MANAMA, Bahrain: Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), currently under the command of the Pakistan Navy, commenced SEA SPIRIT Operation in the Arabian Sea on 21 April.
The operation, supported by Maritime Patrol Aircraft and helicopters, aims at combating maritime piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast, the Gulf of Aden, and the Socotra Gap.
CTF-151, established in 2009, is one of five task forces operating under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The force, founded in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolution has its headquarters in Bahrain.
The joint operational activities involving Counter-Piracy exercises and patrols by naval assets include the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, the Republic of Korea Navy, Spanish Armada under EUNAVFOR Ops ATALANTA, Djibouti Navy & Djibouti Coast Guard, and Türkiye Naval Forces.
Regional Coordination Centers (CMF JMIC, JMICC Pakistan, DCOC Kenya, RCOC Seychelles, and partners (Ambrey GOC), RMIFC Madagascar, UKMTO Dubai) are amplifying efforts, sharing real-time updates with the maritime community.
Maritime Security Center Oman and Maritime Security Center Indian Ocean are also supported by exchanging vital information with the stakeholders.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Navy in January this year assumed command of CTF-151. The Pakistan Navy holds the unique distinction of commanding CTF-151 for the eleventh time. In July last year, the Pakistan Navy also assumed command of CTF-150 for the thirteenth time.
In addition to counter-piracy operations, CTF-151 plays a critical role in addressing other maritime challenges, including human trafficking, unregulated and illegal fishing, and organized maritime crimes.
