View source for Combined Task Force 151

{{Short description|Multinational naval task force}}
'''Combined Task Force 151''' ('''CTF-151''') is a multinational naval [[task force]], set up in 2009 as a response to [[Piracy in Somalia|piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia]].<ref name=counter>{{cite web|title=New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=41687|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629205022/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=41687|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2012|access-date=22 January 2014}}</ref>  Its mission is to disrupt piracy and armed robbery at sea and to engage with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to protect global maritime commerce and secure freedom of navigation. It operates in conjunction with the EU's [[Operation Atalanta]] and NATO's [[Operation Ocean Shield]].

[[File:US Navy 100331-N-8959T-044 Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment and Combined Task Force 151's visit board search and seizure team..jpg|thumb|Members of the [[U.S. Coast Guard]] [[Law Enforcement Detachments]] and Combined Task Force 151's conduct VBSS operations from ''[[USS Farragut (DDG-99)|USS ''Farragut'' (DDG-99)]]'' board a suspicious boat]]
As of January 22, 2025, the commander of CTF-151 is Commodore Sohail Ahmed Azmie of the [[Pakistan Navy]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 151 |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/4035814/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-maritime-forces-combined-task-force-151/#:~:text=MANAMA%2C%20Bahrain%20%E2%80%93The%20Pakistan%20navy,Pakistan%20navy%20Commodore%20Sohail%20Azmie/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==
The CTF 151 was established on 12 January 2009 as a response to piracy attacks in Somalia, "with a specific piracy mission-based mandate under the authority of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution|UNSCRs]] 1816, 1838, 1846, 1851 and 1897".<ref name=CMTF>{{cite web|title=CTF-151: Counter-piracy |date=17 September 2010 |publisher=Combined Maritime Forces |url=http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-151-counter-piracy/ |access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref> The CTF 150 mainly dealt with maritime security and counter terrorism. Piracy was considered more of a law enforcement mission.<ref name=CMTF/> CTF were established as a mission-based Task Force. Upon their establishment in 2009, operated under a UNSCR counter-piracy mandate. The CTF is not geographically constrained.<ref name=CMF-3>{{cite book|title=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Operations Counter Piracy Operations, Challenges, Shortfalls and Lessons Learned|year=2009|publisher=NATO|page=3|url=http://www.nato.int/structur/AC/141/pdf/PS-M/Combined%20Maritime%20Forces%20Ops.pdf}}</ref> Their mandate has been "based upon the range of counter-piracy UNSCRs".<ref name=CMF-3/> In February 2011, a group of pirates hijacked a Panamanian-flagged ship. The [[Puntland#Politics|Puntland government]] stated that they did not want captured ships and pirate bases near Bosaso.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=37|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> The pirates forced the ship's crew to the south, to a coastal area that was not as receptive.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|pages=37–38|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> Admiral Mcknight had a conversation with Jatin Dua and the Navy SEALS rescued two hostages who were being held in an inland camp. The SEALS killed about nine pirates.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=39|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref>

In January 2012, six Somali pirates launched an attack on the bulk cargo ship the MV ''Sunshine'' about one hundred miles off the coast of Oman. This was referred to as a by-the-book approach; The pirates used AK-47s, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, a grappling hook and attempted to affix a ladder onto the boat.<ref name="Mcknight">{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=88|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> The pirates threw their weapons overboard so the boarding team could not arrest them. They gave the pirates food and water, finally turning them loose. The Somalis did not realize that a helicopter from the [[USS Mobile Bay (CG-53)|USS ''Mobile Bay'']] was keeping track of their movements. The pirates headed back to the Iranian dhow.<ref name="Mcknight"/> The [[USS Kidd (DDG-100)|USS ''Kidd'']] was able to track the ''Al Mulahi'' and noticed some Middle Easterners were aboard. The ''New York Times'' reported a standoff, afterwards the Somalis were still hidden and the Iranian captain spoke with the Americans.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|pages=88–89|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref>

==Formation==
[[File:US Navy 090901-N-6814F-046 Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) and members of U.S. Coast Guard maritime safety and security team 91104 prepare to investigate a skiff during a maritime security opera.jpg|thumb|Members of U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) 91104 prepare to investigate a skiff during a maritime security operation]]

Between 2002 and 2004, a first naval coalition in charge of fighting terrorism in the area was dubbed Task Force 151.

On 8 January 2009, at the [[United States Fifth Fleet]] headquarters in [[Manama, Bahrain]], [[Vice admiral (United States)|Vice Admiral]] [[William E. Gortney]], USN, announced the formation of CTF-151 to combat the piracy threat off Somalia, with [[Rear Admiral]] [[Terence E. McKnight]] in command.<ref>{{cite news | title=New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established | url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2009/01/mil-090108-nns02.htm | work=Navy NewsStand | publisher=GlobalSecurity.org | date=2009-01-08 | access-date=2009-04-13}}</ref>  The {{USS|San Antonio|LPD-17}} was designated as the first [[flagship]] of Combined Task Force 151, serving as an afloat forward staging base (AFSB) for the following force elements:

* Fourteen-member U.S. Navy [[Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure|visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS)]] team.<ref name=navynews>{{cite news |url=http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-news/navy-cg-training-to-combat-piracy.html?col=1186032311124 |title=Navy, CG Training to Combat Piracy |access-date=2009-01-26 |last=Hilley  |first=MC1 Monique K. |date=2009-01-20 |work=Navy News |publisher=[[Military.com|Military Advantage]]}}</ref><ref name=goodwin>{{cite news |url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/4953/ |title=San Antonio Key to Counterpiracy Mission |access-date=2009-01-26 |last=Goodwin |first=Brian |date=2009-01-19 |work=Defence Professional |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131014156/http://defpro.com/news/details/4953 |archive-date=2009-01-31 }}</ref>
* [[United States Coast Guard]] [[Deployable Operations Group]], comprising around two dozen [[Maritime Safety and Security Team]] (MSST) 91104 members and one of the eight-member [[Law Enforcement Detachments]] (LEDETs): Law Enforcement Detachment 405.<ref name=navynews/><ref name=goodwin/>
* [[Scout Sniper]] Platoon, [[2nd Battalion 6th Marines|2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment]], [[26th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] cross-decked from the {{USS|Iwo Jima|LHD-7}}.<ref name=navynews/>
* 3rd Platoon (Golf Company, 26th MEU), a military police detachment, and intelligence personnel.<ref name=goodwin/>
* Fleet Surgical Team 8 with level-two surgical capability to deal with trauma, surgical, critical care and medical evacuation needs.<ref name=goodwin/>
* Approximately 75 Marines with six [[AH-1 SuperCobra]] (AH-1Ws) and two [[UH-1N Twin Huey|UH-1N Huey]] helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 ([[HMM-264]]) of the 26th MEU cross-decked from the USS ''Iwo Jima''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/news/article/marine-corps-news/skids-fly-to-san-antonio.html?col=1186032366495 |title=Skids Fly to ''San Antonio'' |access-date=2009-01-26 |last=Mills |first=Cpl Jason D. |date=2009-01-09 |work=Marine Corps News |publisher=Military Advantage}}</ref>
* Three HH-60H helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 3 (HS-3) cross-decked from the {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71}}.<ref name=goodwin/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-01-27/story/navy_helo_squadron_helps_fight_pirates |title=San Navy helicopter squadron helps fight pirates |access-date=2009-01-28 |last=Gibbons |first=Timothy J. |date=2009-01-28 |work=[[The Florida Times-Union]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131075633/http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-01-27/story/navy_helo_squadron_helps_fight_pirates |archive-date=2009-01-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Initially, CTF-151 consisted of the ''San Antonio'', {{USS|Mahan|DDG-72}}, and {{HMS|Portland|F79}}, with additional warships expected to join this force.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aXR8.j52hcpo&refer=uk
 |title=Pirate Attacks Cut Dramatically by Navies, U.S. Admiral Says |access-date=2009-01-28 |last=Viscusi |first=Gregory |date=2009-01-27 |work=Bloomberg News }}</ref>  Twenty countries were expected to contribute to the force, including [[Canada]], [[Denmark]], [[France]], [[Japan]], [[Republic of Korea]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Pakistan]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]] and the [[United Kingdom]], all of which have already pledged participation.<ref name = bbc>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7817611.stm | publisher=[[BBC News]] | title=US to lead new anti-pirate force | date=2009-01-08 | access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

On 5 April 2009, United States Rear Admiral [[Michelle J. Howard]], assumed command of CTF-151 and Expeditionary Strike Group 2.<ref name=":1">{{cite press release | author=Lt. John Fage | title=Admiral Howard Takes Command of ESG-2 and CTF 151 (Release #057-09) | url=http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2009/057.html | publisher=U.S. Fifth Fleet | date=April 5, 2009 | access-date=2009-04-16 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411060001/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2009/057.html | archive-date=April 11, 2009 }}</ref> On 29 May, the [[Australian Government]] pledged its support, re-tasking the frigate {{HMAS|Warramunga|FFH 152}} from duties in the [[Persian Gulf]] to the task force, as well as [[Lockheed P-3 Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25554700-421,00.html | work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]] | location=Sydney | title=Navy warship and RAAF spy planes join fight against Somali pirates | first=Ian | last=McPhedran | author-link=Ian McPhedran | date=2009-05-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913174937/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C27574%2C25554700-421%2C00.html | archive-date=13 September 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Task measures==
The measures carried out by the task force include: Upholding an active 24-hour lookout, the removal of access ladders, reporting apprehensive actions to proper authorities, the use of deck lighting, razor wire, netting, fire hoses, electrical fencing, and surveillance and detection equipment, defending the lowest points of access, engaging in evasive maneuvering and speed through pirate attacks, and joining group transits.<ref name="Combined Maritime Forces">{{cite web|title=Combined Maritime Forces|date=17 September 2010|url=http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-151-counter-piracy/|publisher=Combined Maritime Forces}}</ref>

The CMF established the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) in the Gulf of Aden in August 2008 to provision international efforts to battle piracy. The coalition efforts involved CTF-150 assets patrolling the area with aircraft and ships. However, the charter for CTF-150, which was established at the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, was for the conduct of Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Such operations included the deterrence of threatening activities, such as weapons trafficking and drug smuggling.<ref name=counter/>

==Rescue of Captain Richard Phillips==
[[File:Surveillance photo of Maersk Alabama lifeboat, hijacked by pirates 090409-N-0000X-926.jpg|thumb|Surveillance photo of Maersk Alabama lifeboat, hijacked by Somali pirates]]

In 2009, there was a pirate attack on the ''[[MV Maersk Alabama|Maersk Alabama]]''. The rescue personnel included [[SEAL Team Six]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|pages=118–119|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> On 7 April 2009 there was an advisory issued by the U.S. Maritime Administration stating that ships stay six hundred miles off the coast of Somalia due to an increase of piracy. The Somali pirates mainly targeted the Gulf of Aden because most vessels traveling towards the Suez Canal were there. However, with CTF 151, the Chinese, Russians, and Operation Atalanta all concentrated in that area, pirates were compelled to look elsewhere.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|pages=122–123|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> On 1 April 2009 the ''Maersk Alabama'' headed toward the Gulf of Aden. Captain Phillips was unaware of the pirates on the way .<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=123|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> Captain Phillips and his crew were eventually surrounded by three pirate skiffs with their mother ship in pursuit, eight miles behind.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=126|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> Phillips eventually hit the silent alarm button that signaled a search and rescue team to come.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=130|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> At one point it was reported that there was a standoff between the ship's crew and the pirates.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=135|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref> They eventually called for a prisoner exchange and Phillips was among the first to be released onto a lifeboat.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mcknight|first=Terry|title=Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia|date=2012|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis|page=136|author2=Michael Hirsh}}</ref>

==Success==
Vice Admiral Bill Gortney stated that because of proactive measures taken by certain merchant mariners, the piracy events in the region have been reduced. He also cautioned that the "efforts of coalition and international navies won't solve the problem of piracy."<ref name=counter/>

==List of Commanders==
* {{flagicon|Canada}} Commodore Roger Girouard, [[Royal Canadian Navy|RCN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en/college-commandants-office/rear-admiral-retired-roger-girouard|title = Rear Admiral (Retired) Roger Girouard|date = 11 October 2017}}</ref> ''as Task Force 151''
* {{flagicon|USA}} Rear Admiral [[Terence E. McKnight]], [[United States Navy|USN]]
* {{flagicon|USA}} Rear Admiral [[Michelle Howard]], [[United States Navy|USN]]<ref name=":1" />
* {{flagicon|USA}} Rear Admiral Scott Eugene Sanders, [[United States Navy|USN]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Rear Admiral Scott E. Sanders: U.S. Navy BioDisplay |url=https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/2379068/rear-admiral-scott-e-sanders/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |website=www.navy.mil}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Rear Admiral Caner Bener, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2010/09/01/turkey-assumes-command-of-ctf-151/|title=Turkey Assumes Command of CTF-151|date=September 1, 2010|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720165018/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2010/09/01/turkey-assumes-command-of-ctf-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} Rear Admiral Bernard Miranda, [[Republic of Singapore Navy|RSN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20090417001.htm|title=PRESS RELEASE Report|website=www.nas.gov.sg|access-date=2020-04-11|archive-date=2020-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411191408/https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20090417001.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} Rear Admiral Lee Beom-rim, [[ROKN]]<ref name="auto"/>
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Rear Admiral Sinan Ertuğrul, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref name="auto"/>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Abdul Aleem, [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2010/11/29/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 151|date=November 29, 2010|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720154832/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2010/11/29/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} Rear Admiral Harris Chan Weng Yip, [[Republic of Singapore Navy|RSN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/04/01/republic-of-singapore-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=Republic of Singapore assumes Command of Combined Task Force 151|date=April 1, 2011|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720200530/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/04/01/republic-of-singapore-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|NZ}} Captain Jim Gilmour, [[Royal New Zealand Navy|RNZN]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/2011/20110602-nztcucptf.htm |title=NZDF - New Zealander to command US-led counter piracy task force |website=www.nzdf.mil.nz |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210133124/http://nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/2011/20110602-nztcucptf.htm |archive-date=2020-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/07/01/royal-new-zealand-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=Royal New Zealand Navy assumes Command of Combined Task Force 151|date=July 1, 2011|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112150429/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/07/01/royal-new-zealand-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Rear Admiral Kaleem Shaukat, [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/09/28/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151-2/|title=PAKISTAN ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=September 28, 2011|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=October 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013062804/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/09/28/pakistan-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Denmark}} Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, [[Danish Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/01/12/denmark-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151-bahrain/|title=DENMARK ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151 BAHRAIN|date=January 12, 2012|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310154427/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/01/12/denmark-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151-bahrain/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Thailand}} Rear Admiral Tanin Likitawong, [[Royal Thai Navy|RTN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=ROYAL THAI NAVY ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=March 29, 2012|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720100903/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/03/29/royal-thai-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} Rear Admiral Anho Chung, [[ROKN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/06/19/republic-of-korea-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=REPUBLIC OF KOREA NAVY ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=June 19, 2012|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720085609/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/06/19/republic-of-korea-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Rear Admiral Oguz Karaman, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/09/25/turkey-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=TURKEY ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=September 25, 2012|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914170918/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/09/25/turkey-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Muhammad Hisham, [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/12/13/pakistan-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=PAKISTAN NAVY ASSUMES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=December 13, 2012|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216061305/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/12/13/pakistan-navy-assumes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} Rear Admiral Giam Hock Koon, [[Republic of Singapore Navy|RSN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/03/07/republic-of-singapore-navy-takes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY TAKES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=March 7, 2013|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=March 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326110019/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/03/07/republic-of-singapore-navy-takes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Muhammad Ihsan Qadir, [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/06/13/singapore-hands-over-ctf-151-to-pakistan/|title=Singapore hands over CTF 151 to Pakistan|date=June 13, 2013|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725160114/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/06/13/singapore-hands-over-ctf-151-to-pakistan/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|UK}} Commodore Jeremy Blunden [[Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order|LVO]], [[Royal Navy|RN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/09/12/combined-task-force-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=Combined Task Force 151 Change of Command Ceremony|date=September 12, 2013|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008153011/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/09/12/combined-task-force-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Denmark}} Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, [[Danish Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/12/12/uk-handover-to-denmark-at-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=UK handover to Denmark at CTF 151 Change of Command Ceremony|date=December 12, 2013|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212170618/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2013/12/12/uk-handover-to-denmark-at-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''2nd Term''
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Ali Abbas SI(M), [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/03/02/denmark-handover-to-pakistan-at-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=Denmark handover to Pakistan at CTF 151 change of command ceremony|date=March 2, 2014|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302125657/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/03/02/denmark-handover-to-pakistan-at-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} Rear Admiral Cho Young Joo, [[ROKN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/06/18/pakistan-passes-command-of-ctf-151-to-the-republic-of-korea/|title=Pakistan passes command of CTF-151 to the Republic of Korea|date=June 18, 2014|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701210346/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/06/18/pakistan-passes-command-of-ctf-151-to-the-republic-of-korea/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|New Zealand}} Commodore Tony Millar, [[New Zealand Order of Merit|MNZM]], [[Royal New Zealand Navy|RNZN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/09/02/south-korea-passes-command-of-ctf-151-to-new-zealand/|title=South Korea passes command of CTF-151 to New Zealand|date=September 2, 2014|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014071120/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/09/02/south-korea-passes-command-of-ctf-151-to-new-zealand/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Thailand}} Rear Admiral Pakorn Wanich, [[Royal Thai Navy|RTN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/11/25/new-zealand-passes-command-of-ctf-151-to-thailand/|title=New Zealand passes command of CTF-151 to Thailand|date=November 25, 2014|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207020132/https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2014/11/25/new-zealand-passes-command-of-ctf-151-to-thailand/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Asif Hameed Siddiqui, [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/04/23/ukmto-dubai-welcomes-the-commander-of-the-combined-task-force-151/|title=UKMTO Dubai welcomes the Commander of the Combined Task Force 151.|date=April 23, 2015|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Japan}} Rear Admiral Hiroshi Ito, [[JMSDF]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/06/02/japan-makes-history-as-it-takes-the-lead-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=Japan Makes History as it Takes the Lead of Combined Task Force 151|date=June 2, 2015|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Captain Ayhan Bay, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/08/27/turkey-assumes-command-of-ctf-151-from-japan/|title=Turkey assumes command of CTF 151 from Japan|date=August 27, 2015|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Rear Admiral [[Zahid Ilyas]], [[Pakistan Navy|PN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2015/12/21/pakistan-assumes-command-of-ctf-151-from-turkey/|title=Pakistan assumes command of CTF 151 from Turkey|date=December 21, 2015|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} Rear Admiral Cheong Kwok Chien, [[Republic of Singapore Navy|RSN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2016/04/07/pakistan-handover-to-singapore-at-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=Pakistan handover to Singapore at CTF 151 Change of Command Ceremony|date=April 7, 2016|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/oms/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/saftimi/about_Us/Commandant_SAFTI_MI.html|title=Commandant SAFTI MI|website=www.mindef.gov.sg}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} Rear Admiral Nam Dong Woo, [[ROKN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2016/07/07/singapore-handover-to-korea-at-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=Singapore handover to Korea at CTF 151 Change of Command Ceremony|date=July 7, 2016|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Muhammad Shuaib SI (M), [[Pakistan Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2016/10/27/ctf-151-handover-piracy-maritimesecurityoperations/|title=CTF 151 Handover #piracy #maritimesecurityoperations|date=October 27, 2016|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Japan}} Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda, [[JMSDF]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2017/03/09/ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=CTF 151 Change of Command Ceremony|date=March 9, 2017|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Rear Admiral Emre Sezenler, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2017/06/29/japan-hands-over-to-turkey-in-ctf151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=JAPAN HANDS OVER TO TURKEY IN CTF151 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY|date=June 29, 2017|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Bahrain}} Commodore Yusuf Almannaei, [[Royal Bahrain Naval Force|RBNF]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2017/11/02/turkey-hands-over-to-bahrain-in-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=TURKEY HANDS OVER TO BAHRAIN IN CTF 151 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY|date=November 2, 2017|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Japan}} Rear Admiral Daisuke Kajimoto, [[JMSDF]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2018/03/01/ctf-151-bahrain-handover-to-japan/|title=CTF 151 BAHRAIN HANDOVER TO JAPAN|date=March 1, 2018|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} Rear Admiral Saw Shi Tat, [[Republic of Singapore Navy|RSN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2018/07/01/singapore-takes-command-of-counter-piracy-combined-task-force-151/|title=SINGAPORE TAKES COMMAND OF COUNTER PIRACY COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=July 1, 2018|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Kuwait}} Captain Ali Al Rashidi, [[Kuwait Naval Force]]<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2019/02/25/first-time-ctf-151-and-ctf-152-conducted-a-change-of-command-ceremony-on-the-same-day/|title=FIRST TIME CTF 151 AND CTF 152 CONDUCTED A CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY ON THE SAME DAY!|date=February 25, 2019|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Kuwait}} Captain Alajmi, [[Kuwait Naval Force]]<ref name="auto1"/>
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} Rear Admiral Byeong-Ju Yu, [[ROKN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2019/06/26/kuwait-naval-forces-hands-over-to-republic-of-korea-navy-in-ctf-151-change-of-command-ceremony/|title=Kuwait Naval Forces hands over to Republic of Korea Navy in CTF 151 Change of Command Ceremony|date=June 26, 2019|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Kuwait}} Captain Khaled Hasan Al Kandari, [[Kuwait Naval Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2019/10/23/republic-of-korea-navy-hands-over-command-of-ctf-151-to-kuwait-naval-force/|title=Republic of Korea Navy hands over command of CTF 151 to Kuwait Naval Force – القوات البحرية للجمهورية الكورية تسلم قيادة قوات الواجب المختلطة -١٥١ للقوات البحرية الكويتية|date=October 23, 2019|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Japan}} Rear Admiral Yoshiyasu Ishimaki, [[JMSDF]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2020/02/23/japan-takes-command-of-combined-task-force-151/|title=JAPAN TAKES COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE 151|date=February 23, 2020|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2020/07/21/japan-hands-over-command-of-ctf-151-to-turkey/|title=Japan Hands Over Command of CTF 151 to Turkey|date=July 21, 2020|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref> 
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Abdul Munib, [[Pakistan Navy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2020/12/18/turkish-navy-hands-over-task-force-command-to-pakistan/|title=TURKISH NAVY HANDS OVER TASK FORCE COMMAND TO PAKISTAN|date=December 18, 2020|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Brazil}} Rear Admiral André Luiz Andrade Felix, [[Brazilian Navy]]<ref name="combinedmaritimeforces.com">{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2021/06/10/brazilian-navy-marihna-do-brasil-takes-first-command-in-cmf/|title=BRAZILIAN NAVY (MARIHNA DO BRASIL) TAKES FIRST COMMAND IN CMF|date=June 10, 2021|website=Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)}}</ref> 
* {{flagicon|Kuwait}} 
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Ahmed Hussain, [[Pakistan Navy]]
* {{flagicon|Brazil}} 
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} Rear Admiral Ko Seung-bum, [[ROKN]]<ref name="Republic of Korea Assumes Command of Anti-Piracy Task Force">{{cite news |title=Republic of Korea Assumes Command of Anti-Piracy Task Force |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/438604/republic-korea-assumes-command-anti-piracy-task-force |work=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|PHL}} Capt. Mateo G. Carido, [[Philippine Navy]]<ref name="Philippine Navy now leads international force in counter-piracy">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spin.ph/life/guide/philippine-navy-leads-international-force-in-counter-piracy-a4349-20230823|title=Philippine Navy now leads international force in counter-piracy|website=Spin.ph}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Brazil}} Rear Admiral Antonio Braz de Souza, [[Brazilian Navy]]<ref name=":0" /> 
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} Rear Admiral Rüştü Sezer, [[Turkish Navy|TN]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} Commodore Sohail Ahmed Azmie, [[Pakistan Navy]]  '''(Current)'''

== Command history ==
The Task Force has been headed by different countries participating.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-151-counter-piracy/|title=CTF 151: Counter-piracy Website|date=17 September 2010}}</ref>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Term of command
|-
!Date
!Country
|-
|11 January 2009
|US
|-
|5 April 2009
|US
|-
|3 May 2009
|Turkey
|-
|13 August 2009
|US
|-
|20 January 2010
|Singapore
|-
|21 April 2010
|Republic of Korea
|-
|1 September 2010
|Turkey
|-
|29 November 2010
|Pakistan
|-
|31 March 2011
|Singapore
|-
|1 July 2011
|New Zealand
|-
|27 September 2011
|Pakistan
|-
|13 January 2012
|Denmark
|-
|29 March 2012
|Thailand
|-
|18 June 2012
|Republic of Korea
|-
|19 September 2012
|Turkey
|-
|13 December 2012
|Pakistan
|-
|7 March 2013
|Singapore
|-
|6 June 2013
|Pakistan
|-
|5 September 2013
|UK
|-
|12 December 2013
|Denmark
|-
|27 February 2014
|Pakistan
|-
|12 June 2014
|Republic of Korea
|-
|28 August 2014
|New Zealand
|-
|25 November 2014
|Thailand
|-
|26 February 2015
|Pakistan
|-
|31 May 2015
|Japan
|-
|27 August 2015
|Turkey
|-
|21 December 2015
|Pakistan
|-
|31 March 2016
|Singapore
|-
|30 June 2016
|Republic of Korea
|-
|27 October 2016
|Pakistan
|-
|9 March 2017
|Japan
|-
|29 June 2017
|Turkey
|-
|2 November 2017
|Bahrain
|-
|1 March 2018
|Japan
|-
|28 June 2018
|Singapore
|-
|27 September 2018
|Kuwait
|-
|21 February 2019
|Kuwait
|-
|20 June 2019
|Republic of Korea
|-
|20 October 2019
|Kuwait
|-
|20 February 2020
|Japan
|-
|21 July 2020
|Turkey
|-
|18 December 2020
|Pakistan
|-
|10 June 2021
|Brazil
|-
|18 November 2021
|Jordan
|-
|14 April 2022
|Pakistan
|-
|18 August 2022
|Brazil
|-
|17 February 2023
|Republic of Korea
|-
|21 August 2023
|Philippines
|-
|23 January 2024
|Brazil
|-
|24 July 2024
|Turkey
|-
|22 January 2025
|Pakistan
|}

{{col-2}}
{| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!colspan= "2" | Command history
|-
!Country
!No. of times
|-
|Pakistan
|11
|-
|Turkey
|7
|-
|Republic of Korea
|6
|-
|Singapore
|5
|-
|Japan
|4
|-
|Brazil
|3
|-
|Kuwait
|3
|-
|US
|3
|-
|Denmark
|2
|-
|New Zealand
|2
|-
|Thailand
|2
|-
|Bahrain
|1
|-
|Jordan
|1
|-
|UK
|1
|-
|Philippines
|1
|}
{{col-end}}

==See also==
* [[Operation Atalanta]]—EU operation in the area
* [[Operation Ocean Shield]]—NATO operation in the area
* [[Combined Task Force 150]]—similar patrol in the Indian Ocean that deals with counter-terrorism
* [[Maritime Security Patrol Area]]
* [[Maersk Alabama hijacking|''Maersk Alabama'' hijacking]] in April 2009

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* McKnight, Terry and Michael Hirsh. ''Pirate Alley: Commanding Task Force 151 off Somalia.'' Annapolis, MD : Naval Institute Press, 2012. {{ISBN|1-61251-134-1}} {{ OCLC | 785079505}}
* Newsome, Timothy E. ''Somali Piracy: Are We Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill?'' Ft. Belvoir: Defense Technical Information Center, 2009. {{ OCLC | 574551215}} 
* Phillips, Richard, and Stephan Talty. ''A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy Seals, and Dangerous Days at Sea.'' New York: Hyperion, 2010. {{ISBN|1-4013-2380-4}} {{ OCLC | 430843212}} 
* Zogg, Dennis M. ''Why the U.S. Navy Should Not Be Fighting Piracy Off Somalia.'' Ft. Belvoir: Defense Technical Information Center, 2009. {{ OCLC | 465323456}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=6919762 U.S. Navy Hunt for Somali Pirates: Behind the Pirate Code]
*[http://www.africom.mil/Newsroom/Article/6412/centcom-new-counter-piracy-task-force-established CENTCOM: New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established]
*[http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/01/08/piracy.task.force/ Navy creates force devoted to fighting piracy]
*[http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ctf-151-counter-piracy/ CTF-151: Counter-piracy]
*[https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/id/52586/ Multinational Task Force Targets Pirates] 
*[http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/65173/thomas-culora-and-andrew-erickson/arms-and-influence-at-sea Arms and Influence at Sea] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053233/http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/65173/thomas-culora-and-andrew-erickson/arms-and-influence-at-sea |date=2014-08-08 }}
*[http://www.marsecreview.com/tag/ctf-151/ Tag Archive: CTF-151]
*[http://www.nato.int/structur/AC/141/pdf/PS-M/Combined%20Maritime%20Forces%20Ops.pdf Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)Operations Counter Piracy Operations, Challenges, Shortfalls and Lessons Learned]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120629205022/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=41687 New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established]
*[http://www.seapowermagazine.org/sas/stories/20130409-pirates.html Counter-piracy Mission Off Somalia Remains Problematic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204060220/http://www.seapowermagazine.org/sas/stories/20130409-pirates.html |date=2013-12-04 }}
*[https://2009-2017.state.gov/t/pm/ppa/piracy/c32662.htm The United States Response to Piracy off the Coast of Somalia]
*[http://www.stripes.com/news/combined-task-force-151-hunts-down-pirates-in-the-gulf-of-aden-1.89695 Combined Task Force 151 hunts down pirates in the Gulf of Aden]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Multinational units and formations]]
[[Category:Naval operations involving Pakistan]]
[[Category:Naval task forces]]
[[Category:Piracy in Somalia]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2009]]
[[Category:Anti-piracy]]