ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has relinquished command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, as Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie handed over the command to Rear Admiral Marcelo Lancellotti of the Brazilian Navy.
The change of command ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), at CMF Headquarters in Bahrain.
Since assuming command in January 2025, Pakistan Navy led CTF-151’s counter-piracy mission, strengthening close partnerships with regional and international navies, particularly the European Union Naval Forces’ Operation ATALANTA.
This coordination was reflected in joint patrols such as ENDURING RESOLVE and OCEAN WATCH. A hallmark of the tenure was the successful conduct of Operation SEA SPIRIT, during which CTF-151 coordinated the efforts of 13 CMF partner nations, naval assets from six countries, and eight Regional Coordination Centres.
To further CMF’s objectives, Commodore Sohail Ahmad Azmie carried out a series of key leadership engagements across the region, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in promoting maritime security.
Reflecting on his tenure as Commander CTF-151, Commodore Azmie thanked his staff and international partners, particularly the Republic of Korea and Japan, for their consistent support. He emphasised that Pakistan Navy takes pride in its active role within CMF, reaffirming its commitment to regional maritime security.
Incoming Commander Rear Admiral Marcelo Lancellotti expressed his gratitude to Pakistan Navy, saying that, together with CMF nations, efforts would continue to strengthen cooperation and ensure the security of the global maritime commons.
Established in January 2009, CTF-151 is a multinational task force and one of five operational task forces under CMF.
Working alongside the European Union Naval Force and independently deployed ships, CTF-151 patrols the Internationally Recommended Transit
Corridor to counter piracy and enhance maritime safety.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the ambassadors of Pakistan, Japan, and Brazil, as well as the deputy head of mission of the Republic of Korea.