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German Navy Completes Term as Commander, Task Force 150

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061206-16
Release Date: 12/6/2006 4:21:00 PM

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Royal Navy Commodore Bruce Williams relieved German Rear Adm. Heinrich Lange as commander, Task Force (CTF) 150, Dec. 6 during a change of control ceremony aboard HMCS Ottawa (H 60).

The ceremony successfully concluded the German navy's four-month command of CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

CTF 150, established near the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, is comprised of naval ships from numerous coalition nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Pakistan, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Lange highlighted some of the task force’s accomplishments under his supervision.

“We were able to positively interact with the local maritime community, providing water, fuel, and medical and technical assistance, including four life-saving search and rescue operations,” said Lange. “Due to our patrols at sea, we protected local mariners against piracy and criminal armed attacks.”

CTF 150 protected attacks on innocent vessels by conducting MSO. Deputy Combined Force Maritime Component Commander Royal Navy Commodore Keith Winstanley said conducting these operations is a team effort.

“Coalition participation in maritime security operations is one of the keys to success throughout the region,” said Winstanley. “The coalition demonstrates international resolve to ensure security and stability in the maritime environment because one country alone cannot tackle this challenge.”

Winstanley commended Williams' staff, which is comprised of multinational partners.

“[Williams’] team is arguably the first example of a true coalition staff,” said Winstanley. “It has a Dutch captain as a deputy commander and a staff drawn from 10, and soon to be 12, of the 18 nations that make up our coalition.”

Williams said he and his team are ready to shoulder the responsibility of securing the region.

“It is a huge honor to be asked to take up the reins in promoting security of this vital artery of world trade from my illustrious predecessors,” said Williams. “My staff and I are ready for that demanding challenge.”

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.