Turkish Navy Assumes Command of Counterpiracy Task Force CTF 151

Pictured in the file photo above are visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team members from the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) as they close in on rigid-hulled inflatable boats to apprehend suspected pirates. Vella Gulf was part of Combined Task Force 151, a multi-national task force conducting counterpiracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. The Turkish Navy took command of the task force May 3. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky.)

Dispatches from the Front:

MANAMA, Bahrain, May 3, 2009 -- The U.S. Navy transferred command of the Combined Maritime Forces' (CMF) counterpiracy task force to the Turkish Navy May 3 in a ceremony held aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Caner Bener relieved Rear Adm. Michelle Howard as commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. Howard was not able to attend the ceremony as she was conducting operations at sea.

Established in January, CTF 151 was initially commanded by the U.S. Navy. Turkey is the second nation to command the counterpiracy task force.

"As I take command, I would like to emphasize that CTF 151 will continue its critical contribution to regional maritime security and lawful maritime order," said Bener.

"Obviously, it will take time, passion and perseverance, but I believe that during my command our sincere efforts will aide in achieving the goals and objectives of the task force and will bring more stability and peace to the region."

Bener said he looks forward to commanding the task force and helping deter and thwart piracy off the coast of Somalia.

"Although it has been only four months, CTF 151 has come a long way and has been able to respond effectively to the challenges faced," he said.

"The outstanding cooperation and coordination they established with other maritime actors operating in the area, as well as maritime authorities and agencies has greatly enhanced the safety of sea lines of communication the region. We will continue to extend their success."

In addition to leading CTF 151, this also marks the first time the Turkish Navy will command a CMF task force.

While Howard was not present at the ceremony, she said this change of command has tremendous implications.

"Turkey has been a part of CTF 151 for some time now, and their participation has been nothing short of invaluable," she said. "This demonstrates our commitment to fighting piracy as an international Coalition."

Howard commanded CTF 151 April 5-May 3, after relieving Rear Adm. Terence McKnight who stood up the task force.

"With the Turkish Navy at the helm, we'll have new perspectives on the mission that I expect will enhance the strong international cooperation in place," said Howard. "There are a lot of experiences we can all share with one another to help make the waterways a better place for everyone."

CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.

(Report by Lt. John Fage, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs.)

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