we look forward to working with you and your team in the weeks ahead.
Hail to Bahrain
And now, we turn to our host nation of Bahrain and to BGEN Monsoori for the future leadership of CTF 152. We have worked closely over the past years and I can certainly say I am excited that BGEN Monsoori will take the reigns as the new Commander of CTF152. His attention to detail combined with his passion for maritime operations, will make the tenure as commander highly effective.
General Monsoori, the challenges are significant, but I am confident under your leadership, coalition operations will be dynamic, persistent and effective. You will build on the accomplishments of those who have led before you and put your own - indeed a Bahraini - touch on TF 152 in the weeks and months ahead.
I thank RADM Gortney, BGEN Monsoori, and all of the Coalition nations for their unwavering support.
Four key words define our efforts and our coalition, now and in the future:
Respect - the rule of law and international customs, to include deep respect for religions and cultures of the region.
Determination - in that we contribute to maritime security and deepen broadening regional partnerships.
Persistence - a presence in the region for 60 years, with commitment to long-term stability.
Strength - ability to exercise and operate across the full spectrum of capabilities that the Coalition brings to the table.
I can not imagine a more challenging and rewarding mission than the one we share. And I could not ask for a finer group of friends with whom to share it.
Shukrahn
Thank you.