Egypt Takes the Helm of Combined Task Force 154 from Jordan in Maritime Operations

The Egyptian Navy has taken over leadership of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) task force dedicated to maritime security training during a change of command ceremony held at the CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, on June 30.

Captain Ayman Al Naimat of the Royal Jordanian Navy officially transferred command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 to Commodore Haytham Khalil of the Egyptian Navy. Egypt becomes the third partner nation to lead this task force since its inception in May 2023.

“I take pride in having been afforded the opportunity to represent my nation, Jordan, within the CMF family as the commander of CTF 154 over the last seven months,” stated Capt. Al Naimat. “CMF transcends mere messaging; it embodies the dedication we all aspire to showcase, focusing on collaborative efforts to sustain global maritime security in this pivotal region of the world. I truly hope that my team and I have succeeded in realizing the CMF vision and effectively accomplished the mission of CTF 154 regarding maritime security enhancement training (MSET).”

CTF 154 facilitates multinational maritime training sessions at various locations throughout the Middle East, allowing more CMF partner-nations to involve themselves in training opportunities without the need for ships or aircraft, particularly during courses conducted ashore. The task force organizes training activities across five primary domains: maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. Each training session is customized to address partner requests, ranging from fundamental to advanced levels.

“It is a privilege to represent my nation, Egypt, in CMF as the newly appointed commander of CTF 154,” remarked Commodore Khalil. “My team and I will dedicate ourselves fully to fulfilling CMF’s vision and successfully achieving CTF 154’s objectives concerning maritime security enhancement training, striving to meet the aspirations we all share.”

Commodore Khalil will lead a diverse team of nine international staff members from six nations in strategizing, coordinating, and implementing MSET.

CMF stands as the largest naval coalition globally, uniting 44 nations in collaborative efforts. Other task forces include CTF 150, which centers on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, and Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, spearheading regional anti-piracy endeavors; CTF 152, focused on maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 153, concentrating on global maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.