Karachi:
Pakistan Navy handed over command of Combined Task Force (CTF-150) to Royal New Zealand Navy.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy, the Pakistan Navy handed over the command of Combined Task Force 150 to the Royal New Zealand Navy during a prestigious change of command ceremony in Bahrain. Commodore Asim Sohail Malik of the Pakistan Navy formally handed over the command to Commodore Rodger Ward of the Royal New Zealand Navy in the presence of Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces.
From July 2024 to January 2025, Pakistan Navy-led Combined Task Force 150 conducted various maritime security operations. In addition to actively participating in CTF-150 operations, ships of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency also conducted three major operations against drug smuggling on their own.
Overall, the Pakistan Navy and the Combined Maritime Force have seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics worth over US$50 million in the last six months. The Pakistan Navy-led Combined Task Force 150 has secured the participation of ships from the Kenyan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman in its operations, furthering regional cooperation.
During his tenure, Commodore Asim Sohail Malik held discussions with key civil and military leaders from Mauritius, Kenya, and Sri Lanka and emphasized cooperation and information exchange to address common maritime security challenges.
Reflecting on his tenure as Commander, Combined Task Force 150, Commodore Asim Sohail Malik highlighted his experience working with navies around the world. He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s commitment to shared maritime security in line with Pakistan’s foreign policy and the vision of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
He further said that Pakistan Navy takes pride in its active participation in the Combined Maritime Forces and its dynamic efforts reflect its strong commitment to play its role for maritime security.
The incoming Commander CTF-150, Commodore Roger Ward, thanked the Pakistan Navy for their exemplary leadership and operational achievements.
Combined Task Force 150 is one of five task forces operating under the Combined Maritime Forces, the world's largest naval partnership.
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