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Australia is set to assume command of the Combined Maritime Force’s Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 for the first time later this year.
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The six-month appointment, from October, is designed to demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to maritime security and international rules and norms.
CTF 153 was established in April 2022 and focuses on international maritime security and capacity-building efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.
Australia has been conducting maritime security operations in the Middle East under Operation Manitou since 1990 and has previously commanded CTFs 150 and 152.
“Australian Defence Force command of CTF 153 is a significant milestone in our commitment to maritime safety and security,” Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said.
“We proudly work alongside 44 other member nations in the Combined Maritime Force to support freedom of navigation and free, fair and open trade, and the international rules‑based order.
“This role demonstrates Australia’s commitment to international rules and complements our separate deployment under Operation Hydranth.”
Assuming the leadership of CTF 153 will see Australia maintain its current contribution to the CMF, which was bolstered in December 2023 in response to Houthi attacks on shipping and maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
Operation Manitou and Australia’s command of CTF 153 is separate to the support Australia is providing to international efforts to target and degrade Houthi capabilities in Yemen under Operation Hydranth.
The Australian government has previously drawn criticism for declining to send any warships to the Red Sea as part of international efforts to prevent attacks against commercial shipping by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
Shadow minister for defence, defence industry and defence personnel, Andrew Hastie described the refusal as another “no-show” on defence.
“This latest no-show from Labor proves they are weak on defence and can’t be trusted to back our allies on the international stage,” he said in a public address last month.
“This is a pattern of weakness in defence from the Albanese government.
“Back in December 2023, the Albanese government declined to send a warship to protect maritime trade in the Red Sea. Our Navy had a warship ready, but they weren’t ordered to go.
“We’re missing again. Labor can’t be trusted on defence and national security.”
