RAN Hands Over Command of Combined Task Force 150

The Royal Australian Navy has handed over command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) to the Pakistan Navy during a change of command ceremony on board Pakistan Naval Ship Badr in Bahrain.

Commodore Jonathan Mead AM, RAN has handed over command to Commodore Mukhtar Khan SI(M) on 17 April, concluding the Royal Australian Navy’s successful third command of CTF 150.

CTF 150 is a multi-national task force that conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Over the past six months, the team, comprised of personnel from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy, has planned and executed operations conducted by a range of ships and aircraft from CTF 150 contributing nations.

Commodore Mead said this was the third time Australia has led CTF 150 which had a powerful and far-reaching effect on the maritime domain.

“These last four months have been exceptionally rewarding for both me and my team, who have invested many months of hard work, planning and international co-operation evidenced by the seizure of 240 kilograms of narcotics on 3 February.

“This marked the first interdiction of illicit cargo by a CMF asset in over two-and-a-half years. The destruction of these drugs was a blow for terrorists who seek to fund their activities through the transportation of narcotics on the high seas,” Commodore Mead said.

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Naval Today Staff, May 02, 2012; Image: navy