From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – The Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, Royal New Zealand Navy Cmde. Rodger Ward, and CTF 150 Deputy Commander, Indian Navy Capt. Suman Saurabh Sharma, met with navy leaders in India and Sri Lanka, March 19-25. The duo discussed the role Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) plays in maintaining maritime security against non-state threats.

Among the leaders Ward and Sharma met were the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) Western Naval Command, Indian Navy Rear Adm. Vidhyadhar Harke, and Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, Vice Adm. BAKSP Banagoda.

The visit coincided with the Prime Minister of New Zealand’s official visit to India, “highlighting the importance of dialogue between friends on matters of common national interest such as maritime security,” Ward said.

“This particular visit provided an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of CMF, with discussions centered on improved information exchange, adoption of common procedures and combined training,” Ward said. “As a small nation, New Zealand is proud to contribute maritime assets to CMF, and grateful for the opportunity to strengthen ties with partner nations during our command.”

The Indian Navy currently contributes a number of staff to CTF 150, including Sharma. He said Indian staffers act as battle watch captains, planners, and other key positions.

“They are co-ordinating and communicating with ships from a number of other nations who are all working together to interdict drug smugglers,” Sharma said.

“This maiden opportunity to work in a multinational environment of CMF provides valuable experience and exposure, which would go a long way in continued support of the Indian Navy in maintaining maritime security in the region,” Sharma said.

Sri Lanka currently commands CTF 154 under Cmde. Manjula Hewa Bettage, who assumed command in January. CTF 154 is responsible for leading training activities in maritime domain awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under CMF, 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.