Islamabad — The Pakistan Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) for the 14th time during a change-of-command ceremony held at the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy).

At the ceremony, Commodore Muhammad Yasir Tahir took over as Commander CTF-150 from Commodore Fahad S. Al Joaid of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The transition marks Pakistan Navy’s continued role in multinational maritime security operations in the region.

CTF-150 is one of five task forces operating under CMF and is mandated to deter and disrupt illicit activities at sea, including the trafficking of weapons, narcotics, and other contraband across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman. The task force also focuses on ensuring the safety and security of key sea lines of communication vital to regional and global trade.

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Addressing the ceremony, Commodore Tahir said his team was fully prepared to carry out the task force’s responsibilities and contribute to maritime security and stability. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to countering non-state threats and supporting cooperative efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in international waters.

The event was attended by Saqib Rauf, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Curt A. Renshaw, Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim Al Bin Ali, Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, along with representatives of several other navies participating in CMF operations.

Pakistan Navy officials said the assumption of command reflects the country’s sustained engagement in collaborative maritime security initiatives and its contributions to countering illicit maritime activities through multinational cooperation.