Pakistan Navy took over command of the Combined Task Force 151 for the 3rd time in a ceremony held on board the Turkish Navy ship GEMLIK. During the ceremony, Commodore M Hisham of Pakistan Navy (PN) took over command from Rear Admiral Oguz Karaman of Turkish Navy.
While taking over, Commodore M Hisham in his speech appreciated his Turkish predecessor for his contribution to counter-piracy efforts in the region.
He affirmed his commitment to the global cause of suppressing piracy and highlighted the importance of regional engagement in making the area safe for international shipping and legitimate local maritime activities. This is the third time since the inception of this command in 2009 that PN has had the honour to command it, said Comodore Hisham. Besides contributing to maritime security, this opportunity would also help PN to further strengthen its fond relations with the regional navies including those from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and Djbouti, he added. In addition to providing personnel to the coalition, PN had regularly contributed ships with organic helicopters to the Coalition Task Force 150 and 151.
PN, in line with the national policy of pursuing peace and development in the region, had been playing its role in maintaining security and stability.
