View source for United States Naval Forces Central Command

{{Short description|Service component command of the United States Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = United States Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT)
| image                         = United States Naval Forces Central Command patch 2014.png
| image_size                    = 200
| caption                       = 
| dates                         = 1983–present
| country                       = United States
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = [[United States Navy]]
| type                          = Service component command
| role                          = 
| size                          = 
| command_structure             = [[United States Central Command]]
| garrison                      = [[Naval Support Activity Bahrain]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = 
| motto                         = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = 
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = 
| disbanded                     = 
| flying_hours                  = 
| website                       = [http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/ www.cusnc.navy.mil]
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1                    = VADM [[George Wikoff]]
| commander1_label              = Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Forces Maritime Component
| commander2                    = RDML Joshua Lasky
| commander2_label              = Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
| commander3                    = RDML [[Jeffrey A. Jurgemeyer]]
| commander3_label              = Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
| commander4                    = Commodore Phillip Dennis, [[Royal Navy]]
| commander4_label              = United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander
| commander5                    = CMDCM Christopher King
| commander5_label              = Command Master Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; Command Master Chief, U.S. 5th Fleet.
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = 
| identification_symbol_label   = 
| identification_symbol_2       = 
| identification_symbol_2_label = 
| identification_symbol_3       = 
| identification_symbol_3_label = 
| identification_symbol_4       = 
| identification_symbol_4_label = 
}}
'''United States Naval Forces Central Command''' (NAVCENT) is the [[United States Navy]] element of [[United States Central Command]] (USCENTCOM). Its area of responsibility includes the [[Red Sea]], [[Gulf of Oman]], [[Persian Gulf]], and [[Arabian Sea]]. It consists of the [[United States Fifth Fleet]] and several other subordinate task forces, including [[Combined Task Force 150]], [[Combined Task Force 158]] and others.

==Navy Persian Gulf operations 1945–1971==
The Navy's post-[[World War II]] operations in the [[Persian Gulf]] began in 1948 when a series of U.S. task groups, led by the aircraft carrier {{USS|Valley Forge|CV-45|6}}, the escort carrier {{USS|Rendova|CVE-114|6}}, and Task Force 128 led by {{USS|Pocono|AGC-16|6}}, visited the Persian Gulf.<ref>These two paragraphs are based on David F. Winkler, 'Admirals, Amirs, and Desert Sailors,' Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, 2007, p.21-25</ref> On 20 January 1948, Commander-in-Chief, [[U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean|Northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean]], Admiral Conolly, created Task Force 126 to supervise the large number of Navy fleet oilers and chartered tankers picking up oil in the Persian Gulf. By June 1949, the Task Force had become Persian Gulf Forces and on 16 August 1949 Persian Gulf Forces became Middle East Force.{{sfn|Winkler|2007|page=21-25}}

In October 1948, Hydrographic Survey Group 1 arrived to help map the Persian Gulf's waters. Consisting of {{USS|Maury|AGS-16|6}}, {{USS|Dutton|AGS-8|6}}, {{USS|John Blish}}, and {{USS|Littlehales}}, the group remained in the Persian Gulf until April 1949, but their efforts were limited by weather, logistics support and upkeep.{{sfn|Winkler|2007|page=21-25}}

In 1971, when Bahrain achieved full independence, the U.S. Navy leased part of the former British base {{HMS|Jufair}}, originally established in 1935. It was renamed it Administrative Support Unit, Bahrain. The name was changed to [[Naval Support Activity Bahrain]] in 1999, to reflect its broader support role.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

==Naval Forces Central Command from 1983==
The command was established on 1 January 1983 along with the rest of U.S. Central Command, and command of NAVCENT was initially given to a [[flag officer]] selectee based at [[Pearl Harbor]] and tasked with coordinating administrative and logistical support for U.S. naval forces in the [[Persian Gulf]]. Rear Admiral (lower half) [[Stan Arthur]], the first ComUSNAVCENT, served simultaneously as the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, Plans Officer during his first year in the position.{{sfn|Pokrant|1999|p=8}} An actual flag officer deployed to the region known as Commander, Middle East Force (COMMIDEASTFOR), retained operational control of U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf and effectively served as USCENTCOM's ''de facto'' naval component commander.<ref>Winkler, p.86</ref>

Following the initial establishment of U.S. Central Command, the boundary between USCENTCOM and U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) was the [[Strait of Hormuz]]. 

{{USS|Klakring|FFG-42}} passed southbound through the [[Suez Canal]] on 25 and 26 June 1985. As the ship crossed the [[Red Sea]], she began to observe the weekends on Thursdays and Fridays to assimilate crewmen to [[Muslim]] daily routines. ''Klakring'' fueled and provisioned at [[Djibouti]], [[Horn of Africa]], on 30 June. On 1 July, she rendezvoused with [[guided missile destroyer]] {{USS|Charles F. Adams|DDG-2|2}} and exchanged information and equipment. Whalig became Commander Task Unit (CTU) 109.1.2, and oversaw the scheduling of all multi-ship training in the [[Persian Gulf]]. ''Klakring'' sailed through the [[Strait of Hormuz]], and on 7 July rendezvoused with command ship {{USS|La Salle|AGF-3|2}} near [[Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates]] (UAE). The frigate escorted the [[flagship]] to [[Sitra]] in [[Bahrain]].<ref name="DANFS">{{cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990.html |title=Klakring (FFG 42), 1982-2013 |first1=Courtney |last1=Frey |first2=Mark L. |last2=Evans |name-list-style=amp |date=28 July 2015 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |access-date=5 January 2016 |archive-date=10 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110052232/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/klakring-ffg-42-1982-1990.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

To direct forces of multiple services operating over the boundary, Joint Task Force Middle East was established on 20 September 1987. It was soon obvious that JTF-ME and the Middle East Force were directing much the same operations, and a single dual-hatted naval commander, Commander, Middle Eastern Force (COMMIDEASTFOR), was appointed by February 1988. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command took part in [[Operation Earnest Will]] in 1986–1987 and supported Army special operations helicopters conducting [[Operation Prime Chance]]. [[Operation Praying Mantis]] followed later.

In August 1990, Captain Robert Sutton USN, who had been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), was serving as ComUSNAVCENT.{{sfn|Pokrant|1999|p=8}} The first Central Command operations order for Desert Shield, issued on 10 August 1990, reflected the [[Pearl Harbor]]/MIDEASTFOR split and split the tasks between the two organisations, but, 'most likely,' Pokrant writes, 'Schwarzkopf had already decided to do things differently.'{{sfn|Pokrant|1999|pp=8–10}} As Pokrant recounts, in a meeting on 6 August 1990, the Central Command plans chief, Rear Admiral Grant Sharp, had advised Schwarzkopf to have a [numbered] fleet commander assigned to CENTCOM to control the extensive naval forces that would deploy. Schwarzkopf discussed the issue with Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command, Admiral [[Huntington Hardisty]]. It was agreed that the Commander, [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]] (COMSEVENTHFLT) staff, under Vice Admiral [[Henry H. Mauz, Jr.|Hank Mauz]], would be despatched to command in the Middle East and, tentatively, the Commander, [[U.S. Third Fleet]] staff would be earmarked to replace them in six months.

Mauz, his staff, and his flagship, {{USS|Blue Ridge|LCC-19|6}}, were all located at [[Yokosuka (city)|Yokosuka]], Japan, their normal homeport.
To speed the process of taking over command, Mauz obtained permission from Hardisty to fly immediately to [[Diego Garcia]] aboard a VIP-configured [[P-3 Orion]], 'Peter Rabbit,' with key members of his staff.{{sfn|Pokrant|1999|pp=11–12}} The rest of the command group would steam to the Persian Gulf aboard ''Blue Ridge.'' When Mauz was cleared to proceed from Diego Garcia to Bahrain, he expected to land and have some days to familiarise himself with the situation before taking over command of NAVCENT from Rear Admiral William M. Fogarty. However, on landing he found a message from Schwarzkopf ordering him to assume command immediately.
[[File:US Navy Battle Force Zulu carriers overhead view in 1991.jpg|thumb|right|Battle Force Zulu - 1991 Gulf War]]
After arrival in-theatre in late 1990, Vice Admiral [[Henry H. Mauz]] "retained the [[Middle East Force]], designated CTG 150.1 [Commander Task Group 150.1], for most warfighting functions inside the Persian Gulf. Under this hat, Rear Admiral Fogarty would control only the half-dozen ships or so of the Middle East Force, augmented by the battleship ''Wisconsin'' when it arrived. Under a second hat, CTG 150.2, Fogarty would be the commander of the U.S. Maritime Interception Force. For this job, his authority would extend outside the Persian Gulf to ships operating in the North Arabian Sea and Red Sea, but only for interception operations."{{sfn|Pokrant|1999|p=20}} The CVBGs in the North Arabian Sea and Red Sea were designated Task Groups 150.4 and 150.5 respectively; the Amphibious and Landing Forces were CTG 150.6 and CTG 150.8 (Major General Jenkins). Rear Admiral Stephen S. Clarey was Commander U.S. [[Maritime Prepositioned Force|Maritime Prepositioning Force]], Commander Task Group 150.7 (CTG 150.7), with the equipment for the U.S. Marine Corps aboard. After the ships had disembarked the Marine equipment in Saudi Arabia, CTG 150.7 was disestablished on 12 September 1990.{{sfn|Pokrant|1999|p=21}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Edward J. Marolda, Robert John Schneller|title=Shield and Sword: The United States Navy and the Persian Gulf War|page=84}}</ref>

From 1 January 1991, the six carriers deployed were divided into Battle Force Yankee (two carriers, including ''Saratoga,'' in the Red Sea under Rear Admiral Riley Mixson, Commander, [[Carrier Strike Group Two|Carrier Group Two]]/Task Force 155) and Task Force 154, Battle Force Zulu (four carriers in the Arabian Sea/Persian Gulf under Rear Admiral Daniel P. March, Commander, [[Carrier Strike Group Five|Carrier Group Five]]). TF 150 was Vice Admiral [[Henry H. Mauz, Jr.]] himself, TF 151 the Middle East Force, now including {{USS|Bunker Hill|CG-52|6}}, TG 150.3 Naval Logistics Support Force (Rear Admiral Bob Sutton), and TF 156 the amphibious force.{{sfn|Pokrant|1999}}

Since ComUSNAVCENT operated from on board ship, he established NAVCENT-Riyadh as a staff organization to provide continuous Navy representation at CENTCOM headquarters.<ref>Conduct of the Persian Gulf War, Final Report to Congress, pg 553 start</ref> This mission was assigned initially to Commander, [[Carrier Group Three]] (COMCARGRU 3). During succeeding months, the NAVCENT-Riyadh staff was augmented substantially but remained small, relative to the ARCENT and CENTAF staffs. In November, the NAVCENT-Riyadh command was transferred from COMCARGRU 3 to Commander, [[Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5]]. This change resulted in the Navy flag officer at NAVCENT Riyadh's remaining relatively junior to other Service representatives, particularly CENTAF. This imbalance in size and seniority between the Navy and other staffs, coupled with the geographic separation with NAVCENT headquarters, made it difficult for NAVCENT-Riyadh to represent the interests of the Navy in the overall coordination and planning efforts.

On 24 April 1991, Vice Admiral [[Stan Arthur]] turned over command of NAVCENT to Rear Admiral Ray Taylor, Fogerty's replacement as Commander, Middle East Force, and Arthur and ''Blue Ridge'' began their voyage back to the Pacific.<ref>Pokrant, 192.</ref> Two months earlier, Rear Admiral Taylor had submitted thoughts on the reorientation of the NAVCENT command structure to Schwarzkopf following an earlier direction from Admiral Arthur.<ref>Winkler, 127-8.</ref> The proposal, which was modified in the staffing process, eventually meant that the one-staff ComUSNAVCENT in Hawaii was upgraded to a two-star appointment co-located with Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Rear Admiral David Rogers became the first two-star Navy representative in Tampa when he relieved Rear Admiral Sutton.[[File:Cosgriff and Sultanov 2008.jpg|thumb|220px|Vice Admiral Kevin Cosgriff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, meets with Vice Admiral, [[Azerbaijani Navy]], Shahin Sultanov during his visit to [[Baku]], [[Azerbaijan]] in June 2008.]]

Although COMSEVENTHFLT held command responsibility during this period, no numbered fleet existed permanently within the USCENTCOM [[area of responsibility]] during the first Gulf War and for the next four years thereafter. By July 1995, a new numbered fleet was deemed necessary by the senior U.S. Navy leadership, and after a 48-year hiatus, the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]] was reactivated, replacing COMMIDEASTFOR.<ref>Barbara Starr, 'US Fifth Fleet reborn for active duty in the Persian Gulf, Jane's Defence Weekly, 27 May 1995, p.11</ref> Dual-hatted as COMUSNAVCENT as the naval component command of USCENTCOM, the same Vice Admiral (and his staff) as Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT) now directs naval operations in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. The combined COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT headquarters is located at [[Naval Support Activity Bahrain|NSA Bahrain]] in [[Manama, Bahrain]].  The command oversees both afloat and shore-based units that rotationally deploy or surge from the United States, plus a few smaller surface ships that are based in the Gulf for longer periods. Ships rotationally deploy to the U.S. Fifth Fleet from the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/command/history.html |title=NAVCENT/5th Fleet History |website=www.cusnc.navy.mil |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801124916/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/command/history.html |archive-date=2009-08-01}} </ref>

From 2010 through 2013, the U.S. maintained two aircraft carriers east of Suez, known as a "2.0 carrier presence," although it sometimes temporarily dipped below that level.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/257238-iran-missile-test-comes-as-us-pulls-aircraft-carrier-from-region/ |title=Navy won't have aircraft carrier in Persian Gulf as Iran deal takes effect |newspaper=The Hill |date=17 October 2015 |last1=Wong |first1=Kristina |access-date=20 October 2015 |archive-date=20 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020004535/http://thehill.com/policy/defense/257238-iran-missile-test-comes-as-us-pulls-aircraft-carrier-from-region |url-status=live }}</ref> The heightened presence aimed to provide air and sea striking power for U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and also to deter Iran from bad behavior in the region and keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

In 2016 the {{USS|San Antonio}}, {{USS|Mason|DDG-87|6}}, {{USS|Nitze}}, and {{USS|Ponce}} came under attack as they moved through the Bab al-Mandeb strait on the southern end of the Red Sea. Shortly after the attacks, the USS ''Nitze'' destroyed three radar sites in Yemen in retaliation for the two separate attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/5622/uss-san-antonio-was-targeted-during-anti-ship-missile-barrage-last-week-off-yemen|title=USS San Antonio Was Targeted During Anti-Ship Missile Attack Last Week Off Yemen|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|website=The Drive|date=19 October 2016|access-date=2019-11-13|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603073807/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/5622/uss-san-antonio-was-targeted-during-anti-ship-missile-barrage-last-week-off-yemen|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 December 2018, NAVCENT commander Vice Admiral [[Scott Stearney|Scott A. Stearney]] was found dead in his residence in Bahrain. No foul play was suspected. Rear Admiral [[Paul J. Schlise]] assumed interim command. Vice Admiral [[James J. Malloy|Jim Malloy]] flew to Bahrain to take command.<ref name="USNI20181201a">{{cite web |last1=LaGrone |first1=Sam |title=UPDATED: U.S. 5th Fleet Commander Found Dead in Bahrain - USNI News |url=https://news.usni.org/2018/12/01/breaking-u-s-5th-fleet-commander-found-dead-bahrain |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute]] |access-date=1 December 2018 |date=1 December 2018 |archive-date=2 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024745/https://news.usni.org/2018/12/01/breaking-u-s-5th-fleet-commander-found-dead-bahrain |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NBCN20181201a">{{cite web |last1=Kube |first1=Courtney |last2=Helsel |first2=Phil |title=Navy admiral Scott Stearney found dead in Bahrain, no foul play suspected |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/navy-admiral-scott-stearney-found-dead-bahrain-no-foul-play-n942611 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |access-date=1 December 2018 |date=1 December 2018 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201213326/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/navy-admiral-scott-stearney-found-dead-bahrain-no-foul-play-n942611 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Combined Maritime Forces==
In February 2002 the Combined Maritime Forces was also established as an embedded activity to provide coordinated Coalition operations in the area of operations. It is an international naval partnership that provides security for civilian maritime traffic by conducting counter-[[piracy]] and [[counter-terrorism]] missions in the heavily trafficked waters of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, including the [[Red Sea]], the [[Persian Gulf]], the [[Gulf of Aden]], [[Arabian Sea]] and the wider Indian Ocean.<ref name="About-CMF">{{Cite web |url=http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/about/ |title=About CMF |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=2 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102104445/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/about/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

CMF's personnel and ships are drawn from 44 nations<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Combined-Maritime-Forces/ | title=Combined Maritime Forces | access-date=22 January 2024 | archive-date=10 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110093744/https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Combined-Maritime-Forces/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and are organised into four principal task forces:

* [[Combined Task Force 150]] (CTF-150) – Maritime Security & Counter-terrorism<ref name="CTF-150">{{Cite web |url=http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-150-maritime-security/ |title=CTF-150: Maritime Security |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025110120/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-150-maritime-security/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Combined Task Force 151]] (CTF-151) – Counter-piracy<ref name="CTF-151">{{Cite web |url=http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-151-counter-piracy/ |title=CTF-151: Counter-piracy |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212185128/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-151-counter-piracy/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Combined Task Force 152]] (CTF-152) – Persian Gulf Security Cooperation<ref name="CTF-152">{{Cite web |url=http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-152-gulf-security-cooperation/ |title=CTF-152: Gulf Maritime Security |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=6 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606102939/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-152-gulf-security-cooperation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Combined Task Force 153]] (CTF-153) – Red Sea Maritime Security<ref>{{cite web |title=CTF: 153 Red Sea Maritime Security |url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-153-red-sea-maritime-security/ |access-date=18 August 2022 |website=CMF |date=12 April 2022 |archive-date=18 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818013434/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-153-red-sea-maritime-security/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After the [[September 11 terrorist attacks]] on the United States, Commander, Task Force 150, previously a single-nation U.S. formation, was made into a multinational effort as Combined Task Force 150 (HOA MIO Force), and was given a renewed focus on maritime security and counter-terrorism. It was established on 3 February 2002, by Vice Admiral Charles W. Moore.<ref name="Piracy-and-Operations">{{Cite web |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20highlights/pirates/Piracy%20and%20HOA%20Operations,%202009,%20Schneller.pdf |title=Piracy and HOA Operations |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-date=20 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520180619/http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20highlights/pirates/Piracy%20and%20HOA%20Operations,%202009,%20Schneller.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Over time, it became increasingly involved in combating the rising incidence of [[piracy in Somalia]].

Combined Task Force 151 was established in January 2009 by Vice Admiral William E. Gortney specifically to address counter-piracy operations.<ref name="New-Counter-Piracy-TF-Established">{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41687 |title=New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104162000/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41687 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Operating alongside CTF 151 and [[Operation Ocean Shield]] are other national deployments such as the [[People's Liberation Army Navy]], most recently with "CTF 526" aboard the [[Type 054 frigate]] ''Wenzhou'' (which had the [[hull number]] 526).

Combined Task Force 153 was established in April 2022 by Vice Admiral [[Charles Cooper II|Brad Cooper]] with a mission of maritime security and capacity building efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden. Captain Robert Francis was designated the first CTF-153 commander.<ref>{{cite web |title=New International Naval Task Force to Enhance Red Sea Security |url=https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/3001660/new-international-naval-task-force-to-enhance-red-sea-security/#:~:text=Bahrain%2C%20Vice%20Adm.-,Brad%20Cooper%2C%20commander%20of%20U.S.%20Naval%20Forces%20Central%20Command%2C%20U.S.,Task%20Force%20(CTF)%20153. |website=CUSNC |access-date=18 August 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925103013/https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/3001660/new-international-naval-task-force-to-enhance-red-sea-security/#:~:text=Bahrain%2C%20Vice%20Adm.-,Brad%20Cooper%2C%20commander%20of%20U.S.%20Naval%20Forces%20Central%20Command%2C%20U.S.,Task%20Force%20(CTF)%20153. |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Combined Maritime Forces Participants ===
[[File:Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Map.png|thumb|Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Map]]
{{columns-list|colwidth=12em|
*{{flag|Albania}}
*{{flag|Argentina}}<ref>{{cite news |title=La Armada Argentina pasa a formar parte de la Fuerza Marítima Combinada |trans-title=The Argentine Army is now part of the Combined Maritime Forces|url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/la-armada-argentina-pasa-formar-parte-de-la-fuerza-maritima-combinada |access-date=11 October 2024 |agency=[[Government of Argentina]] |date=9 September 2024|language=es}}</ref>
*{{flag|Australia}}
*{{flag|Bahrain}}
*{{flag|Belgium}}
*{{Flag|Brazil}}
*{{flag|Canada}}
*{{flag|Denmark}}
*{{flag|Ecuador}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2024/01/22/ecuador-joins-combined-maritime-forces-in-middle-east-as-40th-member/ | title=Ecuador Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 40th Member | date=22 January 2024 | access-date=22 January 2024 | archive-date=22 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122202119/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2024/01/22/ecuador-joins-combined-maritime-forces-in-middle-east-as-40th-member/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Djibouti}}
*{{flag|Egypt}}
*{{flag|Finland}}
*{{flag|France}}
*{{flag|Germany}}
*{{flag|Greece}}
*{{flag|India}}
*{{Flag|Iraq}}
*{{flag|Italy}}
*{{flag|Japan}}
*{{flag|Jordan}}
*{{flag|Kenya}}
*{{flag|Kuwait}}
*{{flag|Malaysia}}
*{{flag|Netherlands}}
*{{flag|New Zealand}}
*{{Flag|Norway}}
*{{Flag|Oman}}
*{{flag|Pakistan}}
*{{Flag|Philippines}}
*{{Flag|Poland}}
*{{flag|Portugal}}
*{{Flag|Qatar}}
*{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
*{{Flag|Seychelles}}
*{{flag|Singapore}}
*{{flag|South Korea}}
*{{flag|Spain}}
*{{flag|Sri Lanka}}
*{{flag|Sweden}}
*{{flag|Thailand}}
*{{flag|Turkey}}
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} (2002–2023){{efn|The UAE is a member of the task force, but is not participating since March 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Faucon |first1=Benoit |last2=Nissenbaum |first2=Dion |title=U.A.E. Says It Exited U.S.-Led Naval Force |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-says-it-exited-u-s-led-naval-force-fdbe23c9 |access-date=28 December 2023 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=31 May 2023 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228145438/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-says-it-exited-u-s-led-naval-force-fdbe23c9 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=gulftoday-20230531>{{cite news |url=https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2023/05/31/uae-rejects-mischaracterisation-of-us-uae-conversations-regarding-maritime-security |title=UAE rejects mischaracterisation of US-UAE conversations regarding maritime security |website=Gulf Today |date=31 May 2023 |access-date=2 June 2023 |archive-date=2 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602082037/https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2023/05/31/uae-rejects-mischaracterisation-of-us-uae-conversations-regarding-maritime-security |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}
*{{flag|United States}}
*{{Flag|Yemen}}
}}
Source: Combined Maritime Forces<ref name="About-CMF" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ |title=CMF has 38 member nations |access-date=17 May 2021 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519020420/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==List of commanders==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!rowspan=2|{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!colspan=2|Commander
!colspan=3|Term
!rowspan=2|Notes
|-
!Portrait
!Name
!Took office
!Left office
!Term length
|-
!colspan=7 | Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT)
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''1'''
| military_rank     = [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral (lower half)|Rear Admiral (lower half)]]
| image             = Rear Adm. Stanley R. Arthur.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Stan Arthur|Stanley R. Arthur]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1935
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 January 1983
| term_end          = 1987
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 January 1983|1 January 1987}}
| ref               = <small>Later served as the 5th NAVCENT commander from 1990 to 1991.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''2'''
| military_rank     = Rear Admiral (lower half)
| image             = Rear Admiral (lower half) Philip F. Duffy.jpg
| officeholder      = Philip F. Duffy
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1987
| term_end          = June 1990
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 January 1987|1 June 1990}}
| ref               = <small>Commander, Training Command, [[United States Fleet Forces Command|U.S. Atlantic Fleet]] (1990-1991)<br />Retired, 1991.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''3'''
| military_rank     = [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]]
| image             = Robert Sutton, USN (1).jpg
| officeholder      = Robert Sutton<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Samuel J. |title=The Passing of Rear Admiral Robert "Bob" Sutton |url=https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Recent/Article-View/Article/2687080/the-passing-of-rear-admiral-robert-bob-sutton/ |website=The Sextant |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=28 December 2023 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228150957/https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Recent/Article-View/Article/2687080/the-passing-of-rear-admiral-robert-bob-sutton/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1942
| died_year         = 2020
| term_start        = June 1990
| term_end          = August 1990
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 June 1990|1 August 1990}}
| ref               = <small>Promoted to RDML in 1991; RADM in 1996<br />Commander, U.S. Naval Logistics<br />Support Force (Task Force 150.3) (1990-1991)<br />Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (Rear) (1991)<br />Retired, 1999.</small>
}}
!colspan=7 | Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) and U.S. Seventh Fleet (C7F)
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''4'''
| military_rank     = [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]]
| image             = Vice Adm. Henry H. Mauz, USN.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Henry H. Mauz Jr.]]<ref name="Book 38">{{cite book|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/Publication-PDF/AnchorOfResolve.pdf|title=Anchor of Resolve: A History of US Naval Forces Central Command|page=38|access-date=2021-05-18|archive-date=12 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612032623/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/Publication-PDF/AnchorOfResolve.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1936
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = August 1990
| term_end          = 1 December 1990
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 August 1990|1 December 1990}}
| ref               = <small>Deputy Chief of Naval Operations<br />for Navy Program Planning (1990-1992)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usna.com/document.doc?id=915|title=ADMIRAL HENRY H. MAUZ JR. '59, USN (RET.)|access-date=2021-05-18|website=USNA|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012121456/https://www.usna.com/document.doc?id=915|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Promoted to admiral, 1992.<br />[[Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command|Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet]] (1992-1994)<br />Retired, 1994.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''5'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. Stanley R. Arthur.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Stan Arthur|Stanley R. Arthur]]<ref name="Book 40">{{cite book|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/Publication-PDF/AnchorOfResolve.pdf|title=Anchor of Resolve: A History of US Naval Forces Central Command|page=38|access-date=2021-05-18|archive-date=12 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612032623/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/Publication-PDF/AnchorOfResolve.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1935
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 December 1990
| term_end          = 24 April 1991
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 December 1990|24 April 1991}}
| ref               = <small>Continued to command [[United States Seventh Fleet|Seventh Fleet]] until July 1992<br />Promoted to admiral, 1992.<br />[[Vice Chief of Naval Operations]] (1992-1995)<br /> Retired, 1995.</small>
}}
!colspan=7 | Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT)
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''6'''
| military_rank     = Rear Admiral
| image             = Raynor A.K. Taylor (2).jpg
| officeholder      = Raynor A.K. Taylor<ref name="Book 38" />
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1935
| died_year         = 2013
| term_start        = 24 April 1991
| term_end          = 19 October 1992
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|24 April 1991|19 October 1992}}
| ref               = <small>Retired, 1993.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''7'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Douglas Katz.jpg
| officeholder      = Douglas J. Katz<ref name="Book 38" />
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 19 October 1992
| term_end          = September 1994
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|19 October 1992|1 September 1994}}
| ref               = <small>Commander, [[Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic|Naval Surface Force]],<br />[[United States Fleet Forces Command|U.S. Atlantic Fleet]] (1994-1997)<br />Retired, 1997.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''8'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. John S. Redd.jpg
| officeholder      = [[John Scott Redd]]<ref name="Redd">{{cite book|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/Publication-PDF/AnchorOfResolve.pdf|title=Anchor of Resolve: A History of US Naval Forces Central Command|page=40|access-date=2021-05-18|archive-date=12 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612032623/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/publications/Publication-PDF/AnchorOfResolve.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1944
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = September 1994
| term_end          = 1 July 1995
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 September 1994|1 July 1995}}
| ref               = <small>Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, [[Joint Chiefs of Staff#Joint Staff|Joint Staff]] (1996-1998)<br />Retired, 1998.</small>
}}
!colspan=7 | Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) and U.S. Fifth Fleet (C5F)
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''8'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. John S. Redd.jpg
| officeholder      = [[John Scott Redd]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1944
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 July 1995
| term_end          = June 1996
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 July 1995|1 June 1996}}
| ref               = <small>Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, [[Joint Chiefs of Staff#Joint Staff|Joint Staff]] (1996-1998)<br />Retired, 1998.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''9'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = US Navy 020322-N-0000X-001 Adm. Thomas B. Fargo.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Thomas B. Fargo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://investor.matson.com/board-directors/admiral-thomas-fargo|title=Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, U.S. Navy (Ret.)|access-date=2021-05-18|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518041419/https://investor.matson.com/board-directors/admiral-thomas-fargo|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1948
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = June 1996
| term_end          = 27 July 1998
| timeinoffice      = ~{{ayd|1 June 1996|27 July 1998}}
| ref               = <small>Promoted to admiral, 1999.<br />[[Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet|Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet]] (1999-2002)<br />[[United States Indo-Pacific Command#List of Commanders|Commander-in-Chief]], [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|U.S. Pacific Command]] (2002)<br />[[United States Indo-Pacific Command#List of Commanders|Commander]], [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|U.S. Pacific Command]] (2002-2005)<br />Retired, 2005.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''10'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Admiral Charles W Moore, Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy (acting).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Charles W. Moore Jr.]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.joerehana.com/portfolio/5thFleet/alist/moore2.htm | title=COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT Bio | access-date=17 May 2021 | archive-date=17 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517132932/http://www.joerehana.com/portfolio/5thFleet/alist/moore2.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1946
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 27 July 1998
| term_end          = 3 February 2002
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|27 July 1998|3 February 2002}}
| ref               = <small>Deputy Chief of Naval Operations<br />for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (2002-2004)<br />Retired, 2004.</small>
}}
!colspan=7 | Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT), U.S. Fifth Fleet (C5F) and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''10'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Admiral Charles W Moore, Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy (acting).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Charles W. Moore Jr.]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1946
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 3 February 2002
| term_end          = 11 February 2002
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|3 February 2002|11 February 2002}}
| ref               = <small>Deputy Chief of Naval Operations<br />for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (2002-2004)<br />Retired, 2004.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''11'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = US Navy 021114-N-0000X-002 Vadm. Keating Commander Fifth Fleet.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Timothy J. Keating]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1948
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 11 February 2002
| term_end          = 7 October 2003
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|11 February 2002|7 October 2003}}
| ref               = <small>[[Director of the Joint Staff]] (2003-2004)<br />Promoted to admiral, 2004.<br />[[Leadership of the United States Northern Command#List of commanders of the United States Northern Command|Commander]], [[United States Northern Command|U.S. Northern Command]] and<br />[[North American Aerospace Defense Command]] (2004-2007)<br />[[United States Indo-Pacific Command#List of Commanders|Commander]], [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|U.S. Pacific Command]] (2007-2009)<br />Retired, 2009.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''12'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. David C. Nichols, Jr.jpg
| officeholder      = [[David C. Nichols]]<ref name="Walsh/Nichols">{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/11902/vice-adm-nichols-turns-over-reigns-vice-adm-walsh|title=Vice Adm. Nichols Turns Over the Reigns to Vice Adm. Walsh [Image 3 of 3]|date=2005-11-03|website=dvidshub.net|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517133733/https://www.dvidshub.net/image/11902/vice-adm-nichols-turns-over-reigns-vice-adm-walsh|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1950
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 7 October 2003
| term_end          = 3 November 2005
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|7 October 2003|3 November 2005}}
| ref               = <small>Deputy Commander, [[United States Central Command|U.S. Central Command]] (2005-2007)<br />Retired, 2007.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''13'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. Patrick M. Walsh.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Patrick M. Walsh]]<ref name="Walsh/Nichols" />
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1955
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 3 November 2005
| term_end          = 27 February 2007
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|3 November 2005|27 February 2007}}
| ref               = <small>Promoted to admiral, 2007.<br />[[Vice Chief of Naval Operations]] (2007-2009)<br />[[Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet]] (2009-2012)<br />Retired, 2012.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''14'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff (1).jpg
| officeholder      = Kevin J. Cosgriff<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/9262/cosgriff-assumes-command-navcent-5th-fleet|title=Cosgriff Assumes Command of NAVCENT, 5th Fleet|date=2007-02-27|website=dvidshub.net|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517123749/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/9262/cosgriff-assumes-command-navcent-5th-fleet|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 27 February 2007
| term_end          = 5 July 2008
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|27 February 2007|5 July 2008}}
| ref               = <small>Retired, 2008.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''15'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. William E. Gortney NAVCENT.jpg
| officeholder      = [[William E. Gortney]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/21203/cosgriff-highlights-regional-cooperation-during-change-command|title=Cosgriff Highlights Regional Cooperation during Change of Command|date=2008-07-05|website=dvidshub.net|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517123748/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/21203/cosgriff-highlights-regional-cooperation-during-change-command|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1955
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 July 2008
| term_end          = 5 July 2010
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 July 2008|5 July 2010}}
| ref               = <small>[[Director of the Joint Staff]] (2010-2012)<br />Promoted to admiral, 2012.<br />[[Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command|Commander]], [[United States Fleet Forces Command|U.S. Fleet Forces Command]] (2012-2014)<br />[[Leadership of the United States Northern Command#List of commanders of the United States Northern Command|Commander]], [[United States Northern Command|U.S. Northern Command]] and<br />[[North American Aerospace Defense Command]] (2014-2016)<br />Retired, 2016.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''16'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Mark I. Fox, United States Navy Vice Admiral, official photo.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Mark I. Fox]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/52386/vice-adm-fox-assumes-command-us-navy-middle-east|title=Vice Adm. Fox Assumes Command of US Navy in Middle East|date=2010-07-05|website=dvidshub.net|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517121039/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/52386/vice-adm-fox-assumes-command-us-navy-middle-east|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1956
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 July 2010
| term_end          = 24 May 2012
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 July 2010|24 May 2012}}
| ref               = <small>Deputy Chief of Naval Operations<br />for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (2012-2013)<br />Deputy Commander, [[United States Central Command|U.S. Central Command]] (2013-2016)<br />Retired, 2016.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''17'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = VADM John W. Miller camo.jpg
| officeholder      = [[John W. Miller]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/05/24/vice-adm-miller-takes-helm-of-u-s-navy-in-middle-east-and-combined-maritime-forces/|title=VICE ADM. MILLER TAKES HELM OF U.S. NAVY IN MIDDLE EAST AND COMBINED MARITIME FORCES|date=2012-05-24|website=Combined Maritime Forces|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927102002/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/05/24/vice-adm-miller-takes-helm-of-u-s-navy-in-middle-east-and-combined-maritime-forces/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 24 May 2012
| term_end          = 3 September 2015
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|24 May 2012|3 September 2015}}
| ref               = <small>Retired, 2015.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''18'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = VICE ADMIRAL KEVIN M DONEGAN.jpg
| officeholder      = [[Kevin M. Donegan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2015/09/08/prolific-fighter-pilot-takes-over-5th-fleet/|title=Prolific fighter pilot takes over 5th Fleet|date=2015-09-08|website=Navy Times|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=27 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227161924/https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2015/09/08/prolific-fighter-pilot-takes-over-5th-fleet/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1958
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 3 September 2015
| term_end          = 19 September 2017
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|3 September 2015|19 September 2017}}
| ref               = <small>Director of Navy Staff and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations<br />for Operations, Plans and Strategy (2017-2018)<br />Retired, 2018.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''19'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = VICE ADMIRAL JOHN C. AQUILINO.jpg
| officeholder      = [[John C. Aquilino]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1317051/us-fifth-fleet-welcomes-new-commander/|title=U.S. Fifth Fleet Welcomes New Commander|date=2019-07-19|website=U.S. Naval Forces Central Command|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517114557/https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1317051/us-fifth-fleet-welcomes-new-commander/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1962
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 19 September 2017
| term_end          = 6 May 2018
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|19 September 2017|6 May 2018}}
| ref               = <small>Promoted to admiral, 2018.<br />[[Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet]] (2018–2021)<br />[[United States Indo-Pacific Command#List of Commanders|Commander]], [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|U.S. Indo-Pacific Command]] (2021–2024)<br />Retired, 2024.</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''20'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. Scott A. Stearney (2).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Scott Stearney]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2018/05/08/vadm-stearney-takes-command-of-5th-fleet-radm-corey-takes-over-peo-unmanned-aviation-and-strike-weapons|title=VADM Stearney Takes Command of 5th Fleet; RADM Corey Takes Over PEO Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons|date=2018-05-08|website=USNI News|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531053431/https://news.usni.org/2018/05/08/vadm-stearney-takes-command-of-5th-fleet-radm-corey-takes-over-peo-unmanned-aviation-and-strike-weapons|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1960
| died_year         = 2018
| term_start        = 6 May 2018
| term_end          = 1 December 2018
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|6 May 2018|1 December 2018}}
| ref               = <small>Found dead in [[Bahrain]] residence, cause of death ruled a [[suicide]].</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = -
| military_rank     = Rear Admiral (lower half)
| image             = Paul J. Schlise (3).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Paul J. Schlise]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 December 2018
| term_end          = 7 December 2018
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 December 2018|7 December 2018}}
| acting            = y
| ref               = <small>Was deputy commander of NAVCENT/C5F from 2017 to 2019.<br />Director, Surface Warfare Division, N96,<br />[[Chief of Naval Operations#Office of the Chief of Naval Operations|Office of the Chief of Naval Operations]] (2020-present)</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''21'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = VADM James J. Malloy.jpg
| officeholder      = [[James J. Malloy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1707879/vice-admiral-james-malloy-assumes-duties-as-us-naval-forces-central-commandus-5/|title=Vice Admiral James Malloy Assumes Duties as U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Commander|date=2018-12-07|website=U.S. Naval Forces Central Command|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517102610/https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/1707879/vice-admiral-james-malloy-assumes-duties-as-us-naval-forces-central-commandus-5/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1963
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 7 December 2018
| term_end          = 19 August 2020
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|7 December 2018|19 August 2020}}
| ref               = <small>Deputy Commander, [[United States Central Command|U.S. Central Command]] (2020-present)</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''22'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Vice Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, Jr. (2).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Samuel Paparo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tf515.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/2321930/navcent-fifth-fleet-cmf-welcome-new-commander/|title=NAVCENT, FIFTH FLEET, CMF WELCOME NEW COMMANDER|date=2019-08-19|website=U.S. Marine Corps|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517095432/https://www.tf515.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/2321930/navcent-fifth-fleet-cmf-welcome-new-commander/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1964
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 19 August 2020
| term_end          = 5 May 2021
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|19 August 2020|5 May 2021}}
| ref               = <small>Promoted to admiral, 2021.<br />[[Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet]] (2021-present)</small>
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''23'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = Charles B. Cooper II (6).jpg
| officeholder      = [[Charles Cooper II]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/2597568/navcent-us-fifth-fleet-cmf-change-of-command/|title=NAVCENT, U.S. Fifth Fleet, CMF Change of Command|date=2021-05-06|website=U.S. Naval Forces Central Command|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517040140/https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/2597568/navcent-us-fifth-fleet-cmf-change-of-command/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1967
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 5 May 2021
| term_end          = 1 February 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|5 May 2021|1 February 2024}}
| ref               = -
}}
{{Officeholder table
| order             = '''24'''
| military_rank     = Vice Admiral
| image             = VADM George M. Wikoff (1).jpg
| officeholder      = [[George M. Wikoff]]
| officeholder_sort = 
| born_year         = 1968
| died_year         = 
| term_start        = 1 February 2024
| timeinoffice      = {{ayd|1 February 2024}}
| ref               = -
}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{cite book|last=Winkler |first=David F.|title=Admirals, Amirs, and Desert Sailors|date=2007}} Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland

=== Notes ===
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==Further reading==
*W. Seth Carus, Barry McCoy, and John R. Hafey, From MIDEASTFOR to Fifth Fleet: Forward Naval Presence in Southwest Asia, Alexandria, VA, Center for Naval Analyses, 1995
*Michael A. Palmer, Guardians of the Gulf, A History of America’s Expanding Role in the Persian Gulf, 1883 – 1992 (New York: The Free Press, 1992)
*{{cite book |title=Desert Shield at Sea: What the Navy Really Did: Volume 174 of Contributions in Military Studies |last=Pokrant |first=Marvin |year=1999 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |isbn=0313310238 |access-date=6 July 2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vrpTaObCXq8C }}

[[Category:Commands of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1983]]