[5] As part of the NATO Long Term Commitments Plot of Command responsibilities across the Alliance, COMUKSTRKFOR is one of six national/NATO deployable HQs accredited to act as the High Readiness Force (Maritime)[6] and as such has held the duty of NATO Response Force Maritime Component Commander on several occasions, including 2004, 2010, and 2016.

In 2003, Naval Task Group 03, led by HMS Ark Royal (R07) had been intended to take part in FPDA exercises[10] in the Asia-Pacific region but was diverted for involvement in the 2003 Iraq War.

Eventually part of the naval task group including Liverpool, Marlborough and RFA Grey Rover departed Gulf waters, after the first part of the Iraq War (2003), en route for Exercise Flying Fish, with Commonwealth partner members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

[15][16][17] In April 2018 it was announced that the two separate deployable two-star maritime operational commanders (COMUKMARFOR and COMUKAMPHIBFOR) would be merged into a single, larger, organisation.

The Role of Commandant General Royal Marines, previously (but not exclusively) tied to COMUKAMPHIBFOR position, remains in existence as the (non-deployable) head of the Royal Marines and the Senior Responsible Owner for the future of amphibious warfare and littoral strike capability, or Future Commando Force.

Rear Admiral David Snelson told Jane's Defence Weekly correspondent Richard Scott in May 2004 that in the lead up to assumption of duties as NATO Response Force Maritime Component Commander, there was to be a major exercise, Allied Action, in Italy.

[7] Commodore Thomas Cunningham, the previous COMUKCSG, flew his flag throughout the January to May Orion '08 deployment, as Commander Task Group 328.01,[21] which included exercises with the Indian Navy, aboard HMS Illustrious.