BAHRAIN: In a change of command ceremony held in Bahrain on Thursday, Pakistan handed over the command of multinational maritime security force and counter-terrorism coalition Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) to Australia.
The outgoing CTF-150 commander Rear Admiral Naveed Ahmed Rizvi handed over the force’s command to Commodore Malcolm KM Wise OAM of the Royal Australian Navy at Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquarters in Bahrain.
While speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Rizvi said that the threat of terrorism transcended national boundaries and required a combined response from all stakeholders.
“The CMF has proven that it provides a framework to ensure global and regional maritime security while acknowledging the individual concerns and sensitivities of member countries,” he added.
The outgoing commander went on to say that the unity and the willingness of the nations is the real strength of the coalition and this provides the Commanders of the CTFs a unique opportunity to command a rainbow of sea platforms and staff.
The ceremony was presided over by US Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces Commander Vice Admiral John Aquilino of US Navy. Other dignitaries and military officials were also present on the occasion.
