Saudi Arabia takes command of 2 maritime task forces, months after detente with Iran

BEIRUT — For the first time since resuming diplomatic relations with Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken command of two coalition, maritime task forces in the Gulf: Combined Task Force 152 and Coalition Task Force Sentinel.

On Aug. 27, Saudi Capt. Assem Alamri relieved Capt. Mohamed Almeer of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force as commander of Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152), and Royal Saudi Navy Commodore Saleh Aloufi assumed command of Coalition Task Force Sentinel from United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore Peter Laughton.

CTF 152 is “one of five operational task forces” under the 38-nation-strong, US-led Combined Maritime Forces, which is headquartered in Bahrain and “promotes security, stability and prosperity” around the Gulf, according to the US Navy. The separate Task Force Sentinel, made up of 11 nations, is specifically meant to protect maritime commerce in and around the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial water passage off Iran’s southern coast in which the US has accused Tehran of harassing military and commercial vessels.

The accession of the Saudi commanders comes five months after Riyadh and Tehran announced a diplomatic reproachment, which the US observed with raised eyebrows. (Weeks later, Iran claimed to have established a naval alliance with Saudi Arabia, though a US military official dismissed the claim to Breaking Defense as “defying reason.”)

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As for how the task forces will function under Saudi command, Cmdr. Rick Chernitzer, spokesperson for Combined Maritime Forces, didn’t specify the future exercises or operations he expected the task forces to undertake, citing “operational security reasons,” but said, “[Y]ou can expect Combined Task Force 152 will be focusing on the coordination of maritime security operations in the Gulf, working with Gulf nations and global partners to ensure security in this critical region.”

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a valued member of Combined Maritime Forces, and has been a longtime partner for maritime security and stability in the region. It’s also important to note their commitment to maritime security is such that they also recently took command of Coalition Task Force Sentinel, part of the International Maritime Security Construct, also based here in Bahrain,” Chernitzer said.

According to the announcement from the US Fifth Fleet about the change of command, Alamri previously served as planning director for Coalition Task Force Sentinel.

“I would like to extend my gratitude for the opportunity to lead this task force,”  the new CTF 152 commander in a statement. “We look forward to further strengthen maritime security together with our partners in the Arabian Gulf.”

Aloufi, who assumed command of CTF Sentinel, has served in the Royal Saudi Navy and most recently was the commanding officer of the Western Fleet Training Center.

“It is an honor to lead CTF Sentinel through such a pivotal moment in its history. I look forward to working with our multinational team to ensure the free flow of commerce is protected throughout the region,” said Aloufi in a statement.

Late May 2023, UAE ministry of foreign affairs announced it was withdrawing from Combined Maritime Forces, but Chernitzer assured Breaking Defense today that the UAE is still member.