AUSTRALIAN TAKES COMMAND OF MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS IN NORTH PERSIAN GULF

Blackanthem.com, ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, April 19, 2005

The coalition task force responsible for maritime security operations (MSO) in the Northern Persian Gulf has a new commander.

Commodore Steve Gilmore of the Royal Australian Navy assumed command of Task Force 58 from Rear Adm. Christopher Ames at 11 a.m. the morning of April 17. Gilmore is the first member of the Royal Australian Navy to lead the multinational task force.

Ames commanded the task force from his flagship, the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), since late January. During his tour, Ames led coalition ships from Australia, Great Britain, Singapore and the United States as they worked with the developing Iraqi Navy to set the conditions for security and stability in the Northern Persian Gulf.

“I am extremely proud of the outstanding job put forth by all the Sailors and Marines of Task Force 58. Their tireless efforts have contributed significantly to the development of peace and democracy in Iraq. It is intensely demanding duty and they have excelled in every facet,” Ames said.

Under Gilmore’s command, Task Force 58 will continue to patrol Northern Persian Gulf conducting MSO and working to protect Iraqi offshore oil platforms from potential terrorist threats.

The oil platforms are significant sources of revenue for the Iraqi people – revenue that is important to the rebuilding of Iraq. Iraqi security forces continue to remain on board the terminals, protecting Iraqi infrastructure. Coalition forces will continue to work to set the conditions for security and stability and help provide the Iraqi people with the best opportunity for self-determination.

MSO are aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. Illicit activity at sea has a global impact. MSO pressurizes the maritime environment and is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism.

“I think it has been a (seamless transition),” Gilmore said. “We want to keep the momentum going. We do not want to stop or go back into the starting blocks because that would undermine the great work that has happened so far.”

Gilmore took command of Task Force 58 with the tradition-steeped phrase, “I relieve you, sir.” He transmitted the message via a tactical radio circuit from his command center aboard the U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). “It has been a true pleasure working with Commodore Gilmore during our three day turnover aboard Bonhomme Richard. As the baton is passed, I wish him and all the members of Task Force 58 continuing success in their critical efforts to detect, deter and deny terrorist activity in the Northern Persian Gulf,” Ames said. “ Count on them to continue to help accelerate Iraq’s recovery through the protection of commercial shipping and the critical Iraqi economic infrastructure. They have performed brilliantly on the front lines and have earned my greatest respect and admiration.”

Ames also commands Expeditionary Strike Group 5, comprised of Bonhomme Richard, USS Duluth (LPD 6), USS Rushmore (LSD 47), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Thatch (FFG 43) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Strike Group left San Diego at the beginning of December and is scheduled to return home early this summer.