ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), a multinational maritime security coalition established to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia’s eastern coast.
Pakistan Navy Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie took over the command from Rear Admiral Rustu Sezer of the Turkish Navy during a formal ceremony held at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain, Pakistan Navy announced in a statement on Thursday. Pakistan Navy took command of the global counter-piracy task force for the eleventh time.
The CTF-151, a multinational body was set up in 2009 as a response to piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commander of Combined Task Force-151 (CCTF-151), Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie, assured that his team is fully prepared to shoulder this challenging responsibility efficiently.
He emphasised the Pakistan Navy’s belief in collaborative efforts to maintain security and stability, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic through this critical region. He added that the Pakistan Navy’s active participation in the maritime security efforts reflects this commitment.
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Commodore Sohail also appreciated the outgoing Commander, Rear Admiral Rustu Sezer, and his team for their dedicated efforts in achieving the objectives during their tenure.
The statement said the Pakistan Navy holds the unique distinction of commanding CTF-151 for the eleventh time. In July last year, the Pakistan Navy also assumed command of CTF-150 for the thirteenth time. These achievements reflect the Pakistan Navy’s dedication to maritime peace and stability in the region and the trust placed in it by partner nations.
The Change of Command Ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Bahrain, Mr. Saqib Rauf; the Ambassador of Turkiye to Bahrain, Mrs. Ayse Hilal Sayan Koytak; the Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff; Deputy Commander of the Turkish Fleet, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozden Kocer; and distinguished guests, including senior diplomats and representatives of navies operating under the CMF.
Command of CTF 151 is rotated between participating nations for a period of three to six months. A number of countries commit ships, aircraft, and personnel to the task force.