On behalf of Canada Commodore Haydn Edmundson takes command of Task Force 150 in Bahrain

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officially assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) in a ceremony held at Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain on Dec. 8.

Under Operation ARTEMIS, the CAF’s ongoing contribution to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman, Canada has deployed 28 CAF personnel and two Department of National Defence civilian employees to lead CTF-150 until April 2017.

“Canada’s leadership role as part of Combined Task Force 150 is a testament to our history of contributing to the security and stability in international waters of the Arabian Sea region. Our active participation reaffirms our longstanding commitment to international peace and security, as well as safeguarding international waters, to ensure that the global trade Canada and the world depend on can proceed freely,” stated LGen. Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Canada’s command contingent is also supported by personnel from the Royal Australian Navy.

Through a variety of maritime security operations regional engagements and capacity building, CTF-150 is focused on deterring terrorist organizations from smuggling weapon, illicit cargo, and narcotics over this stretch of ocean, while simultaneously ensuring the safe passage of merchant ships along what is considered to be some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

CTF 150 is one of three multinational naval task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces.

Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson assumed command on behalf of Canada. He takes over the reigns from Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir of the Pakistan Navy.

“I am honoured and privileged to command this counter terrorism task force and to work alongside our maritime security partners in the wider region over the next four months. Combined Task Force 150 will continue to build upon the achievements of our colleagues before us, and we will continue to promote security and stability across some of the world’s busiest and most important shipping lanes,” said Cmdr. Haydn C. Edmundson, Commander Combined Task Force 150.