Royal New Zealand Navy takes command of Middle East counter-drug smuggling task force

A senior Royal New Zealand Navy officer will lead international naval efforts against drug smuggling in the Middle East, where New Zealand will also contribute a frigate later in the year.

Commodore Rodger Ward took command of Combined Task Force 150, accepting responsibilities from Commodore Asim Sohail Malik of the Pakistan Navy at a ceremony in Bahrain on Wednesday, January 15.

CTF 150 is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain and is focused on maritime security in the Middle East region, in particular the disruption of drug smuggling operations.

This will be the second time that New Zealand has commanded CTF 150 as a part of its contribution to collective maritime security in the Middle East, which includes some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

Later this year, the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will join the task force to conduct patrols and carry out boarding operations to support the international rules-based system and contribute to collective security efforts in the region.

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training. New Zealand has also commanded CTF 151 (counter piracy) on two occasions.