U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's (NAVCENT) Military Sealift Command Central (MSCCENT), Commander, Task Force (TF) 53, held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, March 19.

Capt. Timothy Gibboney relieved Capt. Edwin Kaiser as commodore of a task force responsible for coordinating logistics requirements in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. This includes scheduling underway replenishments, tracking supply stores, expediting critical repair parts, coordinating ship repairs, surveying the ocean bottom, and moving bulk cargo, fuel, and munitions. They oversee a contingent of combat logistics force, service support, special mission survey, and strategic sealift ships to achieve this mission.

Under Kaiser, the task force was responsible for 23 combat logistic ships and 15 aircraft, the delivery of more than $600 million of fuel and ammunition, and 80,000 pallets of material to units throughout the region.

As MSCCENT area commander, he had tactical command of six government-owned special mission support vessels and 45 U.S.- and foreign-flagged commercial vessels, delivering over 24 million barrels of fuel and more than 13,000 tons of munitions supporting operations in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

"Not only does [Commodore Kaiser] and his team get people, parts and supplies to the places where they are needed, but he makes sure the ships all around the area of operations are ready," said Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, NAVCENT commander.

Kaiser assumed command Nov. 30, 2014. Under his leadership, TF 53 earned the 2016 Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence, an annual award to recognize both individuals and teams which exemplify logistics professionalism and excellence.

"Throughout my tour, we've had some great successes," said Kaiser. "I could not ask for a better and more dedicated team of professionals."

Gibboney, the new commodore, thanked his family and those who helped in his transition from his previous command -- the Office of Chief of Naval Operations.

"It is a great honor that the Navy has bestowed upon me by allowing me to lead this task force," said Gibboney. "This is such a unique and hard-charging command, and I hope to continue the forward momentum from Captain Kaiser's leadership."

TF 53 coordinates replenishment-at-sea efforts and delivers passengers, mail, cargo, ammunition, provisions and fuel throughout the 5th Fleet area of operations via air, land and sea modes, helping to ensure Sailors aboard ships have what they need to complete their missions. TF 53 was established in 1992 to perform operational logistical coordination and given tactical control over all assigned logistics forces.

NAVCENT is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.