Naval Forces vital in IS campaign: US Army General

Manama

The ships and aircraft of US Naval Forces Central Command have played a major role in bringing success in countering IS campaign, said General Lloyd J. Austin III, the United States Army General here yesterday.

 Addressing the gathering during the change of command ceremony aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN71), he said that the outgoing Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5^th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral John W. Miller played a major role in brining success for the US Navy in anti-IS operations.

 “Men and women of this command performed exceptionally well under very difficult conditions with the outstanding leadership of your commander, John W. Miller,” the US Army General commented.

 He said that the US 5^th Command played a significant role in Yemen crisis, especially through increased activities in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf.

 General Lloyd J. Austin III said that presence of US Navy ships ensured stability and peace in the Gulf region as it helped free movement of legal cargo through the international waters. “The free flow of legal cargo through international waters is essential to secure the global economy of the region. Fifth fleet has safeguarded this corner’s national interest.”

 “The US Navy has destroyed billions of dollars of narcotics in the region. This achievement had a significant impact on the funding for terrorist activities,” he pointed out.

 The US Army General said the presence of US Navy in the region also played a major role in combating piracy. “Attacks on merchant navy by the sea pirates has come down by 92 per cent.”

 Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Kevin M. Donegan took charge as the Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5^th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.