RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Navy on Thursday assumed command of Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) for the 14th time during a change of command ceremony held at the headquarters of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir of Pakistan Navy took over the command from Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
Addressing the ceremony, Commodore Tahir said his team was fully prepared to shoulder the prestigious responsibility and contribute to maritime security and stability across the region. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to counter illicit maritime activities and ensure the safety of vital sea lines of communication.
CTF-150 is one of five task forces operating under the CMF and is mandated to deter and disrupt non-state actors involved in the trafficking of weapons, narcotics and other illicit goods across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
ISPR said successful anti-narcotics operations conducted by Pakistan Navy ships during the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ tenure of command reflected Pakistan Navy’s resolve and commitment to regional peace and security through collaborative maritime efforts.
The change of command ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s ambassador to Bahrain, the commander of Combined Maritime Forces, the commander of Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, and representatives of several other navies operating under the CMF.
