December 17, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #CMF-0005

Australia Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 150

From Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Australian Navy Commodore Richard Menhinick assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 from Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah during a change of command ceremony held December 16 on Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.

The ceremony concluded the Pakistan Navy’s third 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.

“Regional stability has been enhanced during Pakistan’s tenure in command, a time when CTF 152 was also commanded by a regional nation, UAE, running operations from the naval centre in their own country,” said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Combined Maritime Forces. “Adm Zakaullah’s achievements in engaging regional nations have left a stronger CTF 150 for Commodore Menhinick.”

Zakaullah took the time to praise the staff under his command for their professionalism and sustained efforts, while giving special mention to CTF 53 who provided logistical support to the fleet, conducting Replenishments At Sea that enabled his ships to stay at sea for extended periods of time and operate in a significantly larger area.

This is the first time that Australia has commanded CTF 150, although they have a proud tradition of contributing to operations in the Middle East, having had an almost continuous presence in the region since 1990.

Upon assuming command, Commodore Menhinick said “We are excited and somewhat daunted at the challenges of maintaining maritime security in an area of operations approaching 2.4 million square miles. This is a strategically vital job. We are very aware that we are visitors and guests in the region and we will work very closely with the countries in the region to earn and build trust and respect for the long term.”

Speaking about the positive impact of working with the Pakistan navy in preparation to assume command, Commodore Menhinick said “A close working relationship is one of the great benefits of the Combined Maritime Forces and comes very naturally to navies who have a tradition of working closely together with high levels of interoperability”.

Adm Zakaullah went on to say that, the Pakistan navy will return in April 2010 to again take command of CTF 150, emphasizing their continuing commitment to support regional maritime security.

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

For further questions, please contact Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs Office:

011-973-1785-9981 or M-BA-CUSNC-CMF_PAO@me.navy.mil

Photos:

091216-N-8825R-068 MANAMA, Bahrain (Dec. 16, 2009) Australian Navy Commodore Richard Menhinick assumes command as commander, Combined Task Force 150, from Pakistan Navy Rear Adm. Muhammad Zakaullah as Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Combined Maritime Forces, observes in a ceremony held in the multi-purpose room of Naval Support Activity Bahrain. The ceremony concluded Pakistan Navy's third successful command of CTF 150, a task force which conducts Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aramis X. Ramirez/RELEASED)