GULF OF OMAN – RSS ENDEAVOUR, a Republic of Singapore warship, recently completed a three-month assignment to Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) counter-piracy mission, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151.

RSS Endeavour (Stock Photo)

Since joining CTF 151, ENDEAVOUR has conducted continuous counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, and participated directly in multiple disruptions of suspected pirate skiffs and mother ships in the area.  ENDEAVOUR and her crew made a significant and valued contribution to the multi-nation coalition throughout her time in the area of operations.

Rear Admiral Kaleem Shaukat, Pakistan Navy, Commander of CTF-151, stated:

20111206 – RSS Endeavour’s Command team with Rear Admiral Kaleem Shaukat, Pakistan Navy, Commander of CTF151 (Centre)

“RSS ENDEAVOUR has been an integral part of CTF-151 since joining the task force on Aug. 30.  I commend Singapore Counter Piracy Task Group’s Commander, Colonel Frederick Chew, Lieutenant Colonel Chen Keng Meng, CO RSS ENDEAVOUR, and her crew on their dedication to duty and professionalism in working to combat piracy on the high seas.  On behalf of the CTF-151, I wish her a safe voyage home and thank the Republic of Singapore, RSS ENDEAVOUR’s captain, and her crew for assisting us in furthering CTF-151’s important mission.”

In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and in cooperation with non-member forces, CTF 151’s mission is to disrupt piracy and illegal activities at sea and to engage with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities, in order to protect global maritime commerce and secure freedom of navigation.  CTF-151 is one of three task forces operating under the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 25-nation coalition.  CTF 151’s counter-piracy operations focus on the Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Somali Basin, an area encompassing 2.5 million square miles.