Egypt Daily News – Combined Task Force (CTF 153) is one of five task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces. It was established in mid-April 2022, with the mission of enhancing security and stability in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden. The Egyptian Navy has assumed command of CTF 153, which is specialized in maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In a press statement on Wednesday, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) said: “The Egyptian Navy has taken over the leadership of the multinational Combined Task Force 153, responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, from its Australian counterpart, during a ceremony held aboard a naval support ship in Manama on April 9.”
The statement added that Australian Navy Captain Jorghi Mackie handed over the command of the task force to Egyptian Navy Rear Admiral Mohamed Rasmy during the ceremony, which was presided over by CMF Commander, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral George Wikoff.
The CMF noted that the task force, consisting of 44 officers from 13 countries under Mackie’s leadership, “closely cooperated with our other task forces, the Combined Maritime Information Center, and U.S. Navy Task Forces 55 and 59 to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea and western Gulf of Aden.”
Rear Admiral Rasmy stated that the importance of maritime security to all countries in the world necessitates increased cooperation to achieve it. He added: “The new, multidimensional nature of maritime security requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. A culture of information sharing among all maritime partners must be strengthened, as it is the cornerstone of integrating our collective efforts with the maritime shipping sector.”
For his part, Wikoff praised Egypt’s longstanding commitment to the missions and efforts of the Combined Maritime Forces to enhance maritime security in the region. He said: “We are honored that Egypt has once again taken the lead of one of our vital missions, and we are extremely grateful for this continued commitment.”
CTF 153 is one of five task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces. It was established in mid-April 2022, with the mission of enhancing security, stability, and prosperity in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden by deterring and disrupting illicit activities by non-state actors.
