Denmark Assumes Command of CTF 150

MANAMA, Bahrain (September 15, 2008) - Canadian Commodore Bob Davidson (Left), outgoing Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, (Center) Commander Combined Maritime Forces and Danish Royal Navy Commodore Per Bigum Christensen (Right), Commander, CTF 150 salute during the Canadian and Danish national anthems during a Change-of-Command ceremony held on board HMCS Iroquois, Sept. 15, in Manama, Bahrain. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class.)

Focus on Defense:

MANAMA, Bahrain, Sept. 15, 2008 -- Danish Royal Navy Commodore Per Bigum Christensen assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from Canadian Commodore Bob Davidson during a Change-of-Command ceremony held on board HMCS Iroquois Sept. 15, in Manama, Bahrain.

Davidson has commanded the multi-national task force that conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea since June 2008. It marked the first time Canada led CTF 150.

Under his leadership, destabilizing activities were deterred, vessels in distress were rescued and a Maritime Security Patrol Area was established to discourage attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.

“With this leadership opportunity, Canada brought influence and a Canadian perspective into the global maritime environment,” said Davidson. “With our Coalition partners, we have worked at building security and stability based on mutual understanding, cooperation and trust with regional nations and with the maritime community. This Coalition presence has discouraged and in some cases prevented extremists from conducting disruptive and illicit activities.”

Christensen will command CTF 150 from aboard HMS Absalon (L 16).

“For Denmark, it is very important to promote maritime security and prevent destabilizing elements from using the maritime environment,” he said. “Demark is a large seafaring nation and is obligated to take responsibility in global maritime security."

CTF 150 is a multinational task force that was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling, create a lawful maritime order and conduct MSO to help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

The flexibility and capability of coalition forces make them well positioned to respond to any potential emergent situation. Through training opportunities with regional partners, CTF 150 enhances existing cooperative relationships which aim to support regional countries struggles against violent extremism.

(From a Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs press release.)

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