New Delhi: The Indian Navy assumed the CTF 154 command on Wednesday, marking its first leadership of the multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The change of command ceremony took place at the CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Commander, CMF / US NAVCENT / US Fifth Fleet, presided over the event. VAdm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, and senior military leaders from member nations attended the ceremony.
During the event, Cmde Milind M Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, formally took over the CTF 154 command from the outgoing Commander of the Italian Navy. The development underscored India’s growing role in collaborative maritime security and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
CTF 154, established in May 2023, focuses on training and capacity building among CMF member nations. The task force reflects the trust placed in India’s professional expertise and operational experience. It also highlights India’s position as a Preferred Security Partner among the 47 CMF nations.
The task force conducts Maritime Security Enhancement Training events on a regular basis. In addition, it organises exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern and Southern Readiness drills. These initiatives aim to strengthen partner nations’ operational capabilities against threats like illegal trafficking, piracy and irregular migration.
Training focus under CTF 154 command
Under the CTF 154 command, training centres on five core pillars. These include Maritime Domain Awareness, Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development.
Moreover, CTF 154 operates alongside other CMF task forces. These include CTF 150 for Maritime Security, CTF 151 for Counter-Piracy, CTF 152 for Maritime Security in the Arabian Gulf and CTF 153 for Maritime Security in the Red Sea.
Through this tenure, the Indian Navy aims to deliver high-impact training initiatives. It also seeks to reinforce global maritime partnerships for peace, prosperity and security.
