ROK Navy Assumes Command of CTF 151

Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 (counter-piracy) held a a change of command ceremony aboard British Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort Victoria, June 18.

Rear Adm. Anho Chung, Republic of Korea navy, relieved Rear Adm. Tanin Likitawong, royal Thai navy, as commander.

The ceremony concluded the royal Thai Navy’s first command of CTF 151, which consisted of a multinational staff embarked aboard Fort Victoria.

The royal Thai navy has had considerable counter-piracy experience in the region over the last two years. They previously deployed ships to Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) counter-piracy mission, with a further deployment scheduled for later in 2012. This was confirmed by the Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who expressed her continued commitment to CMF when she visited the headquarters in May for an update on current operations and the royal Thai navy contribution.

The three month operation further strengthened ties with other counter-piracy naval forces and operations in the region, as well as developed communication and collaboration within the merchant shipping community. By focusing on international cooperation and coordination, response times to incidents has been reduced.

“The success of counter-piracy mission is based on the strength of the multinational staff and the support which RFA Fort Victoria was able to give as my flagship,” said Litikawong.

Litikawong welcomed Chung and said he has the right talent, mindset and leadership to continue the mission.

“The support from CMF has made my team 100 percent ready for this mission,” Chung said.

CTF 151 is one of three task forces under control of Combined Maritime Forces, based in Bahrain. CTF 151 was established in 2009 to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy, protect maritime vessels of any nationality and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all. CTF 151’s area of operation encompasses 1.1 million square miles in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, June 20, 2012; Image: US Navy