CAF hands over CTF-150 Command

DND announced yesterday that the CAF handed over command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) to France in a ceremony Manama, Bahrain. This was Canada's second command of one of the Combined Maritime Forces  (CMF); multinational forces that operate in the greater Middle East region.

CTF-150 was part of the deployment under the name OP ARTEMIS, which is the CAF's ongoing contribution to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations. OP ARTEMIS operates across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Western Indian Ocean. CTF-150 is 1 of 3 CMF multinational naval forces.

Canada commanded CTF-150 from December 4, 2014 to April 6, 2015. The deployment consisted of 24 CAF and DND personnel, stationed mainly in Bahrain. Canada's command was joined by several members of the Australian Defence Forces.

Canada is a long time contributor to CTF-150 - regularly deploying warships and or staff/personnel to the mission since 2001.

To learn more about the mission please click: OP ARTEMIS

A member of the CAF boarding party specialist, deployed to OP ARTEMIS observes Tanzania Maritime Forces practice boarding techniques during Exercise CUTLASS EXPRESS, in January 2015.
 Photo: CF Combat Camera