Commodore
Steve Gilmore, CSC, RAN has been appointed to command a Coalition
naval force in the Persian Gulf, Defence Minister Robert Hill
has announced.
CDRE Gilmore will command Task Force Fifty Eight (TF-58), a force
of around 10 Coalition warships with up to 2000 personnel, from
a US Naval ship.
This is the highest level of Coalition command provided by the
RAN in the Middle East Area of Operations. The RAN has previously
held the command role in Maritime Interception Operations in the
Gulf in 2002/03.
However, CDRE Gilmore’s role will focus on the wider command role
of Maritime Security Operations.
CDRE Gilmore will oversee Coalition maritime operations in the
northern part of the Gulf as well as provide maritime security
for Iraqi oil platforms and shipping connections in and out of
Kuwait.
He will report to the Coalition Force Maritime Component Commander.
CDRE Gilmore is scheduled to take up this new appointment in late
April and will be supported by a small staff of RAN and Coalition
personnel.
