Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) handed over to Commodore Muhammad Ihsan Qadir of the Pakistan Navy at a formal change of command ceremony in Bahrain.

Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon hands over command of CTF 151 to Commodore Muhammad Ihsan Qadir

For three months, the Singapore-led CTF-151 team commanded assigned forces to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden. The command team collaborated and coordinated with counter-piracy forces from European Union Naval Forces, NATO, independent deployers from China. India, Japan and Korea as well as regional security authorities.

At the ceremony Vice Admiral John W. Miller, CMF’s Commander, commended Singapore for its continued contributions to the multinational counter-piracy efforts in the GoA. 

He said: “The superb performance we have seen over the last few months reflects the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the Singapore Navy to the coalition.  Every engagement that you undertook resulted in significant operational outcomes for both CTF 151 and the entire CMF.”

Vice Admiral Miller also welcomed Pakistan back to the leadership of CTF 151, saying: “We are once again privileged and delighted to have Pakistan back in a leadership role in one of our Task Forces. This is the ninth occasion and I am certainly grateful for the commitment of Pakistan to the Combined Maritime Forces.

Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon speaks at the CTF 151 Change of Command Ceremony

“I am confident CTF 151 will continue to flourish under the leadership of Pakistan.  I am very pleased to have the Pakistan Navy back in a position of leadership.”

Rear Admiral Giam also highlighted the importance of keeping strategic waterways such as the GoA free for international trade.

“The mission of CTF 151 is to disrupt piracy in order to promote security and stability across the Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea,” said Rear Admiral Giam. “It is a crucial task – these 2.5 million square miles of international waters encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes and lifelines of the global economy. 

“Such a mission is a tremendous undertaking that no nation can accomplish alone.  As a maritime nation, Singapore will continue to play its part to ensure the freedom of navigation and safety of shipping.”

Rear Admiral Giam’s command team comprised a total of 49 Singaporeans and 12 personnel from the navies of Australia, Brunei, France, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United States, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

HMCS Toronto intercepted and boarded a suspected smuggling vessel about 60 miles off the southern coast of Oman, and discovered almost six tonnes of hashish.

Bales of hashish are stacked on the quarterdeck of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) TORONTO in preparation for disposal

The Halifax-class frigate is currently working with CMF to promote stability and security in the Indian Ocean. She is attached to Combined Task Force 150, the CMF Task Force charged with countering terrorism-related and other illicit activity in the region – including narcotics smuggling, which is a known source of funding for terrorist organisations.

CMF and CTF 150 have been actively building links and working in close cooperation with local, regional, and international law enforcement agencies in the Middle East, enabling them to identify potential offenders at sea.

“I am extremely proud of the high level of proficiency and tenacity that my crew has shown on this deployment. The outstanding work of all onboard has contributed to these record narcotics seizures,” said Commander Jeff Hamilton, Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto. 

HMCS Toronto’s boarding party approaches the suspect dhow

“Toronto continues to operate with our CTF 150 partners to combat terrorism at all levels. Every dollar we deny these terrorist organizations works towards making our world a safer place.”

 Commodore Simon Ancona, Deputy Commander of CMF, said: “I would like to extend my wholehearted congratulations to the crew of HMCS Toronto.

“By intercepting these smugglers we keep narcotics off the streets, we keep money out of the hands of criminals, and we improve the quality of life for those affected by the drug trade.”

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Lim Jung Taek, hosted Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon and members of his multinational staff during their stay on board.  The Commanders exchanged views on the counter-piracy situation and explored ways to improve cooperation between the counter-piracy forces.

Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon tours the bridge aboard ROK Munmu the Great

Since 2009, South Korean warships have been independently deployed in the Gulf of Aden to conduct convoy escort operations.  These operations aim to ensure the safe passage of all international merchant vessels, including a substantial number of Korean-flagged ships through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).  Whilst on their national tasking, ROKN ships readily lend support to CTF 151 counter-piracy efforts in the region.  In addition to convoy escort, the ROKN commanded CTF 151 in 2012 and provided operational leadership to the counter-piracy efforts. In 2014, ROKN will assume command of CTF 151 for a third time. 

The ROKS Munmu the Great has an embarked Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team.  The VBSS team is one of its most important assets in the fight against piracy. The team allows for the safe and rapid boarding of suspected vessels and enables the team to respond to any piracy incident in the area of operations.

After the visit, Lieutenant Chaloemrat Yudee, Royal Thai Navy, a member of the Singapore-led battle staff said that he was “impressed with the warship and the commitment of the ROKN crew in the counter-piracy effort.”  Last month, ROKN reaffirmed its continued commitment to Combined Maritime Forces counter-piracy operations.  RAdm Giam also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the ROKN for their strong commitment in supporting counter-piracy operations.

CTF 151′s multinational command team is embarked onboard Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Fort Victoria.  The CMF established CTF 151 in January 2009 specifically to deter, disrupt and thwart piracy operations. It is a multinational task force that conducts counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Command of CTF 151 rotates every three to four months, with the current team due to hand over to a team from the Pakistan Navy in June.

Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai, Commander of Escort Task Group (ETG) 112, welcomed Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon, Republic of Singapore Navy, Commander, CTF 151 and members of his multinational staff. 

Members of the Singapore-led multinational command staff visit Chinese warship CNS Harbin in the Gulf of Aden.

CNS Harbin, together with the frigate CNS Mianyang and the supply ship CNS Weishanhu constitute the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA(N)] ETG 112, currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden to conduct convoy escort operations and ensure safe passage of both Chinese and international merchant vessels through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).

During the visit, the team from CTF 151 received a brief on ETG 112 operations, toured the CNS Harbin and interacted with their counterparts over lunch.  The Commanders of CTF 151 and ETG 112 exchanged views on the counter-piracy situation and explored ways to improve cooperation. 

Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai, Commander, ETG 112 (left), RFA First Officer Ian Coombes (centre) and Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon, Commander, CTF 151 (right) with CTF 151 flagship Fort Victoria in the background during their visit onboard CNS Harbin in the Gulf of Aden.

“We share a common purpose – to defeat piracy and ensure the security of international shipping.  We also recognise the benefits of coordinating our efforts to achieve greater effectiveness,” said RAdm Giam.

The visit also provided the opportunity for the multinational team to learn about the PLA(N). “This was my first time onboard a Chinese vessel.  This was a great opportunity to learn more about the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) and their contributions to counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden,” said Lt Cdr Himawan of the Indonesian Navy.

“It is important for the international community to continue to engage and encourage each other as we all work together to combat piracy in the region,” said Lt Gaeten Haentjens, French Navy. “China brings its own unique capabilities which enhance the overall response to suspected pirate activity.” 

The Singapore-led CTF 151 multinational command team is embarked on Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Fort Victoria. Combined Maritime Forces established CTF 151 in January 2009 specifically to deter, disrupt and thwart piracy operations.

It is a multinational task force that conducts counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Command of CTF 151 rotates through the nations of the Combined Maritime Forces every three months, with the current team due to hand over to a team from the Pakistan Navy in June.

FS Somme, the command ship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, was conducting a routine patrol off the Yemeni coast when she received a request for assistance from a merchant vessel that had been adrift for three days.

FS Somme’s engineers help the crew repair the damaged sail

Whilst en route to Somalia, catastrophic damage to part of the sail left the dhow unable to change direction, as well as leaving the master with a badly-injured eye.

A short while after receiving the call for help, Somme’s boarding team arrived on board the dhow accompanied by the Ship’s doctor, Lieutenant Gaétan Girondin, and three of the ship’s engineering staff.

While the mechanics set about repairing the broken sail, Dr. Girondin was able to dispense medication as well as looking after the Captain’s eye, which he had injured trying to repair the damage.

FS Somme’s doctor, Lieutenant Gaétan Girondin, examines one of the crewmen aboard the dhow

He was also able to provide initial treatment for tooth, back and skin problems suffered by members of the 19-man crew.

Dr. Girondin said: “It was very rewarding to have been able to help these mariners, some of whom suffered from a range of illnesses and injuries.

“I’m particularly glad that I was able to help the captain, because if Somme hadn’t been there, the injury to his eye could quite easily have become infected and he would have lost it.”

FS Somme’s cooks provided hot meals and freshly-baked bread for the crew while her engineers took the broken mast back to their workshops onboard. Less than an hour later the sail was fully repaired and, two hours after receiving the call for help, Somme was able to bid the dhow and crew farewell.

One of the boarding team’s engineers works on the damaged sail part in the workshop aboard FS Somme

Approach and Assist Visits like this one are a key part of CTF 150 operations, and allow the ships and sailors of the Task Force to gain valuable insight into the local area. They also help build the trust and relationship between CMF and mariners on the high seas.

CTF 150 forms part of CMF and works to coordinate maritime security operations across their area of operations. Its principal remit is the disruption of illicit activity and promote security, stability and prosperity in the Northern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

FS Somme’s boarding team with the crew of the dhow they assisted

CMF held their second Maritime Security Operations Legal Workshop in Bahrain between 28 April and 1 May 2013.

Attendees to the Second Maritime Security Operations Legal Workshop at CMF Headquarters in Bahrain

Lawyers from a number of nations including Australia, Denmark, Germany, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Yemen attended the Workshop at CMF Headquarters.

The aim of the Workshop was to introduce lawyers from the Armed Forces of CMF partner nations across the globe to the legal issues that effect CMF on a daily basis.

The lawyers had the opportunity to hear presentations from key organisations who work in Maritime Security Operations, including the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Lieutenant Clint Maynard, Royal Australian Navy, CMF Assistant Legal Advisor, said: “The CMF Legal Workshop provides an excellent opportunity for lawyers with limited exposure to operational law of the sea issues to begin developing that understanding, while also having the chance to build professional networks across the CMF partnership.”

In an address to the assembled legal experts, Commodore Simon Ancona, Royal Navy, Deputy Commander CMF, explained the unique position of CMF in being able to attract speakers and attendees from a vast array of organisations.

He said: “The CMF Legal Workshop provides a fantastic opening to progress the legal understanding within regional maritime forces and the environment in which they operate.

“The ability of CMF to bring together multinational skill sets and experience, in order to discuss the legal issues faced when operating throughout the CMF area of operations allows for greater understanding and identification of future issues.

“It is hoped that the CMF Legal Workshop will become a key feature in the calendar of maritime operational lawyers and continue to attract high calibre speakers from organisations from across the globe.”

The early-morning service was attended by the Deputy Commander CMF, Commodore Simon Ancona, Royal Navy and the Deputy Commander United States Naval Forces Central Command, Rear Admiral Kevin D. Scott, United States Navy, as well as American, Australian, British, French and Turkish staff members.

Cdr Dominic MacNamara leads the ANZAC Day Remembrance service at CMF Headquarters

ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. In the months that followed these soldiers, together with British, Indian and French forces, struggled to open the Dardanelles Strait to Allied naval fleets against fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders.

Success would have allowed the Allied naval forces to threaten Constantinople (now Istanbul), and hopefully force the Turkish surrender. Over the course of the campaign, servicemen on both sides fought valiantly, earning each other’s mutual respect.

Ultimately the Gallipoli Campaign was a failure, due in no small part to the courage of the Turkish soldiers.

‘ANZAC Day’ was officially designated in1916, on the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, by Acting Australian Prime Minister George Pearce. Since then, it has been observed and celebrated as a public holiday in both Australia and New Zealand.

On ANZAC Day Australian and New Zealand service personnel around the world gather to remember the servicemen and women who have served and fallen in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Two commemorative addresses were given during the CMF Remembrance service. The first was given by Commander Dominic MacNamara, Royal Australian Navy, who said: “We are honoured to be joined by our CMF partners in marking this important day in Australia’s history.

“In particular we are honoured to share our remembrance with the Turkish representative to CMF.

“The mutual respect that Australia and Turkey developed on the battlefield in 1915 has long since evolved into bonds of friendship and goodwill.”

Commodore Simon Ancona (L) and Rear Admiral Kevin Scott at the CMF ANZAC Day Remembrance Service

Lieutenant Commander Cuneyt Baglant from the Turkish Naval Forces read from the writings of the former Turkish President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during the service, encapsulating the heartfelt camaraderie now felt between the former foes.

Lieutenant Commander Cuneyt Baglant reads from the writings of Kemal Ataturk during the CMF ANZAC Day Remembrance Service

“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives … you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace,’ Lieutenant Commander Baglant recited, quoting the former Turkish leader.

“There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehments to us. Where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away the tears.

“Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.’

Cdr Dominic MacNamara (L) and Lieutenant Commander Cuneyt Baglant

The service followed the ANZAC Day tradition and included the recitation of the Ode to the Fallen, the bugle call ‘the Last Post’, the observation of one minutes silence and the Rouse.

On May 10, HMCS Toronto successfully disrupted her third narcotics shipment in six weeks, and second this week, as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Indian Ocean.

During the search and inspection of a vessel by the ship’s naval boarding team, HMCS Toronto’s crew recovered 194 kilograms of heroin. The narcotics were recovered without incident and destroyed. In the last 6 weeks, HMCS Toronto has interdicted more than a ton of narcotics. On March 29, a massive narcotics shipment in the Indian Ocean was disrupted when her naval boarding team recovered approximately 500 kilograms of heroin. Earlier this week, her crew recovered another 317 kilograms of heroin, and a small amount of hashish.

250miles SE of Mogadishu the Sea King of HMCS Toronto holds position over the suspected drugs dhow

Narcotics smuggling in the Indian Ocean and surrounding region is a recognized source of funding for terrorist organizations. By interrupting these activities, coalition ships are denying financial resources to extremist groups, and helping to keep drugs off of the streets.

The 194kg haul of heroin which was seized and destroyed by the crew of HMCS Toronto

“The success of this operation demonstrates the professionalism and tenacity of Toronto’s crew,” said Commander Jeff Hamilton, Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto. “Our operations are achieving effects by helping to disrupt terrorist networks, and to enhance coordinated, multinational efforts to understand and map the way these groups resource themselves. Our presence in the region also gives our country the ability to assure allies and partners of our commitment to the security of these vital waterways.”

250 miles SE of Mogadishu, HMCS Toronto providing cover for the approaching boarding team.

HMCS Toronto is deployed on Operation Artemis, Canada’s contribution to Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a multinational maritime task force combating terrorism across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Oman. As part of this multinational force, Toronto works alongside coalition partners to promote security, stability, and prosperity in an area that spans over two million square miles, and encompasses some of the world’s most important shipping routes connecting the Far East to Africa, Europe, and North America; the region hosts over 23,000 shipping movements per year.  CTF150 is one of three task forces commanded by Combined Maritime Forces, a naval partnership composed of 28 nations.

The Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto intercepted a suspect dhow 118 miles of the coast of Tanzania, having tracked her for several days before finally swooping in to make the boarding. 

HMCS Toronto watches over the suspect dhow as her boarding team makes its approach

Once on board, Toronto’s crew discovered the drugs hidden underneath a fake rail in the dhow’s stern. After an extensive search,  a total of 317kgs of processed heroin was recovered, along with a small amount of hashish. All the seized drugs have been destroyed.

The success marks Toronto’s second major haul since her deployment to the Middle East began earlier this year, coming hot on the heels of a seizure of 500kgs of heroin from a similar vessel on 29 March.

Toronto’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jeff Hamilton, said: “The success of this operation marks another significant maritime interception of narcotics in the Combined Maritime Forces area of operations.

Some of the heroin recovered by HMCS Toronto

“Our operations are making a difference to help keep drugs off the streets and out of the hands of criminals.”

Operating under the direction of the French-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, Toronto has been patrolling the waters of the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea promoting maritime security and stability in the region. 

Captain Jean-Michel Martinet, Commander of CTF 150, said: “This important seizure of drugs, represents another step toward ensuring a secure maritime environment for legitimate mariners in the region and Toronto can be very proud of her achievement.

“It has been a very productive couple of months for CTF 150.  We have shown, and Toronto has shown, thanks to their professionalism and pugnacity, that millions of square miles of ocean are not the property and playground of the smugglers and terrorists.”

Two members of HMCS Toronto’s boarding team explore the secret compartment in which the drugs were hidden

CTF150 forms part of the multinational CMF, which draws together assets and expertise from 28 nationsto coordinate maritime security operations across the Middle East.

The CMF mission is to promote security, stability and prosperity across the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The area encompasses approximately 2.5million square miles of international waters, including some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

The smuggling of narcotics in the Northern Indian Ocean and surrounding region is a recognised funding source for terrorist organisations. By interrupting the narcotics trade CTF150 is able to deny financial resources to extremist groups.

Commodore Simon Ancona, Royal Navy, Deputy Commander of CMF, said: “To make a second haul of this magnitude is an impressive achievement, and my wholehearted congratulations go out to HMCS Toronto, her crew, and CTF 150.

“Disruptions and seizures like this strike a powerful blow against those who would use the high seas for unlawful purposes, and are the result of multiple nations pulling together to stop illegal activity in the waters of the Middle East.”

During a routine visit by the crew of CTF 150’s flagship, FS Somme, to a Yemeni dhow it became apparent that several of the crew members were suffering from minor injuries.

Somme’s doctor was transferred to the dhow to help treat the fishermen, and was able to provide advice on how to best manage the individuals’ injury at sea as well as providing initial treatment.

FS Somme’s doctor provides medical assistance to the crew of a Yemeni dhow.

The Somme boarding team also provided the crew of the dhow with fresh water and food, as well as distributing protective work gloves, sunglasses and emergency contact information for the maritime security forces operating in the area.

Approach and Assist Visits are a key part of CTF 150 operations, and allow the ships and sailors of the Task Force to gain valuable insight into the local area. They also help build the trust and relationship between the CMF and mariners on the high seas.

CTF150 forms part of CMF and works with other agencies to coordinate maritime security operations across their area of operations. Its principal remit is the disruption of illicit activity and promote  security, stability and prosperity in the Northern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.