US Navy Turns Over Command Of Combined Task Force To The Italian Navy

Italian Navy took command of Combined Task Force 153 from the US Navy during a change of command ceremony at the Combined Maritime Forces headquarters.

This is Italy’s third time commanding a CMF task force since the maritime alliance was formed in 2002.

CTF 153, established on April 17, 2022, is one of five task forces under CMF in charge of maritime security in Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the western Gulf of Aden.

It aims to prevent and restrict illicit activities, improve marine security, protect free navigation, and promote regional multinational collaboration.

CTF 153 led Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational initiative involving 24 countries to ensure freedom of travel in crucial waterways.

CMF, comprising 42 countries, is the world’s largest naval partnership.

In addition to CTF 153, additional CMF task forces are responsible for anti-piracy initiatives, training, and operations in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Indian Ocean.

The change of command ceremony represents a seamless leadership transition, guaranteeing that efforts to improve maritime security will continue under the Italian Navy.