NEWPORT, R.I. – The U.S. Naval War College's (NWC) College of Maritime Operational Warfare (CMOW) completed its Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Flag Course 24-2C at U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters, Pearl Harbor, HI, Sept. 12-18.
A flag-level professional military education course, CFMCC was designed to give one- and two-star officers from all service and partner nations a broad perspective of the operational level of war and to prepare them for regional leadership.
Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, hosted, briefed, and spoke with the course participants.
“Planning and executing maritime operations in the joint and combined environment is complex. It requires a high degree of personal and professional investment and commitment, but it is incredibly worthwhile and extremely valuable when we operate together at sea. During CFMCC, we came together as leaders focused on current challenges and strengthening our relationships which will allow us to prevail in the maritime domain,” Koehler said.
CFMCC brought together 28 flag and general officers representing 16 nations to explore combined maritime command and control concepts and mechanisms. Participating nations included Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States.
CFMCC prepares current and future flag-level leaders by developing and deepening relationships centered on trust and confidence. Students examine current security challenges facing partner nations through regional frameworks.
"This course is a unique opportunity for flag and general officers across the Indo-Pacific region to gain a deeper appreciation of the unique challenges associated with leading or participating in a multinational naval operation alongside other component commanders,” said Sean P. Henseler, J.D., director, executive level education at CMOW.
Henseler also added that the course structure and its social events, including a barge tour of Pearl Harbor and visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, provided an outstanding opportunity for the senior leaders to build enduring relationships with one another.
A one-week course, CFMCC is taught at the headquarters of a U.S. Navy numbered fleet three times yearly. CFMCC graduates gain the ability to effectively communicate and advance the understanding of security issues between participating nations.
Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today’s decision makers, educating tomorrow’s leaders, and engaging partners and allies on all matters of naval power in order to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war.