France relieves Canada at the helm of Middle East maritime task force

Canada has concluded a five-month period of commanding the Bahrain-headquartered Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) and handed over duties to France.

This was Canada’s third command of the multinational maritime security and counter-terrorism task force located in the greater Middle East region.

The Canadian contingent was joined by eight members of the Australian Defence Force.

Canadian armed forces deployed headquarters staff under an operation called Artemis, the CAF’s ongoing contribution to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Western Indian Ocean. Canada has a continued long-time contribution to CTF 150 and CMF, having deployed Canadian warships and/or staff to operate with CMF since the beginning of the partnership in 2001.

Commodore Haydn Edmundson of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) relinquished command to Rear Admiral Oliver Lebas of the French Marine nationale during a formal change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity in Manama, Bahrain, on April 13.

“It has been my honour to lead this outstanding group of professionals who worked diligently in achieving operation Artemis’ objectives. This Canadian-Australian collaboration continues to demonstrate our shared values and commitment to maritime security in this region of the globe. Canada should be proud of the outstanding achievements of their deployed personnel,” Commodore Haydn Edmundson, outgoing Commander Combined Task Force 150, commented.