Pakistan Navy on Thursday formally handed over command of the multinational Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) to the Brazilian Navy, concluding a successful tenure that strengthened international maritime cooperation and advanced counter-piracy operations.
At a ceremony held at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain, Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie of Pakistan Navy relinquished command to Rear Admiral Marcelo Lancellotti of Brazil. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of CMF, and attended by ambassadors from Pakistan, Japan, and Brazil, along with the Deputy Head of Mission from the Republic of Korea.
Since assuming command in January 2025, the Pakistan Navy has led CTF-151’s counter-piracy mission with notable achievements in fostering regional and international partnerships, particularly with the European Union Naval Forces’ Operation ATALANTA. Key coordinated patrols such as Enduring Resolve and Ocean Watch showcased effective collaboration, while the hallmark of the tenure was Operation Sea Spirit. This operation saw the participation of 13 CMF partner nations, naval assets from six countries, and eight Regional Coordination Centres, reinforcing the mission to safeguard global sea lanes.
To further CMF’s objectives, Commodore Azmie also engaged with regional leaders, highlighting the importance of collective action in ensuring maritime security. Reflecting on his command, he thanked his team and international partners, particularly South Korea and Japan, for their consistent commitment, and reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s pride in contributing actively to regional peace and stability.
Rear Admiral Lancellotti, the incoming commander, commended Pakistan Navy for its leadership and assured that under Brazil’s watch, CTF-151 would continue to strengthen cooperation among CMF nations and secure the international maritime commons.
Established in 2009, CTF-151 is one of five operational task forces under CMF, dedicated to counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters. Working alongside the European Union (EU) Naval Forces and independent deployments, it plays a key role in maintaining safety in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.
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