Canada has taken command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ counter-piracy task force operating in the Middle East region.
Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson of the Royal Canadian Navy assumed command on Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 after conducting a change of command ceremony with the Pakistan Navy on December 8.
CTF 150 is primarily focused on disrupting terrorist organisations and their unlawful activities by restricting freedom of navigation in the maritime domain.
Highlights of Pakistan’s time in command of CTF 150 have included several successful exercises and cooperation with CMF member nations and independent navies, including China, and in directing multiple successful interceptions and searches of vessels.
Speaking at the ceremony Pakistan Navy Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir said: “We confront today’s challenges and threats boldly together. This is our strength. The values we share and vision we hold is noble. We must defend them for the betterment of the entire international community.”
During the next four months Commodore Edmundson, supported by members of the Royal Australian Navy, will lead a multi-national team to deter unlawful activity and reassure those who ply the seas legitimately and facilitate the free flow of commerce across his area of operations.
Commodore Edmundson said: “ The Canadian Armed Forces is excited to bring some innovative ideas and capabilities to support CTF 150 and the broader CMF mission and we intend to promote the increased sharing of information among CMF’s maritime security partners in the region.”