Pakistan Navy assumes command of CTF-150 for 14th time

The Pakistan Navy has assumed command of the Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) for the 14th time during a change of command ceremony held at the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir of the Pakistan Navy took over command of CTF-150 from Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Addressing the ceremony, Commodore Tahir said his team was fully prepared to undertake the responsibility and contribute to maritime security and stability in the region. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to countering illicit maritime activities and ensuring the safety of critical sea lines of communication.

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CTF-150 is one of five task forces operating under the CMF framework and is mandated to deter and disrupt non-state actors involved in the trafficking of weapons, narcotics and other illicit goods across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

The Pakistan Navy said successful anti-narcotics operations carried out by its ships during the RSNF’s tenure of command reflected its continued commitment to regional peace and security through collaborative maritime efforts.

The ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Saqib Rauf; Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw; Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali; and representatives from several other navies operating under the CMF.