RNZN Officer takes command of CTF 150

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On 15 January Commodore Rodger Ward took command of Combined Task Force 150, accepting responsibilities from Commodore Asim Sohail Malik of the Pakistan Navy in the presence of Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain.

During Pakistan Navy’s tenure from July 2024 to January 2025, CTF 150 conducted numerous maritime security operations. In addition to its active participation in CTF 150, ships of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency independently interdicted three narcotics-laden dhows. Collectively, Pakistan Navy and CMF intercepted approximately 10 tonnes of narcotics, with a street value exceeding 50 million US dollars over the last six months. Under Pakistan Navy’s leadership, CTF 150 also actively fostered regional collaboration, securing the participation of ships from Kenya Navy and Royal Navy of Oman in CTF 150 operations.

To further strengthen CMF’s objectives, Commodore Malik engaged with key civil and military leaders of Mauritius, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. He emphasized collaboration, information sharing, and the exchange of best practices to address shared maritime security challenges.

Reflecting on his tenure as Commander CTF 150, Commodore Malik shared his thoughts on the invaluable experiences, opportunities, and lasting memories of working with colleagues from around the globe. He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to collaborative maritime security in line with Pakistan’s foreign policy and the vision of Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan. He further stated that Pakistan Navy takes pride in its active participation within CMF, underscoring its steadfast dedication to contributing to maritime security. The incoming Commander CTF 150, Commodore Rodger Ward, expressed his gratitude to Pakistan Navy for its exemplary leadership and operational successes during its tenure.

CTF 150 is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain and is focussed on maritime security in the Middle East region, in particular the disruption of drug smuggling operations. This will be the second time that the RNZN has commanded CTF 150 as a part of its contribution to collective maritime security in the Middle East, which includes some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

Later this year, the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will join the task force to conduct patrols and carry out boarding operations to support the international rules based system and contribute to collective security efforts in the region. CMF’s other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training. The RNZN has also commanded CTF 151 (counter piracy) on two occasions.

CMF, headquartered in Bahrain with US Naval Forces Central Command and US 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 8.2 million square kilometres of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Commodore Ward will wear a pounamu hei matou (fish hook) around his neck during his six-month spell in command, a gift he accepted from his wife Karen prior to departing New Zealand. It is the symbol we have chosen for our command of Task Force 150 because it symbolizes our mission and culture in one taonga or treasure. Māui used a fish hook to haul the North Island of New Zealand from the sea – Ti Ika-a-Māui, the fish of Māui. It signifies our connection with the ocean, our reliance on it for prosperity, our need to protect it, and our partnership and friendship with others from distant shores.”

Source: PN & NZDF

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