Pakistan Navy has formally relinquished command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, handing over leadership to Commodore Rodger Ward of the Royal New Zealand Navy in a ceremony at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.
The event was attended by Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), according to a statement from Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General Public Relations.
During its tenure from July 2024 to January 2025, Pakistan Navy played a key role in maritime security operations. Ships of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency independently interdicted three narcotics-laden dhows, collectively seizing approximately 10 tonnes of narcotics worth over $50 million.
Under Pakistan Navy’s leadership, CTF 150 strengthened regional collaboration by securing the participation of ships from the Kenya Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman in operations.
Commodore Asim Sohail Malik, the outgoing commander, also engaged with civil and military leaders in Mauritius, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, emphasising information sharing and best practices in maritime security.
Reflecting on his tenure, Commodore Malik highlighted Pakistan Navy’s “unwavering commitment to collaborative maritime security,” aligning with Pakistan’s foreign policy and the vision of Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff.
He stated that Pakistan Navy “takes pride in its active participation within CMF,” underscoring its dedication to regional stability. Commodore Ward, the incoming commander, expressed gratitude to Pakistan Navy for its “exemplary leadership and operational successes.”
CTF 150 is one of five task forces under CMF, the world’s largest naval partnership, focused on countering terrorism and ensuring maritime security in international waters.
