Sri Lanka Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Task Force 154 in Bahrain
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Sri Lanka achieved a historic milestone by assuming command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 154. The official ceremony marked Sri Lanka’s growing contribution to regional maritime security and international naval cooperation.
The command transfer saw Egyptian Navy Commodore Haytham El Sayed Khalil hand over leadership to Sri Lanka Navy Commodore KMH Bettage. The event was presided over by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces. This occasion represents Sri Lanka’s first leadership role in a CMF task force since joining the organization in November 2023.
The prestigious ceremony, held at the U.S. Naval Base in Bahrain, was attended by Madhuka Silva, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Reham Abdulhamid Mahmoud Ibrahim Khalil, Ambassador of Egypt to Bahrain. Senior officials and naval representatives from CMF member states also participated in the event.
Focus on Training and Collaboration
Under Sri Lanka’s leadership, CTF 154 will emphasize training and collaboration to bolster maritime commerce and security. The task force’s initiatives aim to strengthen cooperative frameworks, promote knowledge sharing among member nations, and enhance maritime forces’ readiness to address transnational threats, such as piracy, smuggling, and other maritime crimes.
CTF 154’s primary focus is on multinational maritime training across the Middle East. It provides opportunities for CMF partner nations to participate in comprehensive training programs, including courses facilitated ashore. The training activities span five core areas: maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. The core staff of CTF 154 comprises members from Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Türkiye, and the United States.
A Global Naval Partnership
Headquartered in Bahrain alongside U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet, the CMF is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. With 46 member nations, it is dedicated to promoting security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters.
The CMF operates five Combined Task Forces:
CTF 150: Maritime Security Operations outside the Arabian Gulf
CTF 151: Counter-Piracy
CTF 152: Maritime Security Operations inside the Arabian Gulf
CTF 153: Red Sea Maritime Security
CTF 154: Maritime Security Training
Sri Lanka’s assumption of CTF 154 leadership underscores its commitment to fostering international partnerships and enhancing maritime security across critical waterways.
Related Posts