[3] The IMSC's primary task is monitoring international waters of the region to ensure the freedom of navigation of merchant vessels plying their trade in the area.

"[3] Several Persian Gulf countries signed on to IMSC in mid-September in the wake of Iranian cruise missile attacks on the Saudi Arabian Abqaiq oil facility.

[7][8] U.S. Air Force General Paul Selva, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, describes the purpose of the IMSC as protecting the freedom of navigation in the waters of the region and the commander of U.S.

Commanders are 1-star navy flag officers nominated from within IMSC Coalition nations and typically serve four to six months terms.

He was relieved on January 30, 2020, by Royal Navy Commodore James Parkin (the Commander of the UK Littoral Strike Group).

[9][10] At this point, in conjunction with the completion of initial staffing, CTF SENTINEL achieved full operating capability.