Manama (Agencies): The Pakistan Navy has once again assumed command of the Multinational Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), marking the 11th time it has led this critical maritime security initiative. The Change of Command Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in Bahrain.
Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie of the Pakistan Navy took over the command from Rear Admiral Rustu Sezer of the Turkish Navy. Addressing the ceremony, Commodore Azmie expressed confidence in his team’s ability to effectively manage the challenging responsibilities of CTF-151.
He emphasized the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to collaborative efforts for maintaining maritime security, ensuring stability, and safeguarding the uninterrupted flow of maritime traffic in the region. Commodore Azmie also lauded Rear Admiral Sezer and his team for their contributions during their tenure.
The Pakistan Navy’s leadership of CTF-151 for the 11th time underscores its active role in international maritime security efforts under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). In July 2024, the Pakistan Navy had also assumed command of CTF-150 for the 13th time, further cementing its reputation as a key player in ensuring regional maritime peace.
The Change of Command Ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Saqib Rauf; Turkey’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Ayse Hilal Sayan Koytak; CMF Commander Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff; and Deputy Commander of the Turkish Fleet, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozden Kocer, along with senior diplomats and representatives of CMF member navies.
CTF-151 is tasked with counter-piracy operations and ensuring the safety of international shipping routes in the region, a mission that reflects the collective efforts of member nations to maintain global maritime security.