Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officially assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) on behalf of Canada during a change of command ceremony held at Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain today.
Commodore Edmundson took over command from Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir of the Pakistan Navy.
The deployment is part of Operation ARTEMIS, the CAF’s ongoing contribution to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. Canada’s leadership role is a demonstration of the high level of professionalism and expertise of the CAF and its members.
Quotes
“Canada’s leadership role as part of Combined Task Force 150 is testament to our history of contributing to the security and stability in international waters of the Arabian Sea region. Our active participation reaffirms our longstanding commitment to international peace and security, as well as safeguarding international waters, to ensure that the global trade Canada and the world depend on can proceed freely.”
Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“I am honoured and privileged to command this counter terrorism task force and to work alongside our maritime security partners in the wider region over the next four months. Combined Task Force 150 will continue to build upon the achievements of our colleagues before us and we will continue to promote security and stability across some of the world’s busiest and most important shipping lanes.”
Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson, Commander Combined Task Force 150
Quick Facts
• Canada has deployed 28 CAF personnel and two Department of National Defence civilian employees to lead CTF 150 until April 2017.
• The Canadian command contingent is supported by personnel of the Royal Australian Navy. The combined nature of this team demonstrates the close relationship between Australia and Canada as well as our shared values and interests.
• CTF 150 is one of three multinational naval task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces.
• Through maritime security operations, regional engagements, and capacity building, CTF 150 works to deter and deny terrorist organizations from using the high seas for smuggling weapons, illicit cargo, and narcotics, while ensuring the safe passage of merchant ships in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
