As the United Kingdom's Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC), under Commander Joint Operations in Northwood, UK, Commodore Tim Fraser commands Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships in the Middle East. Additionally he serves under the Commander US Fifth Fleet as the Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces in the US CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.
Background
Given the strategic importance of the Middle East, the UK has had maritime forces in the region for decades, primarily under national command. The UKMCC was established in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, when then Rear Admiral Burnell-Nugent, Royal Navy, deployed his HQ ashore from the UK Task Force that was coincidently in the Gulf. He forged the additional role of Deputy Coalition Force Maritime Component Commander (now known as Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces – DCCMF) to the growing international coalition of ships, aircraft and personnel offered up by nations in contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Since 2003 the coalition has continued to evolve and is now steered by Vice Admiral Fox, United States Navy, as Commander Combined Maritime Forces (CCMF), with the deputy position (DCCMF) filled by Commodore Tim Fraser, Royal Navy. Vice Admiral Fox also holds the posts of Commander 5th Fleet and COMUSNAVCENT.Today
This task force continues today as CTF 150, CTF 151 (both Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea, but with CTF 150 tasked with Maritime Security Operations and CTF 151 tasked with anti-piracy operations) and CTF 152 (MSO in the Arabian Gulf), whose Commands circulate amongst the member coalition nations.Location
Co-located with both USNAVCENT and the liaison elements of other Coalition nations, the UKMCC is well placed to generate seamless combined and joint tasking for national resources deployed to the area. The HQ is therefore delegated Operational Control (OPCON) of the UK ships and maritime helicopters, and Tactical Command (TACOM) of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in theatre.UK Mission
In support of Commander Joint Operations’ (CJO) mission, UKMCC provides tasking and logistical support to RN Units within an operational area of over 2.5 million square miles, 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year.