KARACHI: Pakistan Navy has successfully relinquished command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie of the Pakistan Navy handed over the command to Rear Admiral Marcelo Lancellotti of the Brazilian Navy. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), at HQ CMF, Bahrain, on Thursday.

The CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in Jan 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under the CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

Since assuming command in Jan 2025, the Pakistan Navy-led CTF-151 mission, built and maintained close partnerships with regional and international navies, especially the European Union Naval Forces’ Operation Atalanta. The coordination was manifested by coordinated patrols such as the Enduring Resolve and the Ocean Watch.

The hallmark of the tenure was the professional conduct of the focused Operation Sea Spirit, where CTF-151 marshalled 13 CMF partner nations, naval assets from six countries, and eight Regional Coordination Centres. To strengthen CMF’s objectives, Cdre Sohail Ahmad Azmie conducted a series of Key Leadership Engagements across the region that reinforced the importance of collaboration in promoting maritime security.

While expressing his thoughts on his tenure as Commander CTF 151, Cdre Sohail Ahmad Azmie thanked his staff and international partners, especially the Republic of Korea and Japan, for their consistent commitment. He further added that the Pakistan Navy takes pride in its active participation within the CMF and its efforts reflect a steadfast commitment to contribute towards regional maritime security. The incoming Commander CTF 151, Rear Admiral Marcelo Lancellotti, expressed his gratitude to the Pakistan Navy and remarked that together with CMF nations, they will strengthen cooperation and ensure the safety of the maritime commons.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including ambassadors from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Japan and the Federative Republic of Brazil as well as the deputy head of mission from the Republic of Korea.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2025