MANAMA, Bahrain – Pakistan Navy Commodore Sohail Azmie, commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, held a video conference with Italian Navy Rear Adm. Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander, European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA (CTF 465), June 3. Both task forces are currently undertaking counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

Cdre. Azmie expressed his gratitude for continued support of CTF-465 to CTF 151, particularly during Focused Operation Sea Spirit and coordinated patrols
Enduring Resolve and Ocean Watch.

“Conduct of a third coordinated patrol in short span of time is reflection of our collective resolve against piracy and armed robbery as well as effectiveness of coordination between the two Task Forces,” said Cdre. Azmie.

Rear Adm. Da Pozzo acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting global commons and said that CTF-465 will continue to support CMF and CTF 151 operations with its assets and personnel. “We did a good job, our staff worked really well and we will continue this legacy,” said Da Pozzo.

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the EUNAVFOR, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.