Commander UK Maritime Forces

The role of Commander UK Maritime Forces (COMUKMARFOR) is to direct UK, Allied or Coalition maritime forces anywhere in the world. Personnel within the command are always at short notice to deploy either at sea or on land, providing forces necessary for the task in hand.

The Commander UK Maritime Forces may be in command at sea of naval task forces and task groups formed for specific operations, such as anti-piracy operations and directs the Commander UK Task Group, who is a Commodore deployed at sea.

COMUKMARFOR and his staff provide a variety of skills and specialisations to support operations, including Information Operations, co-operation with civilian authorities, legal, political and policy advice and Media Operations as well as planning staff, with representatives from all aspects of naval specialisations and is configured for effects-based operations.

The Maritime Battle Staff:

When assigned under orders issued by the Chief of Joint Operations (CJO), CINCFLEET or other Commanders, COMUKMARFOR has a scaleable operational command capability that can be utilised ashore or afloat, as demanded by the circumstances.

The traditional planning sequence is underpinned by the Operational Support Group (OSG) that comprises a variety of skills and disciplines, including Information Operations, Targeting, CivMil Cooperation, Legal, Political/Policy and Media Ops.

The OSG analyses priorities, assesses progress and ensures that the Commander is able to articulate his priorities at the Joint Coordination Board - the key decision taking forum.

Maritime Expertise:

COMUKMARFOR and his staff also provide advice to PJHQ, through COMOPS, on the maritime contribution to Joint operations.

He is also the CINC’s Global Maritime Adviser, contributing to the intelligence preparation of the battle space, wider regional engagement and theatre security cooperation.

COMUKMARFOR: ready to deploy and deliver maritime effect on operations.