The commander for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Ko Seung-bum, visited Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Makinami, Feb. 26, while the vessel was moored in Bahrain.

The commander was briefed during a ship tour days before Makinami relieved JS Suzutsuki March 5 as Japan’s forward-operating unit supporting regional counter-piracy patrols under CTF 151.

Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Ko Seung-bum, commander for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, receives are briefing during a ship tour aboard Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Makinami moored in Manama, Bahrain, March 5, 2023. (Courtesy photo)

Established in 2009, CTF 151 is one of four task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, which includes 38 member-nations and partners. CTF 151 conducts maritime security operations to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and armed robbery at sea, outside the Horn of Africa.

CTF 151 is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.