French take helm of Combined Task Force 150.

On February 25, 2008, France, for the fifth time, took control of Task Force (CTF) 150 which constitutes the naval force participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. Rear Admiral Jean-Louis Kerignard, FN, assumed command of CTF 150 aboard FS Command and Supply ship “ Marne”, thus relieving his Pakistani counterpart.

The Task Force is a multinational coalition naval force established in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Its mission is to monitor, board, inspect and stop suspect shipping as part of the struggle against terrorism. It prevents terrorists from using the sea as a venue for terrorist attacks or an enabler for terrorist attacks ashore. It includes operations in the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These activities are referred to as Maritime Security Operations.

Countries presently contributing to CTF 150 are Canada, France, Germany, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Other nations who have participated include Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.

The command of the task force rotates between the different participating navies, with commands lasting between four to six months. The task force usually comprises 14 or 15 vessels.