Canada takes Command of Combined Task Force 150
Image Credit: Photo By Spc. William Hunter | 240117-A-LS473-1008 MANAMA, Bahrain (Jan. 17, 2024)
Canada assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) from France at a ceremony held in Bahrain. Captain (Navy) Collin Matthews of the Royal Canadian Navy has assumed command of the multinational coalition tasked with conducting maritime security operations and capacity building in the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea, until July 2024.
CTF 150 is one of five Combined Task Forces, each with its own area of operations or focus, operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the world’s largest multinational maritime partnership. CMF was created in 2001 to uphold the Rules Based International Order by countering illicit actors on the high seas and promoting security and stability across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Canada is currently contributing approximately 25 CAF personnel to CMF task forces, including holding the deputy commander position of CTF 154, which leads multinational training across partner nations. This also includes the contribution of staff officers to Op Prosperity Guardian, the new security initiative launched in December of 2023 under CTF 153, addressing the security challenges in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
“I am proud to see Canada take the lead of CTF 150 once again. This opportunity demonstrates Canada’s dedication to maritime security and the confidence our Royal Canadian Navy personnel inspire with our international allies and partners. I wish Captain (Navy) Matthews, his fellow CAF personnel, and our partners from Australia and New Zealand, fair winds and following seas.”
Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“It is an honour to take command of CTF 150 and a privilege to lead this collection of dedicated CAF personnel for the next six months. We are eager to build on the achievements of the French command team. The success of this operation lies with our ability to work with like-minded nations toward the same goals, ensuring that legitimate commercial shipping can transit the region free from non-state threats and we are ready to face this task.”
Captain (Navy) Colin Matthews, Commander Combined Task Force 150
ADDITIONAL INFO
• CMF is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership, consisting of 39 member nations. The Canadian Armed Forces has been a member of CMF since its inception, and has routinely deployed ships, aircrafts, as well as land-based staff to CMF operations in support of regional stability and security.
• CTF 150’s area of responsibility includes some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and spans over five million square kilometers, covering the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea. CTF 150’s mission is to disrupt criminal and terrorist organisations’ ability to conduct illicit activities in the area, so that legitimate navigation can transit the region, free from non state threats.
• Command of CTF 150 rotates among partner nations, and this is the sixth time Canada has commanded the task force, the last time having been from January to July 2021. The Canadian command contingent is supported by personnel from the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces.
• Canada’s contribution to the CMF takes place through Operation ARTEMIS, which provides support to multiple UN Security Council Resolutions related to arms embargoes, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorism and crime, all while enhancing regional security.
