Coronado (AGF 11) - Naval Cruise Book

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— ' JOINT TASK FORCE MIDDLE EAST MISSION For nearly 40 years, the Middle East Force has served United States national interests in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and North Arabian Sea. The states of this region, and the water areas contiguous to them, are of significant economic, geopolitical, and military importance. The Gulf area contains three-fourths of the world ' s proven oil reserves and produces one-third of its petroleum pro- ducts. The ability to freely move these products is key to the industrial strength of the free world. By their continued presence, ships of the U.S. Navy demonstrate the commitment of the United States to freedom of navigation in this vital region. On February 27, 1988, ships of the Middle East Force were united with the carrier battle group and support ships in the North Arabian Sea into one task force, under one commander. This combined force was called the Joint Task Force Middle East. Within the Persian Gulf, the force is usually comprised of the flagship, several destroyers and frigates, at times a cruiser, an amphibious landing ship and six minesweepers. In the North Arabian Sea, there is a carrier battle group and support ships. The ships and men of the Joint Task Force Middle East carry out a variety of tasks within the broad mission of conducting operations in support of national objectives. These include protecting of U.S. flag merchant ships, air and sea surveillance, training and rendering assistance. For most of its history, the Middle East Force was relatively small, but with the spillover of the Iran-Iraq War into the Persian Gulf, and its consequent attacks on neutral shipping, the force was greatly expanded, as was the role of the force in protecting U.S. flag shipping, particularly re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers. Since the summer of 1987, ships of the Middle East Force, and Joint Task Force Middle East, have conducted escorts of these tankers. Now that a cease-fire has apparently taken hold in the Iran-Iraq War, U.S. forces have begun accompanying U.S. flagged shipping as opposed to escorting them. Mine countermeasure operations are ongoing, to clear the Gulf of any remaining mines and ensure the continued safe passage of shipping. As has been the case since 1949, The U.S. naval presence continues to be a positive influence in support of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf area. CORONADO welcomes GEN. George Crist, Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command. 13