United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander

The United Kingdom's Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC), under Commander Joint Operations in Northwood, UK, commands Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships in the Middle East. Additionally he serves under the Commander US Fifth Fleet as the Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces in the US CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.

Given the strategic importance of the Middle East, the UK has had maritime forces in the region for decades, primarily under national command. The UKMCC was established in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, when then Rear Admiral Burnell-Nugent, Royal Navy, deployed his HQ ashore from the UK Task Force that was coincidently in the Gulf.

He forged the additional role of Deputy Coalition Force Maritime Component Commander (now known as Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces – DCCMF) to the growing international coalition of ships, aircraft and personnel offered up by nations in contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Since 2003 the coalition has continued to evolve and is now steered by a Vice Admiral from the United States Navy, as Commander Combined Maritime Forces (CCMF). The deputy position (DCCMF) is filled by a Royal Navy Commodore. The Vice Admiral from the US Navy also holds the posts of Commander 5th Fleet and COMUSNAVCENT.