DVIDS – News – Pakistan takes command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Joint Task Force 150

MANAMA, BAHRAIN – The Pakistan Navy assumed command of the Multinational Task Force for Maritime Security in the Middle East during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity Bahrain on July 22.

Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews handed over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 to Pakistan Navy Commodore Asim Sohail Malik in the presence of Combined Maritime Forces Commander Vice Admiral George Wyckoff. Matthews took over command in January.

During Matthews’ command, CTF 150 conducted seven successful narcotics interdictions at sea, seizing over 11,600 kg of illegal narcotics. These seizures prevented criminal and terrorist organizations from profiting from their nefarious activities. Matthews also met with key leaders from India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Pakistan and Tanzania to discuss the importance of cooperation, information sharing, and exchange of knowledge and best practices to address the region’s common maritime security challenges, including illegal trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Established in February 2002, the CTF is one of five operational task forces under the CMF umbrella that conducts maritime security activities outside the Arabian Gulf. CTF 150’s core staff consists of Australians, Bahrainis, Canadians and New Zealanders.

“For the past six months, I have had the honor of serving as Commander of CTF 150 and leading an incredibly talented multinational team. Today marks the end of Canadian 6th Command for CTF 150, but this effort does not end here as Pakistan takes over command of CTF 150,” said Matthews. “I am grateful for Vice Admiral Wyckoff’s leadership and the support of the CMF team, and I would like to express my gratitude to all the nations that contributed to the success of CTF 150. CTF 150 relies on the ability of CMF member states to work together toward the same goals, and I am grateful to be a part of this world-class organization.”

Malik has held a number of key positions in the Pakistan Navy, most recently as Chief of Staff to Fleet Commander Pakistan at Fleet Headquarters. As the new Commander of CTF 150, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous experience serving with the task force. This change of command marks the 13th time Pakistan has commanded CTF 150.
Malik said Pakistan’s frequent command of CTF-150 was a reflection of the confidence that its allies had in the Pakistan Navy.

“It is an honor and a privilege to assume command of Joint Task Force 150,” Malik said. “My team is fully prepared to efficiently shoulder this honorable responsibility of contributing to regional maritime security and stability. I commend Col. Matthews and his team for the steadfast determination and commendable contributions demonstrated in achieving the stated objectives of CTF 150.”

Other task forces in the CMF include CTF 151, which leads counter-piracy efforts in the region, CTF 152, which focuses on maritime security in the Arabian Gulf, CTF 153, which provides maritime security in the Red Sea, and CTF 154, which conducts maritime training.

Headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Central Naval Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet, the Joint Maritime Force is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership of 44 nations committed to upholding an international rules-based maritime order and promoting security, stability and prosperity in approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including some of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.