RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has appointed Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri as commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, marking a major step in establishing the alliance's leadership structure and enhancing its operational readiness.The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced the appointment on Thursday as part of the coalition's ongoing institutional development following its launch on July 30.The ministry said the appointment reflects the commitment of the coalition's founding states to complete its command structure and prepare it to carry out its mission of strengthening maritime security, safeguarding freedom of navigation, securing strategic maritime routes and straits, and protecting international trade and global supply chains in accordance with the coalition's charter and international law.As commander, Al-Shehri will oversee the coalition's joint maritime defense operations, direct operational planning and coordination among member states and with other maritime coalitions, and supervise the implementation of joint missions, activities and exercises.The appointment also supports the establishment of the coalition's command and joint staff structures, enabling it to integrate member states' capabilities, launch operational programs, and expand cooperation in maritime security, information sharing, capability development, training and joint exercises.The ministry said additional countries have completed the signing of the coalition's joint statement since its establishment, while others are finalizing their domestic procedures to sign both the joint statement and the coalition's charter before formally joining as founding members.The coalition reaffirmed that it remains open to all countries whose objectives align with its principles and said it continues to receive applications for membership. A supplementary statement identifying additional founding members will be issued after more countries complete the signing process.The next phase of the coalition's establishment will include a planners' meeting on Aug. 12-13 to finalize remaining institutional arrangements and facilitate additional signatures on the joint statement and charter ahead of formal accession.Al-Shehri brings more than 32 years of military leadership and operational experience to the role. He has previously served as head of planning, budget and force development for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, director of the Naval Oversight and Follow-up Office in Spain, director of the Sarawat Project for the construction of five naval combat ships, and secretary of the executive steering committee overseeing defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Spain.He holds a master's degree in Defense Policy and International Security from the Complutense University of Madrid and a master's degree in Human Resource Systems Management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He has also completed advanced military education in the United Kingdom, Spain and France and has received several military decorations during his career.
