Royal Navy hands over command of Combined Task Force 150 to Pakistan Navy

Islamabad, August 14, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Royal Navy handed over command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) to Pakistan Navy at a formal change of command ceremony held at HQs NAVCENT today on 14 Aug 14. Commodore Sajid Mahmood SI(M), tookover command of CTF-150 from Commodore Jeremy Blunden of Royal Navy.

The date of ceremony coincided with 67 Independence Day of Pakistan which made it more cherishable for the Pakistani Team. The handing over ceremony was also graced by Vice Admiral John W Miller Commander US Forces Central Command, Commander US FIFTH Fleet and Commander Combined Maritime Forces who also presented a review of CTF-150’s recent successes.

Senior officers from foreign navies forming coalition were also present at the occasion. Addressing the audience, Commodore Sajid Mahmood, new CTF-150 assured that his team is fully prepared to shoulder this prestigious responsibility.

CTF-150 also lauded the outgoing Royal Navy team and their dedicated efforts to achieve set objective during their tenure of command and reaffirmed his resolve to continue with their good work. He further highlighted that relations between Pakistan Navy and coalition navies are continuously strengthening due to our focused commitments in support of Collaborative Maritime Security in the region.

Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) is one of three task forces being operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Its mission is to promote maritime security in order to counter terrorist acts and related illegal activates, perpetrated by the terrorists networks. Combined Task Force 150 is a multi-national coalition for counter-terrorism operations at sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Prior to present command tenure, Pakistan Navy had the exclusive distinction of commanding TF-150 for six times which is a manifestation of the trust and respect enjoyed by Pakistan Navy among the coalition partners. Over the years, Pakistan Navy has not only served the maritime interests of Pakistan but has also actively participated in international coalition operations.

For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Commander Shakeel Ahmad
Assistant Director
Directorate of Public Relations
Pakistan Navy
Tel: +92-21-20063210
Cell: +92-333-2171764, +92-300-2171038