Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 conducted a Maritime Security Operations (MSO) evolution in the Gulf of Aden and Bab Al Mandab sea areas from the 25th – 30th June. This operation was a key achievement for the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) regional engagement in the CTF 150 area of operation and building of maritime Pattern of Life (POL).

Coalition warships from the United Kingdom and United States along with German Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) participated in the operation. Besides regional engagement, particular attention was paid to the collection of maritime pattern of life data, building cooperation with Yemeni fisherman and utilizing the knowledge of Yemen Naval personnel about local issues and maritime environment. The operation also included interaction with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) warships Al Riyadh and Makkah.

MSO are conducted to support the basic themes of anti-terrorism, violent extremism, narcotic smuggling, human smuggling and or illegal trade activities. Rear Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbassi SI(M), Commander CTF 150, also visited Yemen and met with Major General Ahmed Ali Al-Ashwai, Chief of Staff Yemen Armed Forces to further CTF 150 regional engagement activities.

CTF 150 is a multinational task force created to execute counter-terrorism operations at sea. It conducts Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.