CAF Contingent begins Operation Artemis

On Dec. 8, seven members of the CAF were deployed to Bahrain to begin Operation ARTEMIS as part of Combined Task Force 150. This is Canada’s most recent contribution to Operation ARTEMIS, the CAF’s contribution to counter terrorism and maritime security operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

The deployment includes Captain William Quinn, who will assume the role of Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of CTF-150.

“I am honoured to be selected to lead the Canadian contingent of Operation ARTEMIS. In this position, and as the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Combined Task Force 150, my role will be to support the Australian Commander in achieving success during the mission. The deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel demonstrates Canada’s commitment to working with allies and partners to strengthen peace and security in the international maritime domain,” said Quinn.

The remaining personnel, four officers and two non-commissioned members, will assist in planning and logistics and as watch-keepers until April 2016.

The CAF personnel are serving under the Australian Defence Force, which is currently heading CTF-150.

“Participating in multi-national operations with like-minded nations such as Australia provides an opportunity for the Canadian Armed Forces to further enhance interoperability with our allies. I am proud of Canada’s long-standing contribution to global peace and security operations,” said Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Combined Task Force was formed in 2002 to detect and deter any terrorist organizations from using merchant shipping lanes to smuggle weapons, illicit cargo and narcotics.  Canada is one of 30 countries that offers naval assistance to Combined Maritime Task Forces.

Combined Maritime Forces are comprised of three key task forces: CTF-150, responsible for counter-terrorism, CTF-151 responsible for countering pirates; and CTF-152, responsible for security in the Persian Golf.

Command of CTF-150 is rotated between the participating nations every four to six months. The United Kingdom is next in line to assume command after April 2016.