UK leads US Task Force 50
The British Royal Navy has taken charge of US Task Force 50 in the Gulf for the first time, it was announced on 26 November.
UK forces embarked on HMS Ocean have taken charge of the task force and will direct operations to maintain the free flow of trade, freedom of navigation for shipping and regional security in an area covering around 2.5m square miles.
HMS Ocean, a helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship, will provide maritime security in the Gulf region and a series of exercises with partner nations. Along with Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring, she will provide a continued presence following the USS Dwight D Eisenhower's departure from the Gulf.
Andrew Burns, Commander Amphibious Task Group of the Royal Navy, said: ‘Together we have had an enduring Royal Navy and US Navy presence in this region that has contributed to stability, order on the high seas and freedom of navigation, and ensured the free flow of commerce, so vital to the prosperity of our nations.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Thales seals minehunting sonar MoU in South Korea]()
Thales seals minehunting sonar MoU in South Korea
A new MoU with a South Korean SME will see Thales provide operational expertise in variable-depth sonars for mine countermeasure missions.
-
![Maritime first is the right defence posture for the UK]()
Maritime first is the right defence posture for the UK
The RN seemed the apparent winner when the Integrated Review was first published. Despite the war in Ukraine reminding the West of the importance of solid land and air capabilities, a maritime or navy-first defence posture is still the best option for the UK.
-
![European Patrol Corvette gains slice of EU funding but practical hurdles remain]()
European Patrol Corvette gains slice of EU funding but practical hurdles remain
Four NATO navies could acquire a total of 26 European Patrol Corvette vessels in a complex programme that includes at least two different configurations and two concepts of use — but various details remain unresolved.
-
![Royal Navy grows Remus 100 fleet with latest arrivals]()
Royal Navy grows Remus 100 fleet with latest arrivals
Three more Remus 100 UUVs have been delivered to the UK RN.
-
![French still considering PANG carrier EMALS fit]()
French still considering PANG carrier EMALS fit
Two EMALS or three — that is the question for the French Navy with its next-generation PANG aircraft carrier.
-
![Foreign Military Sale funding arms Ukrainian patrol boats]()
Foreign Military Sale funding arms Ukrainian patrol boats
Safe Boats International is providing four gun systems for Ukrainian Mark VI patrol boats under an FMS contract modification.
