Adm. Zafar, who was relieved by Commodore Gregory Sammut of the Royal Australian Navy from the Command of Combined Task Force 150 on Thursday, said the basic job of the CTF is to keep terrorists away from these strategic trade routes.
Terrorist organizations including Al-Qaeda, he said, were posing threat to the global peace.
“Command of CTF-150 for the fourth time is a manifestation of Pakistan Navy's continued commitment to support coalition efforts to maintain peace and lawful maritime order at sea. We feel proud for having contributed wholeheartedly, and to the best of our abilities, to advance the cause of maritime security in the region that undoubtedly is vital for the economic prosperity and well-being of the world at large,” he added.
The Royal Australian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 150.
CTF-150 aims to create a stable maritime environment free from terrorism and other illegal activities across an area of two million sq. miles, covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.
The CTF-150's principal mission is to defeat attempts by terror organizations to use the maritime environment as a venue for an attack or as a means to transport personnel, weapons and other materials. This is done by conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). CTF-150 vessels also assist mariners in distress and undertake humanitarian work as required.
CTF-150 is a multinational task force and participating nations include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, and Turkey, the United Kingdom and the US.
"It is a privilege to be entrusted with Australia's second command of CTF 150. My team and I look forward to building on the outstanding achievements of Rear Adm. Abbasi and his staff, and working closely alongside our CMF partners and regional friends to promote security and stability throughout the surrounding maritime domain,” said Commodore Gregory Sammut.
The ceremony concluded Pakistan Navy's fourth successful command of CTF-150.
