February 26, 2008	Tuesday	Safar 18, 1429

KARACHI, Feb 25: Pakistan Navy Commodore Khan Hasham bin Saddique handed over the command of the Combined Task Force-150 to the French Navy’s Rear Admiral J.L. Kerignard, in a ceremony held on the Pakistan Navy Ship Tipu Sultan.

This was announced in an ISPR (Navy) press release issued here on Monday.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military and civil officials from different countries. A five-member delegation from Pakistan led by Vice-Admiral Saleem Ahmed Meenai was also present.

The ceremony marked the end of the Pakistan Navy’s second tenure of the command of the Combined Task Force- 150, which conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and part of the Indian Ocean.

The Combined Task Force- 150 comprises warships from coalition nations, including France, Germany, Pakistan, Canada, the United Kingdom and the US.

Under Commodore Khan Hasham, units of Task Force-150 conducted a number of coordinated patrols throughout the area of responsibility with the variety of objectives, all aimed at building a stable and lawful maritime order that allows the maritime community to undertake legitimate activities without any hindrance. Besides, the task force also help mariners in peril.

Commodore Khan Hasham hoped that under the new command Task Force-150 would progress further and explore new avenues of success.—APP