Combined Task Force 151 Welcomes New Commander

Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) appointed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain June 28.

Rear Adm. Saw Shi Tat, Republic of Singapore navy, relieved Rear Adm. Daisuke Kajimoto, of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, at the ceremony, which was overseen by Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Adm. Scott Stearney.

During his welcome speech, Saw focused on partnership and reiterated Singapore’s commitment to contributing to international counter-piracy efforts.

“As a maritime nation, Singapore’s economic lifelines and successes are inextricably linked to the security and uninhibited flow of seaborne trade, making it essential for Singapore to contribute towards safeguarding these shipping lanes,” said Saw.

Stearney spoke about the importance of teamwork and conveyed his support for CTF 151 and its new commander.

“I have every faith and confidence that your team will be successful in protecting this great region’s maritime traffic and international waterways.”

Kajimoto will return to Japan and continue serving as the Commander Escort Flotilla Three, which consists of two escort divisions and eight destroyers.

“The benefits of a multinational set of opinions from so many countries are very beneficial in establishing a very effective team,” said Stearney. “The Japanese led team’s ability to impart its knowledge and understanding of our area of operations from unique regional viewpoints has directly affected the success of this multinational staff.”

CTF 151 is focused on the deterrence and disruption of piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment, particularly in the Somali Basin and Southern Red Sea. The Task Force engages with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities such as policing, the ability to conduct effective boarding operations and the development of Maritime Security Standard Operating Procedures which are provided to the shipping industry.

Rear Adm. Saw joined the Republic of Singapore Navy in 1995 and spent his formative years on Missile Corvettes. He has served as both executive officer and captain of Formidable-class frigates and has just relinquished command of the Frigate Squadron to take over CTF151.