Pakistan Assumes Command of CTF 150

Bahrain (July 20, 2009) French Rear Adm. Alain Hinden (left) shakes hands with Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah (right) at the Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 change of command ceremony while Vice Adm. Bill Gortney (center), commander, Combined Maritime Forces, looks on. The ceremony, held today at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, concluded the French Navy's sixth successful command of CTF 150, a task force which conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. This is the Pakistan Navy's third time leading the task force. (U.S. Navy photo.)

Focus on Defense:

MANAMA, Bahrain, July 20, 1009 -- Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from French Navy Rear Adm. Alain Hinden during a change of command ceremony held July 20 in Bahrain.

The ceremony concluded the French Navy's sixth successful command of CTF 150, a task force which conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

"Rear Adm. Hinden not only carried out his mission with vigor, but seized the opportunity to improve the Coalition as a whole," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "He created theater security cooperation opportunities in an area stretching from the Strait of Hormuz, to the northeast African coast to the Suez Canal as a means to help regional states broaden and deepen their own maritime capabilities."

Hinden took the time to praise the Sailors under his command for their professionalism and dedication, while giving special recognition to the boarding teams; noting how their efforts in particular have helped bring about a lawful maritime order.

"Above all else, we have taken a stand and shown that millions of square miles of ocean are not the property and playground of the smuggler, the pirate, the terrorist and the trafficker," said Hinden. "We have shown, on the high seas, that in combination with our regional neighbors, we will make the effort, and bear the burden of enforcing the rule of international law of the seas, hundreds of miles from shore and thousands of miles from our home countries."

This is the Pakistan Navy's third time leading CTF 150.

"In accordance with the policy of collaborative maritime security, Pakistan Navy, despite resource constraints, remains committed to play its role to realize the shared goal of regional stability and security," said Zakaullah.

CTF 150 is a multinational task force that was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling, create a lawful maritime order and conduct Maritime Security Operations to help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity.

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.

(Report by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer.)

Tags: DOD, Military, Focus On Defense, United States, U.S., Open Thread, CMF, NAVCENT, Navy, Maritime Security Operation, Fifth Fleet, 5th Fleet, CTF 150
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