From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 of Combined Maritime Forces concluded Himalayan Spirit, a multinational focused operation. Oct. 8-14.

This operation, spearheaded by Pakistan-led CTF 150, targeted illicit maritime activities, especially narcotics smuggling in North Arabian Sea. Profits generated from these illicit activities are used for terrorism and related criminal activities.

Naval and air assets from a range of nations and organizations including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency participated in Himalayan Spirit. Seychelles and Kenya also deployed naval platforms. Additionally, European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA surface and air assets (ESPS NUMANCIA and ESP MPRA JASON) and CTF 151 units enhanced a comprehensive picture on illicit activities at sea to better concentrate naval efforts.

Throughout the operation, participating ships and aircraft conducted extensive patrols, boarding operations and surveillance in the North Arabian Sea. These efforts led to several accomplishments, including seizing more than 1,300 kilograms of hashish on Oct. 12 from a vessel in the North Arabian Sea. Seizures like this disrupt attempts to exploit the region’s waters for illicit activities. 

One of the operation’s highlights was coordinating monitoring maritime activities with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed in Central Command Area of Responsibility. Another key Himalayan Spirit milestone was the first-time participation of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Ship PMSS Kolachi and Kenya Navy Ship KNS Shujaa in a CTF 150-led mission. This marked a significant step forward in regional cooperation, reflecting the growing realization of the need for combined efforts to counter maritime threats in these strategic waters.

The focused ops culminated on Oct. 14 with joint maneuvers by the Pakistan Navy guided-missile frigate PNS Zulfiquar (F 251) and the U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77).

“The success of Focused Operation Himalayan Spirit stands as a testament to the strength of our international partnerships,” said CTF 150 commander, Commodore Asim Sohail Malik. “Through close coordination and the shared commitment of all participating nations, we have made a tangible impact in reducing illegal activities at sea. These efforts contribute significantly towards enhancing maritime security across the region.”

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.Combined Maritime Forces is a 46-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.