The ceremony - as US Central Command writes on X - took place in the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces (Cmf) It is the third time that Italy has assumed command of the taskforce since the 42-nation maritime partnership was created in 2002. CTF 153 is one of the five taskforces under CMF: it is responsible for maritime security operations in Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and the western Gulf of Aden.
“It is a true honor to hand over command to an incredibly strong maritime partner like Italy,” said US Navy Captain David Coles.