ISLAMABAD: The Pakis­tan Navy handed over the command of the multinational Combined Task Force (CTF-151) to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force on Friday.

The ceremony for the change of the command of the counter-piracy force was held at the combined maritime forces (CMF) headquarters in Bahrain.

Commodore Muhammad Shuaib handed over the command to Rear Admiral Cheng Kwok Chien. The ceremony was presided over by the commander of the combined maritime forces, Vice Admiral Kevin Michael Donegan of the US Navy.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Javed Malik and civilian and military officials from coalition countries were also present.

Cdre Shuaib presented a resume of the CTF-151’s accomplishments in which he applauded the whole-hearted support and cooperation extended by the coalition partners, which enabled him to discharge his duties in an effective manner. He also lauded his staff, including officers from Turkey, Japan and CMF’s headquarters, and thanked the navies of Japan, Korea and Turkey for contributing ships and aircraft to the task force during the Pakistan Navy’s command tenure, according to a press release.

The relinquishing commander said the regional and global maritime security situation was in flux and challenging. Therefore, he added, the importance of maritime security regimes, which promoted collaboration and cooperation at sea among navies, could not be overemphasised.

He reiterated that the Pakistan Navy would continue to work with international navies to promote global peace and security. the Pakistan Navy, he said, remained committed to ensuring maritime security, trade and freedom of navigation for all legitimate uses.

Citing the recently concluded multinational naval exercise AMAN-17, under the auspices of the Pakistan Navy held in Karachi in which more than 37 countries participated, Cdre Shuaib said that PN had been making efforts to promote peace and harmony among the global maritime community.

CMF Commander Vice Admiral Donegan, while lauding Pakistan Navy’s contributions and achievements of CTF-151, said that the hard work put in by PN’s officers and sailors during their command tenure had made it possible to keep the waters of the CMF’s area of operations safer than before.

In light of the UN Security Council resolution, CTF-151’ mission is to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy at sea and to engage with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to protect global maritime commerce and secure freedom of navigation.

The Pakistan Navy concluded its eighth successful command of CTF-151 which is a manifestation of trust and respect enjoyed by it among the coalition partners.

The Pakistan Navy has also commanded CTF-150 nine times. Over the years, it has not only served the maritime interests of Pakistan but has also actively participated in international coalition operations.

Meanwhile, PN Ships Nasr and Saif will arrive at the Colombo port for a four-day goodwill visit on Sunday.

The port call is part of the strong traditional, professional and brotherly relationship between the navies of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

PNS Saif is a sword class F22P frigates of Chinese origin. It is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and machinery, making it capable of undertaking a variety of maritime operations, while PNS Nasr is a leading unit of PN fleet’s 9th auxiliary and mine warfare squadron.

Both the ships have taken part in many multinational exercises. PNS Nasr had also extensively participated in tsunami relief operations in 2004.

A number of professional training activities have been planned between the two navies during the visit, including a reception on PNS Nasr on Monday.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2017