The Royal Saudi Naval Forces have handed over command of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 to Kuwait. The ceremony, held in Bahrain, saw Captain Suliman Al-Enazi transfer command to Colonel Mohammad Aleid, Kuwait Naval Force.

Captain Suliman Al-Enazi, on handing over command, said: “It has been my pleasure to command the Task Force over the last year. I look forward to watching the successes of this command well into the future.”

The change of command ceremony was overseen by Vice Admiral John W Miller, Commander Combined Maritime Forces. Vice Admiral Miller highlighted the achievements of CTF 152 during the tenure of the Royal Saudi Navy in its task of maintaining Maritime Security Operations in the Arabian Gulf. He said: “Under Captain Al-Enazi Task Force 152 has integrated the strengths of more than two dozen countries to counter terrorism; thwart illegal maritime practices, and defeat destabilizing activity in the Arabian Gulf, improving overall security and stability and enhancing regional national capability.”

In his speech, Vice Admiral Miller stated that Captain Al-Enazi provided wise counsel with his wealth of knowledge and experience and that he vastly improved the collective intelligence of the region and laid the groundwork for his successors to follow.

After assuming command, Colonel Mohammad Aleid spoke about the opportunity to lead CTF 152 and said: “Captain Al Enazi has done an outstanding job at CTF 152. I hope to continue his successes here and continue to strengthen the ties between the Combined Maritime Forces and the Gulf Cooperation Council.”