BAGHDAD, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- A Royal Australian Naval officer has assumed command of a strategic senior coalition navy position in the Middle East.
Replacing Rear Admiral Garry E. Hall, Commodore Allan du Toit has taken command of several coalition ships from the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq and Australia and about 1,000 personnel as commander of Combined Task Force 158, according to the Australian Ministry of Defense.
Under the CTF 158, du Toit is additionally responsible for maritime security operations around the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals. Officials say the aim of CTF 158 is for Iraqi marines to eventually assume responsibility for security in the region.
“Maritime Security Operations are aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment," said du Toit, in a statement. "It is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism.
“The Coalition helps the Iraqis protect their sea-based infrastructure because these oil platforms account for about 90 percent of the country's gross domestic product.”
Official say du Toit was the first non-U.S. navy officer to command Multi-National Maritime Interception Forces enforcing U.N. sanctions against Iraq while serving in the Northern Persian Gulf in 2002.
