Saudi Arabia has assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) – a multinational maritime task force responsible for conducting maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from non-state actors.
During an official ceremony onboard the US Naval Support Activity in Bahrain, the Royal Saudi Navy Commodore, Fahad S. Al Joaid, assumed command of the CTF-150 from the Royal New Zealand Navy Commodore, Rodger Ward, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), US Navy Vice Adm., George Wikoff, presided over the change of command ceremony, with the attendance of Chief of Staff of the Saudi Naval Forces, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Gharibi; Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain, Naif Al-Sudairy; and a number of officials, ambassadors, and military attachés.
In a speech, Al Joaid emphasized the full readiness of the naval forces for the task. “This mission carries great responsibility. We will build on the achievements of our predecessors and work closely with all CMF partners to safeguard these vital waters together,” he said.
This marks the fourth time for Saudi Arabia to assume command of the CTF-150, according to Al Joaid. The Royal Saudi Naval Forces previously assumed command of CTF-150 from the British Royal Navy in 2018, the French Navy in 2020, and the Pakistan Navy in 2022.
وتتولى قوة الواجب المختلطة «CTF-150» مهمة تعزيز الأمن البحري في مناطق عملياتها الممتدة من خليج عمان وبحر العرب وخليج عدن إلى المحيط الهندي، عبر مكافحة الإرهاب والأنشطة غير المشروعة، وحماية خطوط الملاحة وضمان تدفق التجارة العالمية بأمن وسلامة.#فيديو_الدفاع pic.twitter.com/gBuIg8peBE
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) August 19, 2025
Established in 2002, the CTF-150 is one of five operational task forces under CMF. Its areas of operation include the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean.
The CTF-150 is charged with boosting maritime security by combating terrorism and illicit activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms smuggling, as well as protecting shipping lanes and ensuring the safe flow of global trade.
