Pakistan Navy takes command of CTF-150 taskforce

KARACHI: The Royal Navy handed over command of the multinational Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) to Pakistan Navy at an impressive formal Change of Command Ceremony held at the headquarters US NAVCENT in Bahrain.

Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir took over the Command of CTF-150 from Commodore Guy Robinson of the Royal Navy.

It is the ninth time that Pakistan Navy has been entrusted with command of Combined Task Force 150, a Pakistan Navy press release said on Friday.

Vice Admiral Kevin M Donegan, Commander US Naval Force Central Command, and Commander Combined Maritime Forces presided over the ceremony and presented the resume of CTF 150's recent successes.

Senior officers from foreign navies forming the coalition were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the audience, Cdr Bilal Abdul Nasir assured that his team was fully prepared to shoulder this prestigious responsibility.

The commander also lauded the outgoing Royal Navy team and their dedicated efforts to achieve objectives of CTF-150 during their tenure of Command and re-affirmed his resolve to continue operations with the same zeal and zest.

He further highlighted that relations between Pakistan Navy and coalition Navies continue to strengthen due to focused commitment in support of collaborative maritime security to bring peace and stability to this region.

Combined Task Force 150 is one of the three Task Forces within the ambit of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

It is a Multinational Coalition for Counter Terrorism operations at sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) with the mission to promote Maritime Security at sea.

Prior to present command tenure, Pakistan Navy had the exclusive distinction of commanding CTF-150 for eight times which is a manifestation of the trust and respect enjoyed by Pakistan Navy among coalition partners.

Over the years, Pakistan Navy has not only served the maritime interests of Pakistan but has also very effectively fulfilled its international obligations.