Pakistan Navy takes command of multinational task force

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) – The Pakistan Navy on Thursday said it has assumed the command of multinational combined task force 151 (CTF-151) for the ninth time.

The formal change of command ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain, where Commodore Abdul Munib took over the command from Rear Admiral (LH) Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy, a navy statement said.

Addressing the participants, Munib said his team is fully geared up to shoulder this significant responsibility.

He lauded Inanir and his team for their dedicated efforts to achieve set objectives during the tenure of command.

Munib reaffirmed his resolve to continue with the same spirit and further highlighted the strong relationship between the Pakistan Navy and the CMF in the pursuit of their common objective for a secure maritime order in the region.

CTF-151 is one of the three Combined Task Forces operating under Commander CMF. Its mission is to suppress piracy in the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden and adjoining ocean space under CMF.

Pakistan Navy has the distinction of commanding CTF-151 on eight occasions in the past.

The ceremony was attended by Turkish Ambassador to Bahrain Kemal Demirciler, Pakistani Ambassador Afzaal Mahmood, Vice Admiral of the US Navy Samuel J Paparo, Commander of Royal Bahrain Naval Force Rear Admiral Mohammad Yousif Al Asam and other senior diplomats and Naval officers.​​​​​​​