Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) 151, Rear Admiral (Radm) Ken Cheong visited the Head of the Djibouti Navy, Colonel Abdourahman Aden Cher, at the Headquarters of the National Marines of Djibouti, as part of a series of Key Leadership Engagement visits to regional partners and units of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
Both commanders acknowledged the importance of the military presence of CMF, other task forces, and independent deployers for suppressing piracy in the region. The commanders also agreed that while the opportunities for piracy are low at this time, withdrawal of warships from the region would result in a resurgence of piratical acts. The impact of this would adversely affect the stability of the region, where around 21,000 vessels, carrying 10% of the world’s annual crude oil and petroleum requirements, traverse through the Gulf of Aden alone.
CCTF 151 Radm Cheong expressed his appreciation to the Djibouti Navy for their support of CTF 151 units. Radm Cheong said: “The support from the Djibouti Navy in maintaining the sustainability of the coalition forces is critical for counter-piracy operations. I am grateful and look forward for a closer collaboration in the future.”
CMF is a multi-national naval partnership that operates within international law and achieves results by co-operation, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces patrolling their own maritime environment.
CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. CTF 151 also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.
In conjunction with NATO, EU NAVFOR and other independent nations such as China and India, CTF 151 helps patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. The military presence has helped to significantly reduce piracy.
Commodore (Cdre) William Warrender RN, the Deputy Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), welcomed Brigadier General Park Cheol-kyun of the Korean Ministry of National Defence to CMF Headquarters.
Brigadier General Park is the Deputy Director General of the International Policy Bureau and he visited CMF to discuss Korea’s contribution to CMF, and their future involvement in CMF tasking. Korea utilises its Cheonghae, a counter-piracy taskforce set up for operations involving the protection of merchant marine assets from piracy.
Cdre Warrender thanked the Republic of Korea for their contribution to, and support for CMF, he said: “The Republic of Korea (ROK) Cheonghae Unit is performing a critical role within CMF. We also hope to have continuous support from ROK ships in the future.”
The ROK government dispatched a Cheonghae Unit to the Gulf of Aden in March 2009 in support of UNSCR 1838. At the moment ROK Ship Wang Geon, a 4,500 ton destroyer with 1 Lynx helicopter and 3 RIBs is actively involved in the Gulf of Aden. It is the 21st Cheonghae Unit to work under CMF.
One of the biggest threats in the CMF operational area is Somali piracy and as a result Korea is a very active participant in the convoy system in the Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor (IRTC). The presence of Korean warships is vital to continue the suppression of piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Commander Thompson, the CMF Chief of Staff, added: “It is only the opportunity to commit piracy which has disappeared, not the pirate itself. The counter-piracy operation must be continued in order to deter its return.”
CMF was created post 9/11 to help counter the threat from international terrorism but the mission was later expanded to include counter piracy operations. CMF now comprises 31 nations from across the globe, with active support from the Gulf Co-operation Council and growing involvement from South East Asian nations. It operates over 3.2 million square miles of ocean.
CTF 151was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. CTF 151 also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce. The Task Force’s presence has helped to significantly reduce piracy in the region.
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The CMF Chief of Staff, Cdr Thompson USN briefs the Korean delegation with CMF colleagues
Rear Admiral Cheong with RAdm Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah al-Raisi
Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) 151 Rear Admiral (RAdm) Ken Cheong met RAdm Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah al-Raisi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman and Brigadier Badr Al Zadgali, Commander of the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard during a visit to Oman.
During the visit, RAdm Cheong stated his appreciation to both Omani Commanders for Oman’s support to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and CTF 151. They also discussed CMF’s counter-piracy efforts in the region and the Omani Commanders shared insights on the fishing and trade activities in Omani waters and the Gulf of Aden. They agreed on the importance of enhancing mutual understanding and information sharing to strengthen their counter piracy efforts.
CTF 151’s mission is to combat piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment, particularly the Gulf of Aden (GOA), as well as to build understanding and capacity with regional partners. Meetings like this are an important part of CTF 151’s mission.
RAdm Cheong said: “I am thankful for the close friendship between CTF 151 and the Royal Navy of Oman and Royal Oman Police Coast Guard. I am also thankful for their strong support towards CTF 151’s efforts in counter piracy. I look forward to continuing to build on this friendship and cooperation.”
CMF is a multi-national naval partnership that operates within international law and achieves results by co-operation, pooling resources and actively supporting regional maritime forces patrolling their own maritime environment. CMF has its headquarters in Bahrain and operates three Combined Task Forces which cover 3.2 million square miles of ocean.
CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. CTF 151 also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.
Vice Admiral Yasuhiro Shigeoka is given a tour of CTF 151 HQ
CCTF 151 Rear Admiral (RAdm) Cheong visited Captain Shinichi Kawabata, the Commander of the Japanese P3 Deployment Air-force for Counter Piracy Enforcement (DAPE), at the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) facility in Djibouti.
RAdm Cheong has carried out a Key Leadership Engagement visit to Djibouti. During the visit he went to DAPE, the air element of JMSDF’s counter-piracy effort in the Gulf of Aden (GOA) to discuss the importance of air surveillance in counter-piracy operations.
RAdm Ken Cheong acknowledged that the information provided by the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) over the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor (IRTC) located in the GOA is vital in building an extensive counter-piracy (CP) picture. A more complete CP picture allows Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the independent deployers, and EU NAVFOR counter-piracy forces to identify real-time threats to merchant vessels.
RAdm Cheong said: “The Japanese friendship and contributions to CTF 151 are paramount to the success of our mission. I am grateful for the solid support rendered from a respectable navy like the JMSDF.”
The JMSDF have also carried out a visit to CTF 151 Headquarters. The visit reinforced the close partnership between CTF 151 and JMSDF. The JMSDF Commander-in-Chief of the Self Defense Fleet, Vice Admiral Yasuhiro Shigeoka, said during his visit.
“I am impressed by the professionalism of CTF 151, led by RAdm Ken Cheong. I am heartened to learn how our units have made important contributions to international efforts in this partnership to counter piracy. We are committed to continue taking part in this mission to contribute to stability in this area, and to continue building on the friendship and relationship with all the participating nations.”
The good working relationship between CTF 151 and the JMSDF is largely due to Japanese officer, Lieutenant Commander Yuichiro Kawanami, Head of CTF 151 Future Operations. He has been instrumental in ensuring common objectives are met and the HQ works efficiently with their Japanese ships to deliver effect.
CMF was created post 9/11 to help counter the threat from international terrorism but the mission was later expanded to include counter piracy operations. CMF now comprises 31 nations from across the globe, with active support from the Gulf Co-operation Council and growing involvement from South East Asian nations. It operates over 3.2 million square miles of ocean.
CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. CTF 151 also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce. The Task Force’s presence has helped to significantly reduce piracy in the region.
Commander Combined Task Force (CCTF) 151, Rear Admiral (RAdm) Nam Dong Woo recently visited Commodore René Luyckx, CCTF 465, of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) to strengthen ties.
RAdm Nam, of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy, visited, Commodore Luyckx of the Royal Netherlands Navy, onboard the CTF 465 Flagship His Netherlands Majesty’s Ship (HNLMS) TROMP to develop the relationship between Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and EUNAVFOR.
The purpose of the visit was twofold. Firstly, to discuss important issues relating to the co-operation between CTF 151 and CTF 465, and secondly to discuss plans to strengthen the relationship between the two task forces to make their counter-piracy efforts more effective. It was agreed that improved understanding of future plans, limitations and strategies of both CTF 151 and CTF 465 would create a more comprehensive counter-piracy strategy, including action plans that will allow better co-ordination of operations and training activities.
RAdm Nam said: “This was a great opportunity to discuss the importance of co-ordination and information-sharing between CTF 151 and CTF 465. We now have a strong basis of understanding from which we can achieve even more effective counter-piracy missions together.”
RAdm Nam, who has offered to host CCTF 465 on board a ROK Ship in the near future, added: “We have interconnected our planning strategies for the future. This closer working relationship will allow better deployment of our counter-piracy forces.”
CTF 151 was established in 2009 and is focused on the disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment. It also engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to secure freedom of navigation and protect global maritime commerce.
Republic of Korea handover to Pakistan at CTF 151 Change of Command CeremonyImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Pakistan has taken command of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 after conducting a change of command ceremony with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy today. This was presided over by Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan USN, Commander US Naval Forces Central Command, Commander US Fifth Fleet and Commander Combined Maritime Forces. CTF 151’s principal mission is to disrupt piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment across an area of almost 3.2 million square miles, encompassing the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and Southern Red Sea.
Commodore Muhammad Shuaib SI (M), Pakistan Navy, assumed command of CTF 151 from Rear Admiral Nam Dong Woo, ROK Navy, on 26th October 2016 at a ceremony at CMF headquarters in Bahrain. His Excellency the Ambassador of Pakistan and His Excellency the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea were in attendance.
Pakistan has previously commanded CTF 151 seven times and also currently commands the CMF counter-terrorism CTF 150. During the next four months Commodore Shuaib will lead a multi-national team to deter pirates, reassure those who ply the seas legitimately and facilitate the free flow of commerce across his area of operations.
Not only does CTF 151 synchronise its efforts with those of similar task forces from the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, it also works closely with a number of independent nations patrolling the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, CTF 151 units also assist mariners in distress and conduct other humanitarian work as required.
On handing over command, Rear Admiral Nam said: “I am proud to have served here, and of all we have achieved together. I am convinced that Commodore Shuaib will continue to enjoy success as he takes command of CTF 151.”
On assuming command, Commodore Shuaib said it was a privilege to lead the Pakistan CTF 151 command rotation. He praised the successes of Rear Admiral Woo’s team, both at sea and in their active engagement with regional nations and remarked that, “Pakistan is equally committed and prepared to shoulder the challenging responsibility of keeping the regional maritime environment safe. I will continue to develop ways to share information and coordinate counter piracy efforts to ensure that lawful trade is not hindered by piracy.”
Commodore Shuaib concluded, “In the Pakistan Navy we value the trust and confidence placed in us by our like-minded friends in CMF. We will continue the good work of ROK Navy and look forward to leading such an important mission.”
Commander Combined Task Force 151 Commodore M Shuaib SI(M) (Pakistan Navy) visited the United Arab Emirates from 6-9 Dec 16 where he met with key officials responsible for the nation’s maritime and coastal security. During his visit he called upon a number of senior UAE naval officers, and the Chairman of the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) Major General Faris Khalfan Al Mazrouei (UAE Air Force). The meetings were aimed to maintain and improve the current level of cooperation between the Combined Maritime Forces and UAE. While visiting the country the Commodore also attended the MEIVOM conference where he met maritime industry and security agency representatives. The conference brought together military, shipping industry executives, and government representatives to discuss topics relating to maintaining a safe and stable environment for mariners across region’s waters.
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Commodore M Shuaib SI (M), Commander Combined Task Force 151 meeting with the Chairman of the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) Major General (Staff) Faris Khalfan Al Mazrouei (UAE Air Force).
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During his four-day visit to UAE Commander Combined Task Force 151 Commodore M Shuaib SI(M) [Left] met with senior UAE officers including the Chief of Naval Forces.
Commander CTF 151 Commodore Muhammed Shuaib SI(M) Pakistan Navy made an official visit to the Seychelles between 30 November and 2 December 2016 to conduct high level engagement with several senior defence and government officials.
With its members ranging from New Zealand to the USA and time zones differing by 18 hours – it’s time for the Combined Maritime Forces to wish its 31 member nations, allies, supporting friends, families and serving personnel, past and present, a very Happy New Year 2017.
The Turkish-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) held a recent engagement with the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Ops) of Pakistan Navy, Commodore Faisal Amin via video conference.
Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy, the Commander of CTF 151, followed the current Covid-19 trend of using Zoom conference calling to discuss matters of mutual cooperation and security in the region. Pakistan will be assuming command of CTF 151 in December for a record ninth time, so this is a key time to prepare.
RAdm Inanir thanked the longstanding support and contribution of the Pakistan Navy to the Combined Maritime Forces in general and for Counter Piracy operations in particular.
Cdre Faisal commended the strong leadership of Turkish-led CTF 151.He said: “All support will be provided to CTF 151 for Counter Piracy Operations as and when required.”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Nejat Inanir, commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, speaks with Pakistan Navy Commodore Faisal Amin, assistant Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, onscreen, during a video conference call onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain Sept. 30. CTF 151 conducts counter-piracy operations in two critical chokepoints in support of the free flow of global commerce as a part of Combined Maritime Forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Riggs)
Both Commanders agreed to provide further assistance and collaboration to achieve their common goal of providing maritime security in the region and making the seas safe for legitimate mariners and seafarers.
After thanking the Pakistan Navy for their support, RAdm Inanir said: “I am so pleased to see Pakistan contribute to CMF so effectively. Their support aids how we maintain maritime security and ensure the free flow of commercial maritime trade. We are seeing a large increase in small vessel activity now that the monsoon season is transitioning and it’s vital that CTF 151 continues to suppress any piracy activity early.”
Merchant vessels transiting through the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and around the Horn of Africa can enhance their maritime security awareness by following the guidance provided in BMP5, which includes using Armed Security Teams, using the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor (IRTC) and notifying the UKMTO in Dubai of their progress.
With the monsoon season – which makes sea conditions favourable for smaller shipping vessels – over, a large multinational counter piracy operation has been conducted by the Combined Maritime Forces in the Gulf of Aden.
The operation, named Operation Shamal after the strong winds that blow from the north bringing sandstorms to the region, was designed to increase military patrolling in the area around the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.
The area is of immense importance as the main shipping lane from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean passes through it. With the Monsoon diminishing and sea becoming favourable for sailors, there has been a large increase in the number of smaller fishing vessels, skiffs and dhows operating again, mainly closer to the coastlines of coastal states.
“Focused Operation Shamal was conducted to demonstrate to potential pirates and sponsors of piracy that there is a significant military force in the region that would deal with any attempted piracy attack,” said CTF 151 Operations officer, Lieutenant Commander Yoo Sanghun of the Republic of Korea Navy.
“We are also here to reassure our partners on merchant ships that despite the increase in small boat activity, the military is there to respond,” he added.
The Operation was an international affair, with support from CMF members Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force.
The Pakistan Navy ship Zulfiquar and the ROK ship Dae Jo Yeong drilled together during a Passing Exercise. The exercise is a testimony of the skills and professionalism of the respective navies and demonstrated their abilities to enhance interoperability at sea.
There was also a significant contribution from Djibouti and Oman, with Djibouti’s coastguard and the Royal Navy of Oman playing a vital part in contacting merchant vessels sailing through the area, alerting them to the presence of warships and gathering essential information about any suspicious activity they’d seen during their transit.
The UKMTO office in Dubai contributed to the operation. alerting merchant shipping to expect an increase in military activity, both visually and on VHF.
Military activity during the operation was not just limited to the sea; maritime patrol aircraft from both CMF and EU NAVFOR-participating countries contributed significantly to the operation, providing an overwatch right across the entire piracy High Risk Area. They identified potential piracy activity at an early stage, whether in the Somalian based known piracy camps or at sea.
“It is always pleasing when we are able to grow our capability by having so many countries operating closely together, whether it’s patrol aircraft and warships tactically maneuvering together or nation states coordinating their navies and coastguards to deliver freedom of navigation in a long term strategy,” said Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy, Commander of CTF 151.
The region is in a state of transition between monsoon seasons; October is one of the busiest times for small fishing craft and dhows to operate and there will be an increase in small dhow traffic between the various ports on both sides of the Gulf of Aden. Merchant ships are encouraged to use the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), where they are less likely to have any interaction with the smaller fishing skiffs, which are occasionally mistaken for pirates.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Photo courtesy of JMSDF. A helicopter from the Pakistan ship Zulfiquar practises landing on the Japanese ship Ohnami.
Warships and maritime patrol aircraft continuously patrol the Gulf of Aden throughout the year, but will be particularly vigilant in these weather transition zones. It’s vital to protect world trade through vulnerable chokepoints. With the seafarer hostages being released by pirates earlier this month, it’s a key reminder that organisations including CMF’s CTF 151 play a fundamental role to deter piracy from interrupting the free passage of these crucial sea lanes.
“It’s been a very successful operation,” said Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir. “Operation Shamal has provided a timely reminder to the maritime community that there is an international effort to maintain the free flow of commerce, today and always.”
In a recent Zoom call, the commander of the Combined Task Force 151, Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir, spoke with the Head of the Djibouti Coastguard, Colonel Waiss Omar Bogoreh to discuss their continued partnership in conducting counter-piracy operations.
Rear Admiral Inanir thanked Colonel Bogoreh for his support in a recent counter piracy operation, Focused Operation Shamal. “It’s been a job really well done. Your assistance is very much appreciated,” said Rear Admiral Inanir. He also passed on a personal message of gratitude from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) commander, Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.RAdm Inanir (right), with Chief of Staff, Captain Durmazucar (left) thanks the Djibouti Coastguard for their support in a recent focused operation to combat piracy in the region.
While Djibouti is not a member of CMF, CTF 151 regularly works closely with the nation’s Navy and Coastguard to support maritime security operations in the region, sharing information and informing merchant vessels transiting through their waters when military assets are working to protect the region’s shipping lanes nearby.
Colonel Bogoreh said: “We are always willing collaborate further with CMF. We have eight or nine years of a history of working together in what is a very successful relationship.”
The Republic of Korea Navy has marked a milestone by providing one million miles of convey support for counter piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
The Republic of Korea Navy destroyer which is marking the achievement, the Dae Jo Yeong, has accompanied over 500 merchant vessels since June this year, under various taskings including that of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. The ship has also supported several counter piracy operations for EU NAVFOR.
“The Dae Jo Yeong’s deployment is a remarkable achievement and I am very grateful to Captain Lim Byung Hwan and his crew for all their endeavors in ensuring that there were no piracy attacks on merchant shipping during his ship’s deployment.” said Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir, Commander of CTF 151.
The Republic of Korea first deployed warships to the region in 2009 and the Dae Jo Yeong’s activities have helped the CMF member achieve the milestone this year. As the Dae Jo Yeong heads back home, another Chung-mu Gong Yi Sun Shin class destroyer will deploy to replace her. The Choi Young will be keen to follow in her footsteps and help the Republic of Korea achieve many more miles of safe convoys.
Counter piracy operations are part of an international effort to deter the threat of piracy in order to protect global trade. The last successful attack in the High Risk Area was in 2017, but the threat of piracy remains.
The Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 welcomed the Commanding Officer of JS Ariake, the Japanese Destroyer which has been assigned to work with the task force.
Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir, Commander of CTF 151, welcomed the Japanese ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ezawa Naritaka, at a meeting at the Bahrain-based headquarters.
Japan has an enduring commitment to counter piracy operations, having deployed warships to the Gulf of Aden for many years. These deployments ensure safe transits for commercial merchant vessels passing through the region and the area known as the Maritime Security Transit Corridor. The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force also deploys Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the region to oversee all shipping vessels, providing an early warning system to the nearest warship if any piracy activity is observed.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The JS Ariake is a Murasame class destroyer, launched in October 2000. She has a semi stealth design, powered by gas turbines which give her a speed of 30kts. Her helicopter is a Mitsubishi SH-60, similar to the Sikorski S-70 design. This is ideal for conducting maritime reconnaissance patrols as it is able to identify potential piracy activity from a huge range and respond accordingly.
Rear Admiral Inanir said: “I believe that the continuous presence of our forces and wills in critical areas are fundamental for the success of Counter Piracy operations. In this aspect, JS Ariake is a vital asset to CTF 151 because she convoys vessels in the High Risk Area and provides a force that can collect information and deter piracy activities in our operational area.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude and welcome to JS Ariake for participating in Counter Piracy operations as a supporting unit of CTF 151,” he added.
The Combined Maritime Force’s counter-piracy task force, Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) is set to change command from the Turkish Navy to the Pakistan Navy in December.
Ahead of the handover, the current commander of the task force, Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir from the Turkish Navy, and the incoming commander, Commodore Abdul Munib from the Pakistan Navy, discussed the intricacies of the command, including how to address some of the restrictions caused by Covid-19 and the importance of engaging with regional key leaders.
“I am really enjoying my command here at CTF 151.It is amazing to conduct counter-piracy operations in this region with my staff from nine different nations,” said Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir. “My team is working hard to prepare a smooth handover for you,” he added.
Radm Inanir emphasized the importance of having an international composition in CTF 151, with the skillset provided by a variety of countries. He shared the future vision and concept of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and how Pakistan will facilitate that vision. The two leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the regional powers and organisations who address the piracy issue in the Gulf of Aden.
Pakistan have been a longstanding supporter of CMF, having also commanded the counter terrorism task force (CTF 150) eleven times. The Navy commits both warships and maritime patrol aircraft to the region, providing invaluable assets to help suppress piracy in the Gulf of Aden and interdicting merchant ships smuggling narcotics across the Indian Ocean.
Commodore Abdul Munib SI (M) knows CMF well, having served in Bahrain as the Pakistan Senior National Representative previously. His understanding of CMF procedures will prove invaluable and help his command hit the ground running.
“I hope to serve with the same devotion and dedication as you, and I look forward to meeting you properly in Bahrain. I’m aware of the challenges of coordinating so many different nations in order to combat piracy,” said Cdre Abdul Munib.
“Congratulations on a successful mission, delivered by so many hard working staff. I consider myself lucky to be taking over from a Turkish brother,” he added.
The Turkish tenure has been a successful one, contributing to absence of any successful piracy attacks in the region over the past three year period. Around 21,000 merchant ships transit through the Gulf of Aden every year, which is around 20% of the world’s sea trade, marking the importance of maintaining maritime security in the region.
The handover will be marked by an official change of Command ceremony in December, and will see Pakistan assuming command of the task force for a record ninth time.
Commander of CTF 151 (CCTF 151), Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir held a Zoom call with Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Kamis Bin Abdullah Al Raisi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO) to discuss future combined efforts around the Gulf of Aden.
Discussions were held between the two commanders to ensure that future counter-piracy operations are as successful as the recent Focused Operation Shamal, which saw forces from Oman, Djiouti, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea and Japan participate in a large coordinated maritime operation to deter piracy and reassure merchant shipping.
Rear Admiral Inanir said: “I pass on my thanks and appreciation on behalf of CMF for all the support given by the Royal Navy of Oman. By working together, we have managed to suppress piracy and keep the waters safe for all legitimate mariners. Knowing that Oman will assist with future operations is a very welcome statement of intent to keep it that way for the future.”
A key effort has been in building up a database primarily of fishing traffic around the Gulf of Aden, which will help identify suspicious piracy activity early and therefore be able to coordinate warship patrols to the right location in a timely manner.
Rear Admiral Al Raisi said: “Your contribution to maritime security in the region is a welcome one, and we thank you for all your support. The Royal Navy of Oman will always be glad to help support our friends here to enhance cooperation, bringing mutual benefits to us.”
Turkey will hand over command of CTF151 to Pakistan this month, following a successful six months of delivering counter piracy operations primarily in the Gulf of Aden.
Rear Adm. Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy has formally handed-over command of Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force 151 to Commodore Abdul Munib of the Pakistani Navy, in a special ceremony held at the US Navy’s NAVCENT headquarters in Bahrain, Dec. 9.
Formed in 2009, CTF-151 this maritime defence force is primarily dedicated to the deterrence, disruption and suppression of piracy and armed robbery at sea, and to engage with regional and other partners to strengthen relevant capabilities in the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin and the Indian Ocean.
RAdm Inanir praised the international nature of the Task Force, citing this as the main reason for its ongoing success. “We have a truly international blend of staff from 10 countries, each bringing their own culture and experience to our task force,” he said.
“The wide range of strengths and different approaches to operations is one of the many things that makes us strong and I look forward to the future with great optimism […] Clear from the start of my command was the critical joint effort between the military and maritime industry in countering the determined pirate. The SHADE [Shared Awareness and De-confliction] conference allowed us to re-enforce the importance of sharing information to increase risk awareness,” RAdm Inanir added.
Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander of Combined Maritime Forces, who presided over the ceremony, reflected on the success of CTF-151 under RAdm Inanir’s leadership.
“Focus Operation SHAMAL was a resounding success, not only meeting the mission requirements of deterring piracy through a massive influx of air and sea assets, but also providing a valuable opportunity to bolster our relationships with our partnerships,” said Vice. Adm. Paparo. “This operation, made more difficult due to health and asset constraints, not only deterred piracy and provided the necessary practice for our allies, but most certainly increased our partnership capabilities well into the future… Turkey should be exceptionally proud of your service to the stability of this region.”
Closing his speech, RAdm Inanir spoke warmly of his successor; “Commodore Munib, as I hand over to you, I wish you and your bright and eager staff all the best during your tenure, and very much look forward to hearing of your great success in command of CTF151. We regard you as brothers and it is a great pleasure to hand over a strong and successful task force to a brother.”
Pakistan Navy will lead CTF-151 for the next six months, alongside CTFs 150 and 152, which are currently led by the Royal Saudi Navy and the Saudi Border Guard respectively. Though the 33-nation group that makes up the Combined Maritime Forces is headquartered in Bahrain, their activities spread as far as Suez in the northwest and far down into the Indian Ocean.
“Ever since inception of CTF-151, Pakistan Navy has been an active member of the Naval Coalition by providing ships and aircrafts sorties from time to time to counter the menace of Piracy in the region,” said Commodore Munib at the event. “[Maritime security] remains vital to ensure free flow of trade and maritime activities to maintain global peace and prosperity.”
Attending the changeover ceremony were His Excellency Mr Afzaal Mahmood, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kingdom of Bahrain; His Excellency Mr Kemal Demirciler, Ambassador of Turkey; Rear Adm. Mohammad Yousif Al-Asam, Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, as well as numerous senior officers from coalition militaries.
The Commander of the Pakistan-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), Commodore Abdul Munib SI (M) held a recent engagement with the Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF), Rear Admiral Mohamed Yousif Al-Asam at their headquarters.
The RBNF has a long history of supporting counter-piracy and maritime security operations in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Area of Operations. While thanking the Admiral for the two Bahraini staff officers supporting CTF-151, Cdre Munib said; “I am extremely delighted at the wonderful job your officers are doing in the CTF-151 team. This helps, not only with mutual learning, but also for capacity-building amongst member nations.”
“The measure of performance at CTF-151 is to have zero incidents of piracy in the region. We are continuously working to maintain this status in the region,” added Cdre Munib. “The cooperation and support extended by RBNF has helped the CMF forces in a big way to achieve this success.”
RAdm Mohamed Yousif summarised the meeting; “We are fighting against a common threat. Pakistan are our brothers and we will extend all-out support for your future operations here in CTF-151.”
The Commander of Pakistan-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) held a recent engagement via Zoom with the Commander of the Coastguard and Deputy Commander of the Djibouti Marine Nationale.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.CCTF-151 held a joint conference with the Commander of the Djibouti Coastguard and Deputy Commander of the Djibouti Marine Nationale
Commodore Abdul Munib SI (M) of Pakistan Navy followed the current Covid-19 trend of using Zoom conference calling to discuss future collaboration and encourage counter-piracy capability development. The virtual meeting also validates that despite Covid-19 restrictions, the CTF-151 mission to engage with regional partners remains at the forefront of CMF’s operational activity.
“We share a common goal – to ensure free flow of commerce,” said Cdre Munib. “At CTF-151, our measure of success is to ensure zero piracy incidents. We are already there, now we need to maintain it. Our mutual cooperation and coordination can make this happen.” He added his desire to assist Djibouti in its pathway to joining the CMF as a member nation, further enhancing cooperation between participant nations. Colonel Waiss Omar Bogoreh of the Djibouti Coastguard concurred; “We will continue to support CMF operations with our assets and personnel.”
In an earlier meeting during the Turkish Navy command of CTF-151, Djibouti proposed liaison officers from their Coastguard. The success of this liaison hasn’t gone unnoticed; “Having an additional officer from Djibouti Coast Guard would be of great value to build our capacity and enhance cooperation and coordination.” added Col Bogoreh. “I am ready to cooperate further and keep lines of communication open and share more information in order to keep this region safe. I look forward to see more representation from Djibouti in CMF in the future.”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Djibouti has proposed a Liaison Officer to CMF in the past, and Commodore Munib is keen to explore future representation from the country
Merchant vessels transiting through the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden can enhance their maritime security by following the guidance provided in BMP5, which includes using Armed Security Teams, using the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), and notifying the UKMTO in Dubai of their progress.
Outside of CMF partners, CTF 151 regularly work with other maritime security partners such as EUNAVFOR and Independent Deployers to provide a continuous military presence in the region.
Image may be NSFW.
