Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff serves as the commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, United States Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. In an exclusive interview with Bahrain This Month as part of its USA in Bahrain supplement, Vice Adm. Wikoff shared his insights on the current strategic profile of the US Navy in the region, the challenges faced in maintaining maritime security and the crucial collaborations with Bahrain and other international navies.
What are the current strategic profiles for the US Naval Forces Central Command?
I fall under Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti for my role as 5th Fleet commander. Her priorities, which are to preserve peace, respond to crises and win decisively in combat, align with our global priorities. We execute through three lines of effort: warfighters (the people), warfighting (how we do our mission) and our foundation (facilities and support mechanisms).
In my NAVCENT role under General Erik Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, my task is to preserve maritime security through operations, training and partnerships. We focus on maintaining maritime regional security and contributing meaningfully to it.
How do you assess the current maritime security environment?
It is challenged and threatened. In the Arabian Gulf, we face threats to shipping and ship seizures in the Straits of Hormuz, such as the recent seizure of the motor vessel Aries in international waters. In the Indian Ocean and Northern Arabian Sea, piracy has increased but not to the levels seen in 2010-2012. Maritime terrorism is a concern in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden too, as seen with the recent attack on the Motor Vessel Tutor.
Can you elaborate on the key collaborations and partnerships with Bahrain and international navies in particular when it comes to maritime security?
Bahrain has been a tremendous partner, supporting our mission for many decades. The long-term partnership between our Navy and the Royal Bahrain Naval Force is strong and enduring. Bahrain also hosts the Combined Maritime Forces, a 44-nation coalition committed to the International Rules-Based Order, showing leadership in maritime security.
How is the integration of new technologies and AI systems transforming your operations?
It’s the future, and it’s arriving quickly. Task Force 59 leads the integration of unmanned and AI technology into maritime operations. We identify operational problems, seek solutions from industry, evaluate them, and if they meet our needs, operationalise them. This multinational task force increases our maritime domain awareness and decision-making efficiency. We also continuously evaluate our cyber hygiene and conduct awareness training to ensure our teams are vigilant against cyber threats.
What do you consider to be the most significant challenges you face in maintaining maritime security, and how are they being addressed?
The three main challenges are instability in the Arabian Gulf, trafficking of illicit materials and piracy. In my capacity as Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, we have three task forces that address these challenges: Task Force 150, led by Canada, focuses on countering illicit trafficking. Task Force 151, led by Brazil, addresses piracy. Task Force 153, led by Italy, ensures maritime security in the Red Sea through Operation Prosperity Guardian, providing assurance and information sharing to the maritime industry.
How do you maintain operational readiness and training for the fleet in such a strategically critical region?
We receive tremendous support from the US Navy in terms of material readiness and training. In Bahrain, we have several training facilities for various operational needs, including boarding procedures and damage control. We also conduct bilateral and multilateral exercises with other navies. Feedback from these exercises helps improve preparatory training for incoming ships.
Are there any specific initiatives in place to ensure that naval operations in Bahrain are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner?
We respect the sea and take measures to minimise environmental impact. We use containment booms and strict guidelines to prevent leaks and spills. We also conduct exercises to respond quickly to any incidents. Additionally, we are moving towards renewable energy to reduce our carbon footprint.
What do you see as the future direction of US Naval Forces Central Command over the next five to 10 years in terms of strategic focus and operational capabilities?
I walk to work every day on broken crystal balls of previous NAVCENT commanders, and I hear the glass crushing under my feet for all the projections of how the environment will be in the future! While the future is uncertain, our commitment to the region remains resolute. We will continue to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security, responding to crises as needed. The United States is deeply committed to the Kingdom of Bahrain and regional security.
Have you any plans to assess the effectiveness of the mental health stand down that was held last year and expand health treatment options to improve wellbeing?
Mental health resources for sailors and their families have expanded significantly in the past decade. We recently held a summit with local and navy mental health professionals to exchange best practices and improve awareness. Reducing the stigma around mental health is a key objective, and we see positive developments from last year’s initiatives.
On a more personal basis, you’re here with your family. What are your favourite recreational pursuits when you find the time?
I wish I had a little more time! My wife and I are back in Bahrain after being here from 2015 to 2017. When we left, we never thought we’d get the opportunity to return and we were sad when we left as we looked back with great fondness at our time here, most especially the people we met. Coming back here has been an absolute honour, a terrific experience for us and something that we don’t take for granted. We really appreciate the opportunity to come back to the Kingdom. I have three adult sons that are back in the US, although my youngest son actually was in the Bahrain School last time we were here.
This time around, the job is a little busier to say the least! But it is great to be back and I look forward to when I have time to work on lowering my handicap on the golf course.
