Australia will assume command of the Combined Maritime Force's Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 from October.
The six-month appointment demonstrates Australia's ongoing commitment to maritime security and international rules and norms.
CTF 153 was established in April 2022 and focuses on international maritime security and capacity-building efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.
Australia has been conducting maritime security operations in the Middle East under Operation MANITOU since 1990 and has previously commanded CTFs 150 and 152.
This will be the first time Australia has commanded CTF 153.
Assuming the leadership of CTF 153 will see Australia maintain its current contribution to the CMF, which was bolstered in December 2023 in response to Houthi attacks on shipping and maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
Operation Manitou and Australia's command of CTF 153 is separate to the support Australia is providing to international efforts to target and degrade Houthi capabilities in Yemen under Operation Hydranth.
Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:
"Australian Defence Force command of CTF 153 is a significant milestone in our commitment to maritime safety and security.
"We proudly work alongside 44 other member nations in the Combined Maritime Force to support freedom of navigation and free, fair and open trade, and the international rules‑based order.
"This role demonstrates Australia's commitment to international rules, and complements our separate deployment under Operation Hydranth."
