MINA SULEMAN (Bahrain), April 24: Pakistan Navy on Monday assumed the command of the Coalition Maritime Security Campaign (CMSC) plan, becoming the first non-Nato country to lead such a coalition against terrorism.

Commodore J.W. Ort of Netherlands handed over the command of Coalition Task Force-150 to Rear Admiral Shahid Iqbal at a ceremony held aboard a Royal Netherlands ship docked at the Mina Suleman port.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Naval Chief Vice Admiral Muhammad Haroon said Pakistan was committed to rooting out terrorism from the maritime domain in its area to ensure stability in the region.

Pakistan, he pointed out, had contributed 12 ships for the duty. “We have also been contributing staff at Headquarters NAVCENT, sea riders and linguists to coalition ships to assist in easing out their problems of communications.”

He said Pakistan had paid heavily for being a partner in the global war on terrorism. He said non-state actors posed threats of terrorism, arms smuggling, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and drug and human trafficking persisted.

“We feel that fight against terrorism in any form is a noble act and we consider it our moral obligation to continue this war,” he stressed.

Admiral Haroon observed that participation in CMSC had provided immense benefits to the Pakistan navy. “It has provided exposure to our men, has added to the professional acumen of our Navy and has enhanced the image of our country in international community,” he said.

Commander US Naval Forces Central Command Vice Admiral Patrick M. Walsh said the international community shared the common goal against a global enemy — an enemy of peace, stability and prosperity. He praised the role Pakistan had played in the anti-terror war and said that professionalism and acumen of Pakistan Navy was critical to the maritime-counter terrorism operation.

The outgoing commander of the CTF-150, Commodore J.W. Ort, said Pakistan would contribute a lot to the campaign with regional knowledge and a network of regional contacts.

The new commander, Rear Admiral Iqbal said terrorism was a global phenomenon which had become an enormous challenge for the international community. He said the assumption of the command of the CTF-150 would provide an opportunity to Pakistan Navy to enhance its professional skills.

The CTF-150 commander is responsible for conducting maritime security operations in an area that includes the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

AFP adds: “In taking command of CTF-150, Pakistan is again showing its strong commitment to regional security,” US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker said in a statement issued in Islamabad.