Combined Maritime Force (CMF)
News:
The UAE recently withdrew from the CMF, without giving any reasons. According to the official statement, the move is a part of its ongoing evaluation of effective security cooperation with its partners.
What:
- The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a US-led multinational maritime partnership.
- Its primary objective is to uphold the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) and ensure security, stability, and prosperity in international waters.
- CMF operates in approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including vital shipping lanes.
- Notably, it is also tasked with securing the Gulf waterways.
Why:
- CMF aims to counter illicit non-state actors, promote security, stability, and prosperity.
Where:
- The headquarters of CMF is located in Bahrain, where it is co-located with the U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
When:
- CMF was established in 2001 as a partnership among 12 nations.
Who:
- CMF consists of 38 member nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, etc. and many others.
- The command structure of CMF involves a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral serving as the commander.
- The Deputy Commander is a United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore.
How:
- CMF operates through three task forces:
- CTF 150 (maritime security and counter-terrorism)
- CTF 151 (counter piracy)
- CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf security and cooperation).
- Member nations contribute to CMF in various ways, ranging from providing liaison officers to supplying warships, support vessels, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
- Associated support can be provided by warships not explicitly assigned to CMF if they have the time and capacity to do so while fulfilling national tasks.
Question:
With reference to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), consider the following statements:
- The CMF is a US-led multinational maritime partnership established in 2001 with the primary objective of upholding the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO).
- The CMF operates in approximately 2.2 million square miles of international waters.
- CMF has 48 member nations, including India, Japan, South Korea, and others.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[a] 1 and 2 only
[b] 1 and 3 only
[c] 2 and 3 only
[d] 1 only
Answer: [d] 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. The CMF is indeed a US-led multinational maritime partnership established in 2001 with the main objective of upholding the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO).
Statement 2: Incorrect. The CMF operates in approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, not 2.2 million.
Statement 3: Incorrect. CMF consists of 38 member nations, not 48, and it includes nations like India, Japan, South Korea, among others.
