ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has assumed the command of Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) for the 14th time during a change of command ceremony held at the Headquarters of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Bahrain, a military statement said on Thursday.
In a statement, the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir of Pakistan Navy assumed command from Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
“While addressing the audience, the incoming Commander CTF-150 assured that his team is fully prepared to shoulder this prestigious responsibility and contribute towards maritime security and stability across the region,” it said.
Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir also reiterated the Navy’s resolve to counter illicit maritime activities while ensuring the safety and security of vital sea lines of communication.
CTF-150 is one of the five task forces operating under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), tasked with deterring and disrupting non-state actors involved in the trafficking of weapons, narcotics, and other illicit goods throughout the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman.
The successful anti-narcotics operations carried out by Pakistan Navy ships during the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ tenure commanding CTF-150 underscore the Pakistan Navy’s steadfast commitment to regional peace and security through cooperative maritime action.
The change of command ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Bahrain, the Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, the Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, and representatives from several other navies serving under the CMF.
According to a statement by Combined Maritime Forces, Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) took command of CTF 150 in August 2025.
“Under his leadership, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces team successfully executed Focused Operation Almasmak and conducted more than 34 boarding operations, which resulted in the seizure of more than 16 tons of narcotics worth approximately $2 billion,” it said.
