The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) is all set to take command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a unit under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the world’s largest maritime coalition.
CMF, based in Bahrain, comprises 46 maritime partners and focuses on counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, and suppressing piracy. There are five CTFs within CMF, each assigned specific roles in different maritime environments.
Established in 2023, CTF 154 is focused on maritime security training on maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. CTF 154 trains partner navies and improves their operational capabilities to enhance maritime security in the Middle East.
“Working and training collectively allows us to operate more effectively...With CTF 154 we are boosting regional maritime security by providing the ‘go-to’ training that partners and members need to keep the advantage in a dynamic environment,” Vice Admiral George Wikoff, CMF commander, had earlier said.
The change of command was discussed during a meeting between present Commander CTF 154, Commodore Haytham Elsayed Khalil of the Nigerian Navy and Sri Lanka Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.
"The SLN’s opportunity to lead CTF 154 in partnership with the CMF, a maritime partnership recognized as the largest in the world, marks a significant milestone in the Navy's proud 74-year history," Sri Lanka defence ministry said in a statement.
