CTF Sentinel Completes Third Joint Exercise in the Arabian Gulf 

MANAMA, Bahrain — Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel completed its third iteration of combined exercise Sentinel Shield in the Arabian Gulf, showcasing interoperability between coalition warships June 26, the task force spokeswoman said in a July 8 release. 

During the exercise, the United Arab Emirates Navy missile patrol boat Marban (P152) and United States Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) conducted synchronized tactical maneuvers while testing communications across systems and platforms with each other and merchant vessels.  

“Two of our Gulf Coast Country partners participated in this exercise,” said Commodore Adrian Fryer, Royal Navy, CTF Sentinel commander. “Every engagement helps us promote partnerships, maintain our edge and remain vigilant in upholding the free flow of commerce in the region, and support the global economy.” 

Regular training between Sentinel and Sentry patrols throughout the Arabian Gulf is a vital part of the CTF Sentinel mission.  

Sentinels are large naval assets, such as frigates and destroyers, which provide overwatch of two critical choke points, the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Sentries are smaller naval vessels, such as patrol craft and corvettes, which patrol key transit areas between the choke points.  

Each exercise increases synchronicity between partner nations enabling them to continue deterring state-sponsored malign activity in the region.  

“On behalf of the crew of the Marban, it has been an honor to work with the USS Monterey on this mission that has increased our level of coordination which plays an important role at sea,” said United Arab Emirates Lt. Cdr. Saleh Almehrzi, commanding officer of the Marban. 

The exercise was successful and we hope there will be many more opportunities to work alongside coalition members in the future to further our partnership.” 

U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph Baggett, commanding officer of USS Monterey, highlighted the critical nature of CTF Sentinel’s mission and the importance of continued training exercises with our partners. 

“Regional security and stability are directly linked to enhanced cooperation, understanding, and collaboration with key regional partners, like the UAE Navy, and it was an absolute honor to train and learn from our operations with Marban,” said Baggett. 

CTF Sentinel is a multinational maritime effort to promote maritime stability, ensure safe passage, and enhance freedom of navigation throughout key waterways in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Oman.