That is the third time Italy has assumed command of CMF job pressure because the 42-nation maritime partnership was established in 2002.
Established on April 17, 2022, CTF 153 is one in every of 5 job forces underneath CMF. It’s accountable for maritime safety operations within the Pink Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden with a purpose to deter and impede illicit non-state actors. CTF 153 enhances maritime safety and stability, protects the liberty of navigation and builds a powerful basis for multinational cooperation within the area.
Underneath Coles’ command, CTF 153 led Operation Prosperity Guardian, a 24-nation worldwide presence operation intent on making certain freedom of navigation in one of many world’s most strategic waterways. He mentioned that mission, amongst different accomplishments, outlined the teamwork CMF strives to attain every single day.
“I’m extremely pleased with all of the laborious work and dedication by CTF 153 employees and models at-sea in help of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Their efforts have straight contributed to regional maritime safety and freedom of navigation within the CTF 153 space of operations,” Coles mentioned. “It’s a true honor at hand over command to an extremely sturdy maritime companion like Italy. I do know the Process Drive is in good arms, and stay up for celebrating CTF 153’s future accomplishments underneath Capt. Messina’s stewardship.”
Messina now leads a 35-person multinational employees from 10 international locations, planning, coordinating and executing maritime safety operations. Messina mentioned this teamwork highlights the sturdy worldwide partnerships required to make sure regional maritime stability.
“It’s my honor to function commander of CTF 153,” mentioned Capt. Messina. “I stay up for working carefully with regional and companion nations to make sure maritime safety and stability on this important financial artery.”
CMF is the world’s largest naval partnership, with 42 international locations working collectively. Different job forces embody CTF 150, centered on maritime safety within the Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, devoted to maritime safety within the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 154, enhancing maritime safety coaching all through the area.
