January 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Navy on January 26 assumed command of the multinational maritime training initiative Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 during a formal change-of-command ceremony held in Bahrain.
This significant leadership transition saw Egyptian Navy Commodore Haytham Khalil hand over the reins to Sri Lankan Navy Commodore KMH Bettage, marking a notable milestone for Sri Lanka.
This is the first time that a task force within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) has been led by Sri Lanka, which officially joined the CMF in November 2023.
CTF 154, which was established in May 2023, plays a pivotal role in facilitating multinational maritime training throughout the Middle East.
The task force enables member nations to conduct essential training and cooperation across various maritime operations, helping to maintain security and stability in one of the world’s busiest and most strategic maritime regions.
Under the leadership of Commodore Khalil, CTF 154 achieved significant progress, introducing monthly Maritime Security Enhanced Training sessions that covered critical topics such as navigation, safety at sea, firefighting, public relations, and crisis management during pollution events.
These training sessions were in addition to fostering key partnerships with other maritime organisations, including the European Union Naval Force, and strengthening relationships with other regional stakeholders.
Khalil reflected on his tenure, stating, “Our joint efforts have substantially improved maritime security and deepened cooperation across the region. Your unwavering commitment to these initiatives has delivered outstanding results, boosting readiness and operational capacity. It has been an honour to lead such a talented and unified team.”
The task force’s training initiatives are held at various locations throughout the region, with particular focus on five core areas: maritime awareness, law, interdiction, rescue, and leadership development. Each training programme is carefully tailored to meet the needs of CMF partner nations, offering opportunities for both foundational and advanced learning.
Through these efforts, CTF 154 provides crucial training without the need for ships or aircraft, making it accessible to nations across the Middle East.
Commodore Bettage, who now leads CTF 154, emphasised the importance of collaboration and training in safeguarding global maritime security.
“I believe that training and cooperation are vital to maintaining the flow of maritime commerce and securing vital sea routes. By strengthening partnerships between nations and industries, we can jointly address emerging threats and optimise maritime operations. This, in turn, will bolster global trade and contribute to economic growth,” he remarked.
The CMF, headquartered in Bahrain, is the largest multinational naval coalition globally, comprising 46 nations committed to upholding international maritime law and ensuring the free and secure movement of goods across the seas.
In addition to CTF 154, the CMF operates several other task forces, including CTF 150, which focuses on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, and CTF 151, which tackles regional counter-piracy efforts.
Other task forces are dedicated to ensuring maritime security in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, areas critical to global trade and energy transport.
By taking command of CTF 154, Sri Lanka’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces is further cemented, reinforcing its commitment to fostering international collaboration and ensuring the safety of vital shipping routes in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions.
