Command Handover: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces officially transferred command of Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) to the Kuwaiti Naval Forces in a ceremony at the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
RSNF Achievements: Under RSNF leadership, CTF 152 conducted operations to enforce maritime security, ensure safe global shipping, and combat criminal and terrorist activities, including joint exercises and training with US forces.
CTF 152's Mission: Established in 2004, CTF 152 is part of the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain, focused on enhancing regional maritime security, safeguarding international waters, and countering illicit and terrorist threats.
Riyadh, August 20, 2024 — In a formal ceremony held at the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which serves as the base for the US Fifth Fleet, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) officially handed over the command of Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) to their Kuwaiti counterparts. The handover marks a significant transition in leadership for the multinational maritime task force.
Capt. Talal Alkandri of the Kuwaiti Naval Forces has taken over the leadership of CTF 152 from Capt. Assem Alamri of the RSNF. The ceremony was attended by senior officials and representatives from the participating nations, reflecting the importance of this transition in maintaining the effectiveness and continuity of the task force's mission.
Under the RSNF's command, CTF 152 has carried out a range of specialized operations aimed at enforcing maritime security and ensuring the safe passage of global shipping through crucial international waterways. These operations have been integral in addressing various maritime security challenges and have included joint maritime exercises, extensive patrols, and focused missions designed to combat criminal and terrorist activities.
The RSNF's tenure saw the successful execution of numerous training initiatives in collaboration with US forces. These included command center training and vessel inspection courses, which have been critical in enhancing the operational readiness and effectiveness of the task force. The training exercises were designed to improve coordination and response capabilities among the member navies, contributing to a more secure maritime environment in the region.
CTF 152, established in 2004, is one of five task forces operating under the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain. The task force's mission is to bolster regional maritime cooperation, enhance security in the Arabian Gulf, safeguard international waters, and counter illicit activities and terrorist threats. Its activities are crucial in maintaining the stability and security of vital sea lanes that are essential for global trade.
The transfer of command to the Kuwaiti Naval Forces signifies a continuation of CTF 152's efforts to address maritime security challenges and reflects the ongoing commitment of member nations to collaborate in ensuring the safety and security of international maritime routes. The handover underscores the shared responsibility and cooperative spirit among the naval forces of the region in promoting maritime stability and countering threats in the Arabian Gulf and beyond.
