ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has assumed the command of the multi-national naval maritime security and counter-terrorism coalition named Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) from the French Navy, said a Navy spokesman on Friday.

This is the eighth time that Pakistan has been given the command of the naval coalition.

The change of command took place at the United States Naval Forces Central Command Headquarters in Bahrain where Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas of PN took over from Captain Rene-Jean Crignola of French Navy.

The ceremony was attended among others by Vice Admiral John W. Miller, Commander US Forces Central Command, Commander US 5th Fleet and Commander of Combined Maritime Forces and senior officers from foreign navies that are part of the coalition CT-150 is responsible for promoting maritime security by countering terrorist acts and related illegal activities, which terrorists use to fund or conceal their movements.

Countries participating in CTF-150 include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Command of CTF-150 is rotated between participating nations on a four to six month basis.

CTF-150’s Area of Operation spans over two million square miles, covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2015

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