Riyadh: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) from the Royal New Zealand Navy during an official ceremony at the U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Royal Saudi Naval Commodore Fahd Al-Joaid took the helm of the task force, emphasizing the readiness of the naval forces to fulfill their responsibilities. This transition marks the fourth occasion on which the Kingdom has led the force.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces previously took command of CTF-150 from the British Royal Navy in 2018, the French Navy in 2020, and the Pakistan Navy in 2022. CTF-150 is dedicated to enhancing maritime security in its designated areas of operation, which include the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. The task force focuses on combating terrorism and illicit activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms smuggling. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in protecting shipping lanes and ensuring the safe flow of global trade.